News: Rotherham business centre highlighted in national report on tackling climate change

A Rotherham business centre has gained national recognition after it was praised in a new report published by the Landscape Institute on tackling climate change. Rotherham’s Moorgate Crofts Business Centre is cited as an outstanding example of how landscape architects are leading the way in adapting to, and mitigating the effects of, climate change. Moorgate Crofts was praised for its use of an unusual and advanced green roof. Because of the technology used, the roof produces greater visual and biodiversity benefits at less cost than normal green roofs. The centre reflects the desire of the Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) to consider sustainability as an integral part of the design. The performance of the green roof is also now being studied by Sheffield University to add to the growing body of knowledge about how green roofs are good for the whole environment as well as for the buildings they protect. Rotherham Council’s Streetpride Landscape Design Team led the project for RiDO. The design of the building was environmentally friendly, with an emphasis on technologies such as geothermal heating and cooling as well as the use of recycled building materials. The strategic director of Rotherham Borough Council's Environment and Development Services, Karl Battersby, said: "We decided to take as responsible a view as possible when designing and building Moorgate Crofts and other council buildings. This has included green roofs on business centres and two new homes for the elderly, foliage-covered walls at another business centre and a variety of other ecologically responsible measures. We believe this is the way forward for us as a local authority and, we hope, for others." The centre was opened in 2005 and is aimed at entrepreneurs in the IT, digital, creative and professional and financial services sectors. In RiDO's business centres the survival rate for companies for the crucial first 3 years is just under 90%, which is well above the national average of 71%.
RiDO website
Landscape Institute website

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