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News

E&C MUSCo Partner Selected

2 July 2008

A Dalkia-led consortium of Dalkia, Veolia Water and Independent Fibre Networks Limited have been selected as the commercial partner to deliver a Multi Utility Services Company (MUSCo) for the Elephant and Castle development. 

To achieve the development’s environmental targets, including net zero carbon growth, Southwark Council is implementing a planning framework for the development, which includes compulsory connection to the MUSCo for all developments in the area.

The consortium will work closely with Southwark Council and Lend Lease (the master development partner for the Elephant and Castle) to co-ordinate services in a way that causes minimum disruption when the network is deployed, extended and maintained.

Southwark Council ‘s executive member for regeneration, Paul Noblet, said welcoming Dalkia onboard was a major milestone for the Elephant and Castle development.

“This development is being driven through Southwark Council and the planning framework that we have put in place. In welcoming a commercial partner, we’re entering an exciting new stage in this process.

“Sustainability has been a key consideration of this project from day one. This isn’t about taking a building-by-building approach - it’s about looking at the bigger picture of how sustainability can be achieved through creating a development that stands the test of time.

“For example, our network of heating and cooling systems are designed to ensure zero growth in carbon emissions compared to standard developments that meet building regulations. This is alongside other sustainable measures such as sourcing water from the aquifer 100 metres under Elephant and Castle."

Lend Lease Project Director for Elephant and Castle Mark Boyes said 'Lend Lease is delighted to be associated with this groundbreaking initiative established by the London Borough of Southwark. The MUSCo will deliver unrivalled benefits both for the development and for existing and future residents of Elephant and Castle, and we commend Southwark for their forward thinking approach to such an important issue.’

Dalkia Energy Services Director Mike Sewell said: “By working in Partnership with the London Borough of Southwark , the Dalkia-led consortium have been able to establish an innovative approach to the delivery of low-carbon energy comprising combined heat, cooling and electricity, alongside the delivery of sustainable water solutions and an open access ‘fibre to the home’ network. 

“Ultimately we need to make sure that Community have access to cost effective, sustainable utilities whilst also ensuring ‘freedom-of choice’, and in the Elephant and Castle we will achieve these goals.”

The Dalkia provided heat, power and cooling services delivered to the Elephant and Castle will be based on gas fired CHP with integrated absorption cooling.  These services will be augmented by a proportion of centralised and building mounted renewables compatible with the CHP network such as Photovoltaic cells, wind turbines and biomass boiler systems utilising wood pellets.While the Veolia Water sustainable water strategy utilises the chalk aquifer 100m below Elephant and Castle as the primary non-potable water source.  Veolia Water will also work with Southwark Council and Lend Lease for co-ordinated handling of stormwater across the development, and to pursue an inset appointment for the development area.

Southwark is testing renewable technologies to ensure that building-mounted renewables are deployed most effectively across the development to complement the network that will be delivered by the MUSCo. Two wind turbines are currently being tested at Ashenden and the Heygate Estate.  Information on the development of the MUSCo and wind turbine trials is available on the downloads section of this site.

For more information contact: Tony Moseley, Assistant Director: Sustainability and Infrastructure tony.moseley@southwark.gov.uk