Building Briefs – April 6th

Scotland’s onshore wind turbines’ output up a record 44 per cent on first three months of 2017

Onshore wind turbines provided 5,353,997 MWh to the National Grid during the first three months of 2018, an increase of 44% on the same period last year, environmental groups said today (Mon 9 April).

In January alone, renewable wind powered the equivalent of over five million homes; that’s well over twice the number of households in Scotland.

Analysis by WWF of wind power data provided by WeatherEnergy found that:

These incredible statistics for the first quarter of 2018 come fresh on the heels of data showing that 68% of Scotland’s overall electricity demand was from renewables in 2017 and that renewables overtook nuclear as the second biggest source of power UK-wide in quarter 4 of 2017.

Dr Sam Gardner, WWF Scotland’s Acting Director said: “Renewables have provided an incredible amount of power during the first three months of this year. An increase of 44 per cent on the record-breaking equivalent period in 2017 is clear evidence the investment made in this technology has paid off for the economy and the environment, putting Scotland at the forefront of the fight against climate change.”

Edinburgh Uni to revamp Bristo Square Wellbeing Centre with Page\Park

The University of Edinburgh is to relocate its student counselling, pharmacy and disability services to a Wellbeing Centre at Bristo Square designed by Page\Park.

The project will see the refurbishment of the lower three levels of the current Morris & Steedman designed modernist building, coupled with access improvements and connectivity with a neighbouring health centre.

New building work will consist of a single-storey entrance pavilion and green roof intended to complement the unlisted concrete structure without resort to pastiche or mimicry, while remaining subservient to the dominant McEwan Hall.

Charlie Milne memorial service