RGP were appointed by Wyevale Garden Centres who were undergoing a major drive to expand their business and develop their image to reflect current thinking including issues that particularly affect our environment. The long term plan is to roll-out highly developed models across the country with refinements to adapt to each different site. At St. Mellons in Cardiff, the aim is to provide the first and a new flagship garden centre to replace the existing run-down development. The design is underpinned by principles of sustainability. Orientation of the building to take of advantage of solar energy; extensive cut and fill will be adopted to minimize the transportation of spoil; harvesting of rainwater; re-use of grey water; installing integrated energy systems that operate to minimise energy consumption and thereby reduce carbon emissions; building materials selected on the basis of ethical sources. Where possible, landscaping proposals will retain valuable existing vegetation and where necessary, enhance the setting of the garden centre by introducing suitable species. All these efforts on the building site will be complemented by a documented strategy that considers the management of the whole development including transportation of visitors and merchandise to and from the centre. Materials that have undergone thorough green assessments will be used to ensure a coherent and consistent level of sustainable continuity.