The Logan Botanic Garden’s new conservatory, built in the Victorian style and thought to be the first public glasshouse in the UK to be entirely heated by green energy sources, has been officially opened by Dr Aileen McLeod MSP.
The Conservatory, which is also the south west Scotland garden’s first public glasshouse, generates its own heat using the latest sustainable technologies.
It features solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, providing a supply of around 3700KW a year, and air-source heat pumps generating enough energy to sustain year-round environs of 8°C / 46.4°F temperate, which are ideal conditions to house a rare collection of South African plants.
Extending the exotic theme of the Garden, the Conservatory’s display of tender plant species will add to Logan’s world renowned plant collection.
Both a practical and elegant building, it is a welcome addition for visitors and a chance for Garden staff to engage with audiences on issues of plant diversity, green power and climate change.
Dr McLeod said: ““The Logan Conservatory is an outstanding example of how we can harness Scotland’s own natural resources, the latest sustainable technologies and modern construction techniques to reduce carbon emissions and generate cost savings, while enhancing the facilities here at Logan Botanic Garden where we can see so many beautiful plant species from overseas.”
The project cost approximately £345,000, with financial support to the tune of £145,800 received from The Monument Trust and ScottishPower Green Energy Trust.
Further contributions were received from the Landfill Communities Fund from Solway Heritage, through Shanks Waste Solutions, and South West Environmental Action Trust (SWEAT) through Armstrong Waste Management.
The project, which took two years to complete, was supported by Alitex, the makers of the 22m x 7m Victorian greenhouse structure which is constructed from wood-effect powdered aluminium to ensure its longevity.