HLM have two projects shortlisted in the British Construction Industry Awards (BCIA), within the category of ‘Carbon Net Zero Initiative of the Year’.
The BCIA have a total of 19 award categories this year, each of which celebrates a different aspect of the architectural profession, with a particular emphasis on projects and initiatives that contribute positively to the future of the planet.
This new category recognises projects and initiatives that are leading the charge in the race to net zero carbon, in line with the government’s 2050 targets. The award celebrates innovative approaches to design in achieving these targets, both through research and built projects.
Dinton Activity Centre is a £2.4 million MMC, Net Zero Carbon educational and leisure facility for the local community. Utilising wind catchers, air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, this MMC project is already being used as an exemplar project for how councils can achieve carbon net zero. The project combines cutting-edge eco technology and natural materials, resulting in a highly sustainable building that compliments the natural landscape surrounding it.
The Circular Twin is a collaborative research and development project which utilises digital twinning methods, industry pioneering best practise, whole lifecycle modelling, elemental embodied carbon calculation, and ultra-early engagement with the supply chain to replicate a school build, and accelerate how carbon net zero can be achieved. Working closely to unpick the design, re-assess approaches and carefully consider the implications of choices throughout the development, the Circular Twin project provides evidence that carbon net zero can be achieved with minimal uplift in capital costs when compared to traditional construction methods. These additional costs are projected to be paid back within a decade post construction. Passive design principles and highly-efficient active building systems help achieve a 50-60% reduction in energy use and by prioritising materials within Circular Economy principles, the Circular Twin team have developed a research project that eclipses the RIBA’s 2030 carbon targets, nine years prematurely. Circular Twin emboldens the philosophy: ‘More Zero, Less Net’.
The BCIA have a total of 19 award categories this year, each of which celebrates a different aspect of the architectural profession, with a particular emphasis on projects and initiatives that contribute positively to the future of the planet.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony on 13th October in London.
