In one of the greenest spots in the heart of Glasgow stands the magnificent new five star, 100 room, low carbon and energy efficient Blysthwood Square. This is the latest project of Peter Taylor OBE, one of Scotland’s leading hoteliers, who has overseen the successful restoration of this iconic building transforming it into one of the most environmentally friendly hotels in the UK. The latest in renewable energy technology and conservation has been used to create a hotel that successfully blends old with new to create a unique, memorable experience with a strong social and environmental responsibility.

Having built his own eco home with his wife in Edinburgh, Peter Taylor, chairman of the Edinburgh boutique hotel group The Town House Collection, wanted this unique project to incorporate all the latest in green building innovation. His pioneering approach has successfully retained the architectural features of Blythswood Square whilst implementing advanced green technology that reduces the carbon emissions of the hotel by over 43% compared to a similar building of this size and age.

Peter Taylor comments “Our vision for Blythswood Square was to retain the essence of this landmark historical building and safeguard architectural features whilst bringing it into the 21st century using the most sustainable methods possible. We felt a responsibility to ensure that this wonderful hotel met the environmental standards for our low carbon future so we closely managed and reduced the carbon emissions and chose to work with suppliers who also had the same commitment to protecting the environment, approaching these kind of large scale projects with a clear sustainability strategy not only benefits the environment but it also creates better business performance.“

John Stocks, manager of the Carbon Trust in Scotland, commented: “Blythswood Square is an excellent example of what can be achieved by specifying low carbon. The redevelopment of the building has successfully incorporated low carbon design principles, whilst being able to retain the grandeur of the original building. It will not only bring financial savings through the low carbon design solutions implemented, it will also deliver a more pleasurable environment for guests who will undoubtedly benefit.”

Behind the historical facade is a renewable energy supply, rain water harvesting and environmental appliances that reduce the hotel’s energy consumption, running costs and its impact on the environment. The technology embedded in Blythswood Square includes:

Renewable Energy
- The heating systems are a mix of a Combined Heating and Power boiler (CHP), a Geothermal grid (solar panels), reverse cycle heat pumps, highly efficient chiller and solar panels to augment the supply of domestic hot water.
- The energy generated is transported around the hotel on an energy loop that interconnects all the different energy sources (apart from the solar energy) resulting in very little energy being wasted.
- Bore holes have been dug into the ground underneath the hotel with ground source heat pumps to provide the bulk of the hot and cold water

Energy Efficiency
- All of the sliding sash windows have been replaced with highly efficient micro double glazing which is 300% better than the original sash windows at eliminating draughts.
- Energy efficient lighting has been employed
- The roof has been designed with a ventilation heat recovery system
- External walls have been built 9 stones walls thick
- Internal walls have also been built using stone for extra insulation.

Water
- A water conservation system is in place to harvest rain water
- Water appliances chosen for the hotel aren’t wasteful.