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.
Businesses will benefit from on-site support and advice from the Sustainable Construction iNet based at The University of Northampton, and 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.
Dr Frank Burdett, Pro Vice Chancellor, The University of Northampton, said: ''The University is really proud to have led the consortia that created the iCon initiative. This is one of the most significant innovations in the East Midlands in years.
“It is vital we reduce energy consumption, use less water and generate less waste. The construction industry is the largest producer of waste - some 36 million tonnes of landfill every year. This means that for every five houses built, one is effectively thrown away. In Northamptonshire 100,000 houses will be built, so we could throw the equivalent of 20,000 houses away. iCon will become the home of innovation to help reduce that waste, improve energy consumption and cut water use.''
Roger Mendonca, Chief Operating Officer at West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) added: "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.”
iCon also won a Milton Keynes - South Midlands Excellence Award in 2009, and featured as part of The University of Northampton’s “Oustanding Estates Team” Award at the national Times Higher Education Awards earlier this month.
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. -ends-
Picture caption: Dr Frank Burdett, Pro Vice Chancellor at The University of Northampton (centre with Green Apple Award), with representatives of iCon partners – WNDC; iCon East Midlands and Daventry District Council.
See the iCon under construction live here
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