London & South East Legacy Award for Sustainability

Whilst the Olympic Development Authority won two ‘golds’ for its leadership of the 2012 Construction Programme in this year’s London and South East Constructing Excellence Awards, there were also two awards for a pair of exciting projects demonstrating best practice in sustainability.

The Legacy Award – Sustainability 2011
The judges at the Awards – organised by the regional centre for Constructing Excellence, the South East Centre of the Built Environment (SECBE) – were so impressed with two shortlisted entries that they decided to present two awards: one for infrastructure and one for housing. The Legacy award recognises the application of the principles of sustainable construction and/or sustainable development delivering a sustainable legacy, balancing financial viability, social impacts and the environment.

WINNER: Infrastructure
Cobbins Brook Flood Alleviation Scheme
Submitted by: Environment Agency

The biggest dam constructed in the south-east of England in the past 10 years, this scheme will be of huge benefit to future generations. Protecting homes, schools and the M25 motorway from future flooding, was crucial to ensuring the future economic prosperity of Waltham Abbey. All principles of sustainable construction, development and legacy were demonstrated in the submission. Aspects of impact of construction on wildlife, flora, people, ancient landscape, green belt and habitat were all investigated and acted upon. Consultation and knowledge gathering was an integral part of this project. Avoidance of lorry movements by using available materials in and around the site from borrow pits. Even the oil used in the piling rig was biodegradable so a leak wasn’t an issue.

For Cobbins Brook Alleviation Scheme
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/120221.aspx

WINNER: Housing
Relish™
Submitted by: Worthing Homes

Relish™ (Residents 4 Low Impact Sustainable Homes) offers a way forward to reduce carbon emissions and fuel poverty, as well as providing a practical and affordable model for large-scale refurbishment programmes. Alongside an engagement programme where residents work with their landlord to reduce energy use, households can save as much as 20% on their energy bills. And importantly, the Relish™ initiative has demonstrated how this approach improves the lives of more vulnerable households – whether through warmer homes, reduced energy bills, or both!

The impact this project can have if rolled out across London and the South East is immense. It has reduced carbon emissions by circa 60% by employing the latest sensible technologies. This could be repeated across all the housing stock in the region to have a huge impact

Worthing Homes:
For Relish^TM
www.worthing-homes.org.uk