Designed by engineering consultants WSP, the system takes its cue from a centuries-old technology which involves quite literally catching the wind to enhance air movement inside the shopping centre. In simple terms it is based on the principle that warm air rises.

"Sixteenth century Arabian architecture would frequently include a 'badghir' or wind-catcher to promote natural cooling," said WSP technical director Douglas McNicol. "At Silverburn, we've built our modern wind-catchers into glazed roof pods. The pods are concealed behind large curved sails, interspersed with circular roof-lights to bring in as much daylight as possible."

It is an ingenious solution which has delighted Silverburn's developers, Combined Property Services.

Richard Low, director of Combined Property Services says: "We don't yet have measurements on the difference this will make to reducing total carbon emissions from the development because the centre has only just opened. But we do know that our ventilation system is almost entirely reliant on Scotland's natural elements and that has to be beneficial in environmental terms."

WSP Group's UK retail business specialises in providing optimum solutions for retail centre developments. Since completing its first natural ventilation system in a shopping centre at Touchwood in Solihull, almost eight years ago, the business has continuously monitored and improved the performance of such systems, bringing them close to the performance of conventional ventilation methods.

Douglas McNicol, WSP technical director, says: "Although these systems are not ideal in every climate, we're finding that we can adapt this technology more and more successfully. This means we can help developers reduce C02 emissions in line with the UK government's aim to cut carbon output from non-domestic buildings, and we can help reduce shopping centre energy consumption and cost."

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