| Jonathan Hines, architect - "Architype is delighted to have been involved with this exciting project and to work with such a committed client. Our approach was to design from first principles a building that is truly sustainable, works at a practical level and enables the Greenshop to demonstrate its philosophy and products." |
| 22-Jan-08 : A Natural Beauty |
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PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 22 January 2008 A natural beauty: The Greenshop Group moves to its new building, designed by award-winning eco architects Architype
Download PDF version of this release : Since 1987, Roger Budgeon has been pioneering selling environmental products from his petrol station in Bisley, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Holbrook Garage (to which the Greenshop is attached) was the first forecourt in Gloucestershire to sell unleaded petrol and LPG and the first forecourt in the UK to sell blended bio-diesel.
The Greenshop Group encompasses a
philosophy that environmental thinking should run through every strand of the
business. The Greenshop only sells products that have a genuine environmental
value: Auro Paints has been voted ‘Favourite Ethical (DIY) Product' by readers
of Ethical Consumer magazine; Rainharvesting
Systems provides rainwater harvesting systems for public buildings and new
builds (past projects have included the The Greenshop's new building is open for visitors and there is information available to find out exactly how the premises and workspaces have been built and fitted out. Various sustainable building techniques include: biomass (log) and solar thermal heating (a thermal store which supplies heat energy to the building); photovoltaic solar panels on the roof producing electricity; green and brown roofs; a rainwater harvesting system (the original Greenshop has had a rainwater collection system in place since 1994); natural insulation from Thermafleece and Warmcel; interior decorated with natural paints and finishes; natural lighting and ventilation solutions; flooring made from oak, bamboo and recycled tyre carpet, and re-use of earth materials during the process of the build. Externally, the Greenshop will have landscaped grounds featuring natural ponds and flow-forms. One of the aspects of the new build is that the building can act as an education centre as well as the home of the Greenshop and its associated businesses. Over the course of 2008 and into 2009, the Greenshop will have open days for individuals, businesses, schools and colleges and suppliers so that people can find out the latest in environmental technologies and construction methods.
"Our hope is that the building becomes a beacon of how
work premises can be designed for future-proofing and working with the
environment, not despite it," says Roger Budgeon. "An example is that our
rainwater harvesting system supplies more than 80 per cent of our water use. In
times of water crisis, such as the Gloucestershire floods of 2007, our rainwater
gave us resilience against the water supply failure which meant that the
business could remain open. This not only makes environmental sense from a
self-sufficiency point of view but also makes commercial sense. We want to pass
on our knowledge so that others can benefit from the technologies that The Greenshop works with many Gloucestershire and surrounding area businesses on ‘greening' their offices and premises. It also works with individuals who are retrofitting their homes and Roger Budgeon is a very active parish councilor as well as being an invited member of Stroud District Council's ‘Climate Change Panel'. The Greenshop currently employs 55 local Gloucestershire people and has a turnover of £3.75 million. EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information, product or site photographs, contact Jo Moulds at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 020 7359 7961 or 07968 801467 or Roger Budgeon at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 01452 770629. NOTES FOR EDITORS:
FACTS ABOUT THE GREENSHOP'S ECO-BUILD TECHNIQUES:
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