Brit European Transport's new Middlewich HQ sets environmental standards
The site will be powered off-grid
A family-owned transport business has moved to its new Cheshire HQ which it says will be powered completely off-grid and with carbon neutrality within approximately 5-7 years.
Brit European Transport is an international specialist logistics provider, operating across a diverse range of market sectors since 1924.
The business, previously based in Crewe, operates a fleet of 75 vehicles with 50 office-based staff, and has recently developed a new sustainable headquarters on a five-acre brownfield site – The Vita Nova Centre, in Middlewich.
Innovative ground stabilisation techniques were used from the start, making a 40% carbon saving, as well as considerable reductions to transport costs.
The new EPC A rated premises consists of several eco-modular buildings which utilise repurposed steel frames and feature enough solar panel technology and 3D printed wind towers to produce 60 kW of renewable energy on-site.
In a UK-first, the new Vita Nova Centre features several electrical vehicle charging points that are powered by compressed fugitive methane recovered from slurry pits, producing an additional 40 kW.
Brit European will also be implementing a replanting scheme to support biodiversity in the surrounding area. The aim is to return the local eco system to its pre-industrialisation state, with more than 100 specimen trees and 200 native plants being planted, alongside bat and bird boxes.
Rainwater harvesting is also in place across the new site to reduce water usage by up to 85%.
CEO, Graham Lackey, said: “We are incredibly proud of the pioneering development of the Vita Nova Centre and thank all supporting parties for their efforts to make this ambitious project a reality.
“From innovative construction techniques to ground-breaking charging technology, we hope the centre will act as a prime example to other business of how new premises can be developed. We look forward to operating from the site and achieving carbon neutrality within the next few years.”
Find out more about Brit European Transport and their Vita Nova Centre