ECO-FRIENDLY refurbishment work began at the Indian Centre for Education and Culture’s new building in Dundee this week.

The Bharatiya Ashram is currently operating from three different locations across the city and they are consolidating their current activities under one roof at the Dudhope Centre.

When the project is completed it will create one of the largest eco-friendly projects undertaken by a voluntary organisation.

Among its facilities, the Ashram provides educational classes in maths, English, physics and IT both for the community and young people of all ethnic origins.

It also provides healthy eating and living initiatives, and promotes Asian arts and culture.

The Dudhope Centre building will enable the Ashram to develop activities to strengthen its links with the local community.

To ensure the building reduces carbon emission the centre will be heated using eco-friendly heat pumps.

Underfloor heating with controllable thermostats will also operate throughout and a solar thermal system will generate hot water.

An automatic control system will bring all the energy saving measures together.

In January 2008, Common Good Fund awards totalling £30,000 were allocated by Dundee City Council to two major projects, which included the council approving a grant of £20,000 to the towards the costs of redeveloping and refurbishing their premises in St Mary’s Place.

It is expected the project will be completed by the end of June 2008.