WWF Moves To Sustainable Office
After many months of negotiations, planning and building work, the nineteen employees of WWF Scotland finally moved from Aberfeldy into their newly renovated offices in Dunkeld during the first week of October.
The decision to relocate, after 20 years in Aberfeldy, was taken as WWF staff numbers expanded and transport needs grew, with access to railway links becoming an increasing issue. However, the organisation remained loyal to Highland Perthshire, deciding to move only 20 miles away and retain its roots and employment in rural Perthshire. WWF also wanted to create a practical, sustainable office space by leasing and renovating the old doctor’s surgery in Dunkeld and demonstrating how sustainable renovations need not break the bank.
Sustainability In Action
Many examples of sustainable building renovation were put into practice including: |
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• All building materials removed from the site were sorted and recycled
• British hill sheep’s wool was used as insulation
• FSC certified wood was used throughout the building
• Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) emitting paint was used for interior and exterior decoration
• Worn carpeting was replaced with carpet made from 80% recycled yarn,
• Electrical rewiring used Low smoke zero Halogen cables (LSOH) since standard cabling is sheathed in PVC and emits unwanted, wasted heat
• Linoleum, manufactured in Scotland from natural ingredients such as linseed oil, cork flour and jute, replaced the old vinyl flooring, which is PVC-based, and can give off environmental toxins
Several of the builders commented on how much better it was working with the sustainable materials than the standard ones used by industry and the British sheep’s wool insulation was a real hit as they “didn’t have to go home all itchy” after installation.
With climate change reduction at the forefront of WWF’s agenda, insulating the building effectively to conserve energy and reduce CO2 emissions was a key priority.
However, WWF wanted to have confidence in the wider environmental credentials of the material used, and so insulating with a natural, renewable resource made perfect sense. The coarse wool used within the Thermafleece blend is from sheep breeds such as Blackface and Swaledale. This type of wool struggles to find a market in today’s modern world but rather than it going to waste it has a viable outlet as a fully certified building insulant.
David Downie, Head of Adminstration with WWF Scotland said; “We have looked at the whole life cycle analysis of the building materials used in the refurbishment of our new offices. As well as the sheep’s wool insulation, this has included using natural paints and floor coverings and FSC wood throughout, we’ve also managed to recycle and re-use as much as possible on the site.
“Cheaper options may have been the easier alternative, but at what cost to the environment? We are helping to ensure that we do not leave a legacy of problems for the future by using recyclable and biodegradable products.”
WWF Scotland was advised throughout the renovation by the sustainability consultants Thirdwave, based in Edinburgh. Richard Atkins of Thirdwave commented: “The new WWF office is the old Doctors’ surgery in Dunkeld and being a traditional building we wanted to use materials that are compatible, sustainable and ‘breathable’. The sheep’s wool insulation will also remain effective for the lifetime of the building.”
Staff Changes
As well as changes in location there have also been several staff changes in the WWF office in recent months. Simon Pepper retired after twenty years as Director of WWF Scotland in June and was replaced by Dr Richard Dixon, previously Head of Policy. Richard lives in Ballinluig with his partner Vanessa and joined WWF from Friends of the Earth Scotland in 2003.
Simon Pepper is currently enjoying working on his small farm outside Aberfeldy as well as remaining an Advisor to the Scottish Executive as part of the First Minister’s Cabinet Sub Committee for a Sustainable Scotland, a member of the National Committee overseeing the work of Forestry Commission Scotland and board member of the Deer Commission for Scotland.
Dr Dan Barlow joined the office at the end of September as Head of Policy. Dan came to WWF Scotland from Friends of the Earth in Edinburgh, where he was Head of Research and Policy for three years.
Julie Stoneman has replaced Mo Cairncross with an expanded role of Campaigns Officer focussing on Volunteer Development. Julie is a local resident and joined from Butterfly Conservation. Mo Cairncross is now working as Volunteer Development Officer for the national organisation for Motor Neurone Disease (MND). She will continue her work as registrar in Aberfeldy.
Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland commented: “Although we are sad to be leaving Aberfeldy after such a long time there, we are all very excited to have moved to Dunkeld. We will be supporting local businesses and benefiting the local community in every way we can, and we look forward to many happy years here.”
There will be a free open evening for local residents to meet the staff and view the new offices on 17 November 5.30 – 7.30 pm - everyone is welcome!
The full story of the Dunkeld office renovation, and all the building choices and materials made, will be on the WWF Scotland website www.wwf.org.uk/scotland from 1 November. The website will also include some easy steps to Green Your Office that can be embarked upon without having to renovate a building!
The organisation’s new postal address is: WWF Scotland, Little Dunkeld, Dunkeld, Perthshire PH8 0AD. (01350 728 200)
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