North South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat

26 Jul 2010 - The new North South Secretariat Headquarters building achieves top environmental rating.

The new North South Secretariat Headquarters building in Armagh has received the top environmental rating of “Excellent” in the Building Research Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM). This is the highest office score achieved to date in Northern Ireland, and demonstrates an impressive commitment to the environment and sustainability.

The design was developed using the proportions of the original “Tontine” building dating back to 1790 and the old City Hall building which replaced it. This approach, combined with the use of materials in keeping with the surrounding Georgian architecture, has produced a 21st century building which reflects its historical context; a contemporary building using traditional materials.

The new building is using the latest in energy saving technologies, including a biomass heating system and high efficiency, daylight and presence sensor controlled lighting and taps. The design maximises daylight and includes insect, swift and bat boxes. Fifty-five different types of shrub species are planted in the building environs and on the green roof.

The contractor ensured that as many local materials and suppliers were involved and over 200 workers, many of them local, were employed during the construction.

NSMC moved into the new premises in April of this year and initial feedback has been very positive.