Eco-friendly revamp to ‘future proof’ city council office block
carports’ which will be installed over 18 parking spaces and three disabled bays in the carparkatthesoutheastofthe office building.
Jack Crawford House and Washington Business Centre have both been identified in the first round of a planned frameworkofelectriccharging points at local authority buildings in the city, which form part of a ‘regional electric vehicle hub”.
A Design and Access Statement, submitted with the Jack Crawford House planning application, adds the development will help “maximise the potential of the site for delivering and storing renewable energy.”
Plans for the site were officiallyapprovedbythecouncil’s planningauthorityonMonday, May 11.
Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for Environment and Transport, Coun
Amy Wilson, welcomed the decision.
“InMarch2019,thecouncil made its Climate Emergency declarationwhichoutlinedfurtherenvironmentalambitions including reducing emissions and pollution, and improving air quality,” she said.
“The council is also committed to seeing Sunderland become carbon neutral by 2030 as part of its City Plan.
“This package of investments for Jack Crawford House is ‘future proofing’ and part of those commitments. Work here is about reducing more of the city’s carbon footprint as we move closer to our aims for 2030 and helping the councilbecomemoreefficient as it reduces operating costs.”
The council has also appointed a supplier to provide electric cycles for staff use between the Hendon site and the civic centre. As a result, the solar carports will be extended to cover an area for electric cycles to allow for charging and weather protection.