The first of a new generation of sustainable superstores is taking shape at Shannon Corner, New Malden, as DIY chain B&Q looks to open its flagship eco-store early next year.

The green-themed building will be the company's most sustainable store to date, with close to half the CO2 emissions of other buildings of the same size and use.

Dominating the surrounding skyline will be the store's wind turbine tower, which will be used alongside solar panels and ground-source heating and cooling to generate electricity and control the temperature of the building.

Other innovations planned for the superstore are a green roof to absorb CO2 and rooftop rainwater harvesting for use in the toilets and irrigating the garden centre.

Terry Hartwell, group property director at B&Q, said: "As part of our commitment to One Planet Living, we have set ourselves sustainability targets as a business.

"We are embedding these energy-saving features into our stores, which not only reduce the stores' impact on the environment but also make good business sense, for example reducing utility bills.

"New Malden is an important test bed for us and some of these new sustainability features will go into the specification for other stores going forward."

The 150,000sq ft superstore is set to open in early 2009 on two levels, with a full-size warehouse on the first floor and parking and servicing underneath.