A NEW £50 million super library to be built in the centre of Worcester will be a leading light in environmentally-friendly design.

Greenpeace representatives had a sit-down meeting with bosses at the University of Worcester, and afterwards revealed the project will take environmental concerns on board.

Members of the group gave their views on the scheme, urging the university to adopt carbon saving products on the site.

And the university is now to make it a priority when work starts on the new library in Croft Road.

It will use solar panels on site, harvest rainwater, and use modern woodchip boilers powered by locally-grown wood.

Peter Robinson, of Worcester Greenpeace, said: "We were very encouraged by the university's intention to generate most heat and power on site and build to cutting edge efficiency standards. One option is woodchip-fired boilers, such as the one used at County Hall.

"Greenpeace would hope to see the campus actually export energy to Worcester city in the future.

"While there are clearly restrictions on what is possible, it was positive to see the university's open-minded approach. We have been able to share ideas about how it could enhance this aspect of the campus further and we believe that this will continue to be a fruitful relationship."

Further meetings are now to take place between the university, Greenpeace, and students on how to ensure the project is green.

University vice chancellor Dr Martin Doughty said: "The use of renewable energy and energy conservation has been given highest priority in these designs.

"Solar collection panels will generate hot water, we'll be harvesting rainwater, recycling and re-using current building materials on site and we'll have modern woodchip boilers powered by locally-grown wood from sustainable sources.

"All of the new buildings have also been carefully designed to ensure their thermal mass produces warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer.

"Our aim, in association with our partners, is to create a campus that will be a showcase of sustainable development."

The £50 million library is a joint project between the university and County Hall, and will be open to students and the public. It is expected to be open by 2011.