Wrong choice a life sentence
August 1st 2007 When considering the cost
of a new storage facility, it is
important to consider the
whole life cost throughout
the expected life of the
structure. This involves
assessing the total cost of a
building throughout its
useful life, including the
costs of planning design,
acquisition, operations,
maintenance and disposal,
less any residual value.
Figures provided by
Building Maintenance
Information indicate that
energy costs of traditional
commercial buildings can
amount to 35% of operating
costs. Lighting can amount
to up to 60% of the total
energy costs of a
warehouse. Hence choices
made at the design stage
regarding the provision of
lighting will significantly
affect the whole life cost of
a new facility.
Collinson warehouses are
designed with a translucent
roof, which permits natural
daylight into the interior
without costly glazing. A
pleasant, bright ambience is
normally achieved without
artificial light, resulting in
significant energy savings
throughout the life of the
structure. Controllable
energy efficient lamps are
installed to provide lighting
outside daylight hours,
together with occupancy
sensors to further reduce
unnecessary energy use.
These tension membrane
structures can be designed
and constructed at a fraction
of the cost of traditional
buildings; low structural
weight minimises necessary
foundations; the preengineered
design results in
fast construction on site. More articles from Collinson plc: | 
