Sustainability at its best

Officially opened in September 2008, the Information Centre at Stanpit Marsh has won the accolade of Best Sustainable Development at the LABC South West Region Building Excellence Awards.

Organised by the LABC (Local Authority Building Control), the awards are presented for the best and most innovative schemes constructed in the South West. The Information Centre won in this category from a shortlist of five buildings.

The citation for the award reads: “The design meets the client’s aspiration to deliver a sustainable building that is fully self-sufficient. It is a low environmental impact building, minimising where possible the use of high carbon materials and maximising the use of timber. Sustainable features include low impact timber construction and cladding, composting toilet, rainwater harvesting, photo-voltaic panels and wind generator. The building is carbon neutral.”

Deputy Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr Josephine Spencer, said: “We are delighted to have won this award as it endorses what we set out to achieve with this building – something which fits into the natural setting and which is fully sustainable. A lot of hard work went into the concept and design of the building but to see it in place now as an award-winning building has made it all worthwhile.

”I would like to add my thanks to senior countryside officer, Peter Holloway, who acted as excellent liaison between the architects and the builders to keep things on track.”