The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is leading on the 'green' front at its new headquarters at Pembroke Dock.

The renovation of the 100-year-old Llanion Park buildings - once part of the local Army garrison - has provided a golden opportunity for the authority to adopt many energy efficient features as part of a ground-breaking 'green' package.

Main heating for the buildings is supplied by a biomass boiler - burning wood pellets rather than fossil fuels - and solar panels are also being incorporated. Energy saving thermostatic high efficiency radiators have been installed along with extensive dry lining insulation of the walls and roof insulation and movement and daylight sensitive lighting.

Another innovative feature is a rainwater harvesting system for toilet flushing.

Project officer Phil Roach, who is overseeing the conversion together with Pembroke architects Acanthus Holden, said: "As an authority we are integrating sustainable principles into all our activities and the major renovations of these elegant and historic buildings have provided us with a real challenge.

"We have retained as much of the historic fabric as possible, removed recent temporary additions and added a new foyer entrance area. Wherever possible we have used 'green' principles and have transformed the buildings into modern office accommodation while keeping their historic feel."

Wood from sustainable sources has been used in flooring, ramps and door screens and sun pipes and a light well make the most of available natural light.

And long term 'residents' at Llanion Park - bats which periodically roost in the roofs - have been provided with special access points.

The National Park Authority will be moving into Llanion Park next month.

• Llanion Park comprises two elegant brick buildings dating from 1904/5. They were originally the officers' mess and colonel's residence of Pembroke Dock's resident army garrison.

It is proposed that the area office of the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) re-locate to one building while the other, larger, building will be the National Park headquarters.

National Park staff will be transferring from their current Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, headquarters.

The majority of the cost of the conversion of the Llanion Park premises has been met by the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Llanion Park contract has been carried out by West Wales firm, Phil Evans and Sons (Builders and Contractors) Ltd., of Cardigan.