Suffolk brewer Adnams has started operating a £14m eco-friendly distribution centre from its headquarters in Southwold today. 

The brewer has transformed a disused gravel pit set within 85 acres of grassland on the outskirts of the town into a “green” building. 

The new distribution centre has the biggest green roof in the UK and is designed to look as if it is part of the countryside.

It also uses solar panels to provide 80% of hot water and reed beds to purify the waste water. All the walls are built from blocks made of lime, quarry waste and hemp.

A spokeswoman for Adnams said: "The building is about 15% more expensive than a traditional 'metal box' warehouse, but the additional investment is justified in the long term by significantly lower energy usage and greater efficiency."

For more green issues check out Caterer's Green Month here >>

By James Garner

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