We encourage all colleagues to open doors and windows rather than switching on air conditioning or electric desk fans.  We’re working on installing opening courtyard windows in really hot offices but the specification and cost is proving challenging.

Shade for the courtyard – especially west-facing Elm – is needed in the summer.  We are exploring awnings as a quick fix here but the favourite is using vegetation to act as a ‘bris soleil’ by stringing wires above windows then growing plants across them (right).

As usual, the Victorians thought of this first.  Vines are the preferred plant and could provide our first Claydon Court wines in just a few years …