British Wildflower Plants (BWFP) is the UK’s leading propagator and wholesaler of wildflower plants. Synergie Environ was commissioned by BWFP to carry out a study to provide recommendations to improve energy management at BWFP. The company occupies a site near Norwich, Norfolk which comprises offices, workshops, greenhouses and outdoor propagation areas.

The review identified total potential cost savings of over £1,200 per annum which would reduce energy consumption by more than 50%.  The associated potential environmental benefits included energy savings of over 13,000 kWh per annum and Carbon Dioxide savings of over 7 tonnes per annum.

Key findings included maximising the use of cheaper off-peak electricity to provide supply space heating, abstract water from a borehole and to supply power to the irrigation system where and when this was possible. Significant reducing in energy consumption could be realised by increasing the insulation fitted to the existing offices and workshops, or to construct the proposed new office ensuring that insulation levels met or exceeded that required by current regulations.

Within the existing site it would be possible to install photo-voltaic panels and derive an income from the Feed in Tariffs. It was recommended that the proposed new office building incorporates low energy heating (air to air source heat pump), combined with good building insulation, low energy lighting and a solar hot water system.

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