SOUTHWOLD brewer Adnams has unveiled its new state-of-the-art distribution centre with a “living roof”.Claimed to be the biggest of its kind in the UK, the 2,382 square-metre roof of the new centre is covered in sedum - a fleshy plant which absorbs rainwater.

SOUTHWOLD brewer Adnams has unveiled its new state-of-the-art distribution centre with a “living roof”.

Claimed to be the biggest of its kind in the UK, the 2,382 square-metre roof of the new centre is covered in sedum - a fleshy plant which absorbs rainwater.

The water will be harvested regularly and used to wash fleet vehicles and flushing staff toilets.

The living roof was laid in the summer but with the hot weather and no rainfall parts of it had to be replaced.

The roof is also lined with solar panels which will heat 80% of the hot water needed on site.

It is not just the roof which innovative - Adnams has constructed the building out of hemp and chalk blocks which absorb carbon dioxide, helping to regulate temperatures naturally and more efficiently, so they hope to see their energy bills cut by half.

The brewery says its UK distribution centre at Reydon is the first commercial building in the UK to be constructed entirely from the hemp and chalk blocks and it hopes it will be a trailblazer for other companies.

Managing director Andy Wood said the decision to go along the environmental path was an easy one - despite it coming at a premium.

He said: “We evaluate all areas of the business to find ways of lessening its impact on the environment.

“When the growing business required a new, modern distribution centre, Adnams applied this philosophy to ensure that we took every measure possible to create a pioneering, environmentally conscious development.”

He added: “As energy prices soar this energy-efficient building will make us substantial savings. I believe that Adnams is shaping the path for other businesses to follow.”

Town mayor Michael Ladd said he believed Southwold residents would welcome the opening of the centre as it would reduce the amount of heavy traffic going through the town.

He added: “It is refreshing to see a business developing such a unique building that will not cause an unsightly blot on the landscape.”

The new building replaces the existing centre in Victoria Street, which was built in 1980 and is the subject of a planning application to be turned into a mixture of residential and retail units.