Ingleton Wood helps deliver innovative waste management facility and set new standards for sustainability Friday, 7th June 2024

Ingleton Wood is proud to have been appointed by Handford Homes, the residential arm of Ipswich Borough Council, to provide building services engineering (M&E) and BREEAM services for a groundbreaking new waste management facility, located in Ipswich, Suffolk.

This project includes the construction of a state-of-the-art office building, a vehicle maintenance facility, and extensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure designed to support a fleet of waste collection vehicles.

Project overview

The £21 million project, aimed at revolutionising waste management operations throughout the Ipswich area, has been designed with sustainability and efficiency at its core.

The new depot will replace the current aging facility on the Hadleigh Road Industrial Estate and provide a home for Ipswich Borough Councils refuse, recycling, street cleaning and housing maintenance teams.

Once completed, the new structure will achieve Net Zero energy status and earn a BREEAM Outstanding rating, contributing significantly to Ipswich Borough Council’s Carbon Reduction targets.

Key features and benefits

• Net Zero and BREEAM outstanding offices: The facility is designed to set a new benchmark in sustainable construction and energy efficiency.
  
  
• Advanced EV charging infrastructure: A key highlight of the project is the extensive EV charging capability, particularly for heavy-duty waste collection vehicles, setting a new standard in the industry.
  
  
• Energy efficiency measures: For optimal energy efficiency performance, the development incorporates LED lighting and controls, photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation heat recovery units, and rainwater harvesting systems.
  
  
• Carbon reduction: The project will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, aligning with Ipswich Borough Council’s environmental goals and sustainability targets.

Overcoming challenges

One of the primary challenges for Ingleton Wood was designing an electrical infrastructure capable of supporting overnight charging for a large fleet of waste collection and maintenance vehicles.

The solution involved installing four new utility transformers to ensure sufficient power distribution across the site, including the offices, warehouse, vehicle maintenance unit, and EV charging stations.

Partnerships and collaboration

The project saw Ingleton Wood collaborate with leading contractors; Mannings as the primary contractor and DPL as the M&E contractor, ensuring the highest standards of construction and technical expertise were implemented throughout the development.

Sustainability and innovation

This project underscores Ingleton Woods's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction sector. By integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices, the new waste management facility is set to become a benchmark for future developments across the region and beyond.

Peter Knox, Building Services Engineer at Ingleton Wood, commented on the impact this project will have on sustainable waste management in the Ipswich area:

"This project is a testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable design and innovation. We are proud to be a part of an initiative that not only sets new standards in waste management but also significantly contributes to Ipswich Borough Council's environmental goals".

About Ingleton Wood

Ingleton Wood is a leading provider of M&E and BREEAM services, dedicated to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions across a range of sectors. Our expertise ensures that projects not only meet but exceed environmental and efficiency standards, contributing to a greener future.