AN environmentally-friendly business centre capable of generating its own power is being launched in Derwentside today.

The Greenhouse is a £4.2m project to promote sustainable energy and features a 35-metre wind turbine, solar panels and a ground source heat pump.

The 32,000sq ft office complex is being built using sustainable construction techniques at Annfield Plain, near Stanley.

When completed, it will generate its own electricity to provide heat, light and power for modern technology such as computers, printers and photocopiers.

The development is a two-storey building providing modern offices and shared conference and reception facilities for businesses in the area.

It is being developed by environmental charity Groundwork West Durham, which will rent office space to up to 23 companies and use the money to fund further regeneration projects across the district.

Kate Culverhouse, executive director of Groundwork West Durham, said: "We are very excited about leading such a pioneering project, which demonstrates how building sustainability into construction makes business sense and can contribute to achieving social and economic change.

"Although the construction costs for this building are slightly higher compared to traditional building procurement, they will greatly reduce the long-term running costs."

The centre will also be used to teach children about sustainable energy and the nature surrounding the area.

Youngsters from Annfield Plain Junior School are helping with the launch by planting flowers.

Derwentside Primary Care Trust (PCT) has agreed to make the building its headquarters and hopes to move in before Christmas.

Wynn Griffiths, chief executive of the PCT said: "We are looking forward to moving into our new offices later in the year and are very excited at being involved in such an innovative, environmentally- sensitive project.

"The scheme not only represents many of the principles that the PCT endorses around caring for the environment and recycling, but will also play an important role in the regeneration of Derwentside."

Other businesses are expected to move in by next spring.

The building is designed by Niven Architects, and has attracted funding from the County Durham Strategic Partnership, the European Regional Development Fund, regional development agency One NorthEast and the County Durham Environmental Trust.

Mowlems has been appointed as contractor for the development and began work on February 14.