'˜World's most sustainable' tower going up in Hemel

And the revolutionary building is being built in the heart of Hemel Hempstead.

The Beacon, a 17-storey tower on Whiteleaf Road, has been designed to generate enough heat and power from on-site renewable energy to power most of the building’s requirements, resulting in an expected 70 to 80 per cent reduction in heating costs compared to normal properties.

Planning permission has been granted for the new build in Hemel’s regeneration district, and Lumiere Developments is now demolishing the existing commercial building on the site.

Building is set to begin at the start of next year, and the Beacon is expected to be completed in the summer of 2018.

Green technology, including the highest-density solar farm in the world, triple and quadruple glazing, ground source and air source heat pumps, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MHVR) systems and rainwater harvesting will save enough energy to allow Lumiere Developments to offer ‘Free Energy For Life’ to all Beacon residents.

Home owners will also benefit from an in-house electric car and electric bike share scheme, while residents with cars will have access to the UK’s largest automated underground car parking system.

An internal arboretum will be a major feature of the ground floor. Other facilities will include a cafe and bar area, gymnasium and communal roof garden.