<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> The first of a new generation of âeco stationsâ has opened in the UK. </span> <p>Accrington railway station in Lancashire opened last week, and features solar panels to supply electricity and hot water, toilets flushed with collected rain water, cycle parking facilities and improvements to the carpark and footbridge.</p><p>The station has already achieved an A rating for its Energy Performance Certificate and has received a Building Research Establishment – Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) “excellent” rating.</p><p>With a construction cost of EUR$2m, the improvements to the station included a grant from the Interred IVB European funding programme .</p><p>“The new eco station is based on an environmentally friendly design which is sustainable and reduces energy consumption and C02 emissions,” Interim Area director forth for Northern Rail Kathryn O’Brien said.</p><p>“New features include solar electric, solar hot water and grey water recycling as well as locally sources materials to reduce construction related carbon emissions.</p><p>“A further innovative feature of the project is the inclusion of a learning centre as part of the new station building. We are also hoping to work with the local community to see if there is the potential for shared community use of the new building.”</p><p>For more information on the station’s design and sustainability features visit: <a href="http://www.eastlancashirecrp.co.uk/statons/accrington" target="_blank">www.eastlancashirecrp.co.uk/statons/accrington</a><br /> </p>
