Solar energy – active

West Oxfordshire UK Resembling natural slates, photovoltaic panels are fully integrated into the roof surface of a new building in a small rural town for West Oxfordshire District Council.

West Oxfordshire has been at the forefront of using renewable energy sources by incorporating many devices into the design of the Council's new Elmfield office building. It is using energy gained from solar panels on this building to produce electricity and any unused power is sold back to the national grid. http://www.westoxon.gov.uk/furtherinfo/whatsnew.cfm/98

See also http://www.emra.gov.uk/e4e/news/documents/CaseStudy_ggl_shingles_270504.pdf

see also Berman Guedes Stretton Architects http://www.bgsarchitects.co.uk/offices/wodc.htm

West Oxfordshire District Council. New office building incorporating the latest energy-efficient technology and environmentally-friendly materials. The brief called for a modern light building avoiding traditional ‘town hall’ themes and being extremely sympathetic to its residential location. Sheep's wool is used as insulation, local stone as external cladding and recycled carpet laid internally. Energy is produced through the use of photovoltaic cells and solar panels, rain water is harvested to flush lavatories and lighting controlled to maximise daylight. The naturally ventilated building will use 50% less energy than similar offices.

http://www.westoxon.gov.uk/furtherinfo/whatsnew.cfm/145