Leading renewable energy company Eco Environments has been selected to install a range of renewable energy technologies at the UK's first zero energy cost business park. Armstrong Point in Wigan has selected the firm to provide it with four different technologies - 90kWp Solar PV, a 6kW wind turbine, nine solar thermal hot water systems and nine heat pumps.

The Pounds 2.7million development on the old Britvic site at Swan Lane, Hindley Green, will provide nine high specification business units where tenants will not have to pay any energy costs. The scheme, which has been aided by European Regional Development Fund money, is due for completion in September.

Dave Armstrong, whose company Armstrong Properties is behind the cutting edge development, said: "Eco Environments was chosen to install multiple renewable energy technologies after a rigorous selection process.

"We are proud to be developing the UK's first zero energy cost business park and to be harnessing some of the most advanced renewable energy solutions as part of that process.

"We have estimated that by moving to Armstrong Point tenants will save an average of Pounds 2 per sq ft on their rent because they will have zero energy costs."

Eco Environments, which has relationships with some of the biggest global technology companies, is installing a Kingspan wind turbine as well as solar thermal and heat pump systems and Hyundai Solar PV panels.

David Hunt, a director with Liverpool-headquartered Eco Environments, said: "This is a ground-breaking and innovative project not just in the North West but in the whole of the UK.

"We have been working closely with Armstrong Properties and Carbon Consultancy Company on this project for some time and it is hugely exciting that this unique development is nearing completion.

"We are finding that an increasing number of commercial customers are keen to talk to us not about one type of technology but about ways in which they can maximise their energy savings by installing different types of renewable energy and energy efficiency technology."

Carbon Consultancy Company carried out the feasibility study examining the potential use of renewable energy technologies in the scheme, while the lead contractor is Manchester-based Tolent Construction.

The park will create up to 70 new jobs on top of the 55 construction jobs while the site is being developed, providing a much needed boost to the Wigan economy.

All of the business units will have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of A+ as well as being only one of a handful of developments in the world to boast a BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) Outstanding rating.

The scheme will include a demonstration centre in one of the units, showcasing the range of low and zero carbon technologies available to commercial and domestic customers.

Rapidly growing Eco Environments increased its turnover dramatically to Pounds 6.4million in the last financial year - compared to Pounds 1.3million the previous year.

The company, which has its head office in Liverpool and regional offices in Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Carlisle and St Asaph, has also seen its headcount increase from 12 to 50 during the past 12 months.