Client’s Requirements

ASDA / Wal-Mart introduced their Low Carbon / High Efficiency store concept in early 2006.

Following on from this, in the face of strong competition, Silcock Leedham won the ASDA appointment to develop the blue-print for their new generation of low energy / low carbon stores – with 50% target reductions in energy use of the current model store.

We worked closely with ASDA in the UK and with the Wal-Mart specialists in the US to develop a well-engineered and economic life cycle tested design that was scalable and repeatable.

Silcock Leedham’s Contribution

Silcock Leedham was appointed as Building Services Engineering Consultations for the detailed design for the new Retail Store.

We completed the design of LC1 which incorporated ground source (open loop) heat pumps, biomass boiler installation, north lights, LED display and refrigeration lighting.

Added Value / Unique Selling Points

We worked closely with ASDA and Wal-Mart in the US to establish a robust and cost tested design concept to reduce carbon emissions by 25% in use and 35% embodied for the first generation of Low Carbon stores (LC – Gen1) in the UK. The new concept store was designed to achieve a BER (Building Energy Rating of 60% of the TER (Target Energy Rating) when assessed using SBEM Part L2. As part of our appointment we evaluated and implemented the following design concepts to form integrated engineering systems:

• Open Loop Bore Holes for heat source / sink
• Water to water Heat Pumps
• Under floor heating & cooling
• Refrigeration energy recovery
• CO2 refrigeration plant (zero HFC)
• Volume controlled demand based ventilation on air quality
• Clear glass doors on refrigeration display cases
• Roof North Lights for enhanced daylight and internal lighting control
• Building Integrated PV (latterly discounted on Life Cycle Cost Analysis)

The building was also constructed with a timber frame from a sustainable source and has low energy LED lighting and achieved a BREEAM Excellent.