Morrisons Pioneer Sustainability Initiative 

Acknowledged as one of the UK’s most innovative retailers, Morrisons are pioneering a large scale rainwater harvesting system at their Gain Lane HQ building in Bradford. Architectural fabrication specialist Guttermaster, based in Rochdale, has played a key role, supplying over 400 linear metres of custom made perimeter gutter and a similar length of aerofoil fascias.

In recent times Yorkshire Water has had to impose severe drought restrictions and the building is one of the largest rainwater harvesting schemes in the UK.  All the water from the roof is captured and transferred to tanks in the basement.  After filtration to remove debris, the water is then made available for toilets and other domestic uses in the building, saving the needless use of metered mains water. 

The gutters and roof trim elements were custom made at Guttermaster’s Rochdale factory.  The components were delivered under a £130,000 supply-only contract and installed by roofing specialist Roofdec from Rotherham. Shepherd Construction of York was main contractor for the development.

The Morrisons HQ is on three floors and provides the 1400 staff with a working area of 331,000 square feet.  Local architect, Michael Hellawell, has created a building that sits comfortably alongside Bradford’s traditional buildings by using Yorkshire stone cladding and slated Mansard roofs. 

Morrisons property director, Roger Owen noted, “When it comes to building-in sustainability much attention is focussed on high-tech and high cost solutions – but simplicity is often the best answer.  Using long life low maintenance materials adds little to cost.  Likewise harvesting rainwater is a modest investment that has a rapid payback and continues to make savings long into the future.”  

Guttermaster specialise in both standard profile and bespoke architectural fabrications and work closely with architects, clients, and roofing contractors.  Components are engineered for ease of installation, low maintenance and durability.  Aluminium contributes to sustainability because with only modest maintenance it will last the lifetime of the building.  It has a high residual value and is fully recyclable using only 5 percent of the energy required in first production.


More Information:
Mike McKee, Tel. +44 (0)1706 869550 Fax. +44 (0)1706 869551
E-mail: mikemckee@guttermaster.co.uk Web: www.guttermaster.co.uk
Guttermaster Ltd, Shawclough Trading Estate, Shawclough Road, Rochdale, OL12 6ND, UK

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/gu234/4294gu1a.htm

March 27, 2007