Case Study Visits – Earthship Brighton

The first tour of our newest series of events ‘Case Study Site Visits’ held on behalf of the University of Brighton’s Green Growth Platform we headed to Earthship Brighton, hidden away behind Stanmer Park near Brighton. Jane Glenzinska, Education and Outreach Manager at the earthship led us on the tour.

Built ten years ago Earthship Brighton was the first earthship to be built in England. Earthships are off-grid eco buildings, constructed from predominantly waste and recycled materials and incorporating natural systems to provide heat, electricity and water and also treat waste sewage.

The earthship is constructed to maximise natural resources available. The sloping, angled roof and walls collect and harvest rainwater in large underground tanks; this water is filtered through a series of filtration systems before it can be used. Angled south facing windows also maximise solar gains during the winter but minimising solar gains during the summer when the sun is higher keeping the building at a comfortable temperature. Whilst earth rammed tyre walls provide insulation and stone floors release stored heat in the evenings and at night. Solar PV panels on the roof and a wind turbine create electricity. Solar thermal panels heat hot water. Light wells allow light into the building and also help to passively cool the earthship by drawing warm air up and out and drawing in cooler air.

Grey water from washing is filtered by flowing through plant beds inside the earthship, this cleaned water is then used to flush toilets. Sewage waste is naturally treated using reed beds in the land surrounding the earthship.

The ‘Case Study Visits’ series of events continues with visits to Plumpton College and Roffey Park. Details.

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The Green Growth Platform supports a thriving and innovative green sector in Sussex through a unique menu of business services delivered by a team of industry specialists, business advisors and university experts. The Platform offers businesses 1-2-1 coaching, events and networking, innovation and R&D support and skills and training. For more information and free membership, please visit www.greengrowthplatform.co.uk.

The Sustainable Business Network is pleased to be working in partnership with the Green Growth Platform to run a series of networking events, site tours and specialist seminars: www.sustainablebusiness.org.uk/network.