The vision for Gibson Mill is to run it sustainably.

In order to meet this objective, all the energy needed by the Mill to open to the public and function as a building will be generated on site, using renewable sources.

Gibson Mill has no mains electricity, and isn't connected to mains water or sewers. The only outside service that Gibson Mill is connected to is phone lines.

How energy will be generated at the mill:

• Water powered turbines
  The original hydro-electric turbine, installed in 1927, has been restored. This is supplemented by a new, smaller water turbine. Both turbines generate electricity that is stored in a large battery bank ready for when it is needed.

• Photo-voltaic panels
  These panels convert sunlight into electricity and are sited on the roof of the mill. They will be the main source of electricity in the summer when the water level of the river is too low to drive the water turbines.

• Solar hot water panels
  These also sit on the roof and convert the heat of the sun into hot water for use in the kitchen.

• Biomass from the woodland
  Wood that is harvested from Hardcastle Crags as part of the conservation woodland management will fire a boiler providing hot water for the café. A smaller purpose built ceramic stove is sited in the café area to provide space heating. It is estimated that only around 30 cubic metres per year of wood will be required.

Other ‘green’ measures at the Mill as part of our sustainability strategy include:

• Energy efficiency measures
  These include natural insulation materials and the use of low energy appliances (lights, fridge) in order to reduce the amount of energy used in the mill. The design for the mill café maximises the use of natural light.

• Local water source
  The mill uses the natural spring water arising on the slope next to the Mill. The quality of the water is very good and further protected for drinking by a simple filtering system. Used with care it will provide enough drinking water for the building.

• Water efficiency measures
  We aim to use as little water as possible, by up to 70 per cent less than conventional use, primarily through use of water efficient taps and dry toilets.

• Local materials for building and construction
  Including timber from the woodland, stone and recycled materials.

Green transport

As part of our sustainable strategy for the Mill we are promoting the use of green transport such as public transport, walking and cycling, to reach Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill.

Sewage and waste water treatment

All of the ‘grey’ water produced from catering and toilet wash hand basins will be treated by passing it through a ‘soakaway’. A soakaway is a long clay pipe with holes in it buried about one metre underground. Wastewater seeps out of the pipe and is then naturally filtered through the soils before it can reach the local groundwater.

Composting toilets

Composting toilets are installed. These treat human waste in a dry composting chamber, and the treated material can be recycled as fertiliser for use on the estate.

Waste minimisation and recycling

The import of materials and packaging into the Mill is minimised so that as little waste as possible then has to be disposed of. For example, concentrated fruit juice is brought in and diluted with spring water to make fruit squash, instead of lots of small bottles or cans being sold at the Mill. Domestic waste will be collected and recycled.

Human powered lift

The Mill is home to a rather unusual lift. The building does not have a normal mains electricity. This makes it difficult to run a normal lift to help people reach the first floor.

The project team came up with a solution to the problem – a human powered lift. The lift uses a counter balance system of pulleys and weights. The lift operator will be able to effortlessly pull visitors to the first floor and back down again.

Of course, if you don’t fancy the lift then you can always use the newly installed stairs.