Admission Free!
If you want to visit the centre to find out more about environmental issues, to ask for information or simply to take a look around and have a cup of tea, we are open 7 days a week, 10am to 6pm (summer) and 10am-4pm (winter) including public holidays but excluding Christmas and New Year.
The Pump House, once a pumping station for Worcester’s drinking water supply, was converted into an environmental centre in the early 21st century.
On the 26th August 2004, Nick Owen from ‘BBC Midlands Today’ news and Cecil Duckworth, chairman of The Duckworth Worcestershire Trust, opened the Pump House Environment Centre to the Public.
The Centre is home to the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust.
Our Mission
The aims of the centre are to:
- Raise community awareness of environmental issues.
- Provide community access to information and advice on a range of environmental issues.
- Give ideas for and stimulate action to improve the environment.
- Demonstrate a number of sustainable technologies and building materials.
What’s Inside?
- Public Display Area – This is situated on the ground floor along with the information desk. The area also houses the eco cafe and shop. The cafe sells a variety of food inc gluten free and vegan options.
- Meeting and Training Room – Located on the first floor and available for hire by groups of up to 32 people. Please contact the Volunteer and Community Coordinator on 01905 734934 for further information.
- Public Toilets – Toilets, all with disabled access and baby changing facilities, are situated on the ground floor.
The techniques and materials used within the building in the redevelopment were chosen in order to be sustainable. These include:
- Water Saving Technologies
- Rainwater harvesting – collecting the rainwater falling on the roof of the centre and using this to flush the downstairs toilets.
- Water saving devices on taps.
- Installation of efficient low-flush toilets.
- Sustainable Energy
- Small-scale wind turbines on the north and south side of the building.
- Photovoltaic solar cells, which use energy from sunlight to generate electricity.
- Ground source heat pumps, used to heat water to supply the under-floor heating system in the display area.
- Energy Efficiency
- Use of insulated pipes for hot water supply through the building.
- Efficient under-floor heating systems.
- Energy efficient light bulbs, one of which will last as long as eight ordinary bulbs.
- Sheep’s wool insulation in floors and roof spaces – this natural product requires very little energy and is relatively clean to produce.
- Use of ‘Grade A’ efficiency electrical goods where possible.
- Passive ventilation, running on low energy fans.
- Natural Building Materials
- Marmoleum flooring, made from Linseed Oil, Pine Rosin, Wood-flour, Cork-flour, Limestone and Jute.
- FSC approved timber (derived from sustainable sources).
- Clay plaster, a natural and environmentally sound alternative to gypsum based plasters.
- Rockfon ceiling tiles. Rockfon is made mainly from Rock Wool, composed of natural stone, clay and calcium.
- Natural paints. Paints made from materials such as beeswax and citrus oils, abundant mineral pigments and chalk.
- Sisal carpets. Made from plant fibres coloured with natural dyes.
