The team behind the first phase, Exemplar, of the NW Bicester eco-development has been recognised by CEEQUAL for its level of environmental and social performance in its work.
Achieving 94 per cent, with an ‘Excellent’ rated Whole Project Award with Interim, lead developers, A2Dominion and design and engineering consultants, Hyder Consultancy have been praised for the innovation and design shown in Exemplar which goes beyond the standard development practice.
The Exemplar, due to start construction in the autumn, will consist of 393 highly efficient homes for existing and new residents of Bicester, built to be true zero-carbon. The design fosters a community that is vibrant, resilient and sustainable and incorporates a school, district heating network, eco pub and business centre.
CEEQUAL is the evidence-based Sustainability Assessment, Rating and Awards Scheme for civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and the public realm, and celebrates the achievement of high environmental and social performance. Developed in 2003 by the Institution of Civil Engineer's Research & Development Enabling Fund, CEEQUAL recognises projects and contract teams in which clients, designers and contractors that go beyond the minimum standards, to achieve distinctive environmental and social performance in their work.
Steve Hornblow, NW Bicester project director for A2Dominion, said: “We are delighted to have been formally recognised as a project at such a high standard. This is acknowledgment of the work that has gone into the Exemplar phase to make this a unique development that will provide numerous benefits to the community in Bicester socially, economically and environmentally.”
Philip Harker, Technical Director at Hyder Consulting said: “Achieving this prestigious award is a testament to the innovation of the design team and the desire of the client to achieve a truly exemplar development. Partnership working enabled us to develop the sustainable energy, waste, water and transport strategies and solutions that underpin this eco development.”
The Exemplar has already been awarded One Planet Living status, one of only six developments in the world to achieve this coveted mark of progress in sustainability by demonstrating methods to attain zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable water use and sustainable transport, as well as promote culture, community, equity, the local economy and the health and happiness of residents.
For more information about the UK’s first eco town at NW Bicester visit www.nwbicester.co.uk