The iCon centre for sustainable construction, currently being built in Daventry, has won a National Green Apple Award for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage. The accolade was announced at a prestigious awards ceremony at The Tower of London. The Green Apple Awards, presented by The Green Organisation, are part of an annual international campaign to recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice around the world.

The landmark iCon building will be a national centre of excellence for sustainable construction and green technologies. The state-of-the-art scheme will provide accommodation for up to 60 businesses in the emerging market of sustainable construction. The businesses will benefit from on-site support and advice from the Sustainable Construction iNet, as well as Construction Futures. The Centre will also have a conference hall for up to 300 people, as well as a public piazza and a café/restaurant.

The iCon will be a beacon of energy efficiency in its own right. It will use renewable energy, taken from the air, using customised heat pumps. It will also be constructed using special materials that will limit the need for heating or air conditioning. This includes ‘phase change’ panels in the ceiling that can absorb or emit heat, depending on the temperature.

The building has been designed to achieve a BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating. BREEAM is the leading assessment method for the environmental performance of buildings throughout their construction and operation.

Roger Mendonca, Chief Operating Officer at West Northamptonshire Development Corporation said:

“As well as being an attractive landmark, the iCon is a truly green building that will set an example to other buildings across the country. Equally importantly, it will bring new jobs and investment to the local area, and provide a home to some cutting edge companies in the field of sustainable construction. The building is starting to rise now and it will be fascinating to watch it take shape over coming months.”

David Walker, Chairman of iCon East Midlands said:

“The design and construction of the iCon has challenged the ingenuity of the project team to incorporate as many ‘ green ‘ solutions as realistically possible , practicable and affordable . At the time of completion in early 2011, the building will be a benchmark for facilities of its type in the UK .”

Councillor Chris Millar, Leader of Daventry District Council, said:

“This award is excellent news and continues to position both iCon and the district of Daventry at the forefront of environmental excellence. It is the second Green Apple accolade that has been achieved within Daventry District over the past year and continues to demonstrate the commitment of all partners to enhancing the environment for both residents and businesses.”

It is the second award that the iCon has won, following its Milton Keynes - South Midlands Excellence Award in 2009. Construction is progressing well, with the timber frame of the building almost complete. The building will ‘top out’ by the end of 2010 and will officially open in 2011. The iCon is a key component within the Daventry Masterplan, which has been prepared by Daventry District Council to drive forward regeneration of the town.

Funding for the building has been obtained from the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and East Midlands Development Agency (emda). Daventry District Council and Northamptonshire County Council have donated the land for the project. A charitable organisation known as iCon East Midlands has been set up to manage the day to day running of iCon once it is operational. The organisation includes representatives of the key funders as well as The University of Northampton.

The Green Apple Awards are now in their 15th year and are well established as one of the major environmental recognition schemes, both in the UK and internationally. In November schools across Daventry District worked with the district council on a pioneering walking taxi scheme that achieved a Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice.

Visit the iCon webcam here

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