The centre, which was officially opened by London mayor Boris Johnson this week, will carry out research into alternative energy resources.

Located on the roof of LSBU’s brand new K2 building, the centre will be at the forefront of low carbon building design with a key location in the centre of London.

The centre is full of state-of-the-art equipment such as the solar fibre optic lighting system and solar panels.

According to the university it is also the first research centre of its kind to be located in an urban setting.

Officially called The Centre for Efficient and Renewable Energy in Buildings (CEREB) the project was praised by Boris Johnson.

He said: “This new centre will boost the capital’s quest for low carbon and low energy design.

“It is a welcome development in London’s efforts to minimise the emission of greenhouse gases; to adapt existing and new buildings to climate change; and, to improve the environment in and around buildings to provide better health, comfort, security and productivity.”

Director of the centre, professor Tony Day, said: “Very few engineers, developers or planners know which technologies are suitable and practical to meet targets made by the government.

“This centre will provide a hands-on experience of how low carbon technologies work in real buildings.

“It has been designed for a range of different audiences – from school children to experienced engineers – to understand where energy is used in buildings, and which modern solutions work best. CEREB will bring the subject to life.”

Luke Walsh

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