A revolutionary heating system that was designed and built in the North West has landed a major industry award.
The EcoPod, which was invented by Keith Rimmer, Managing Director of Warrington-based Belfry Group, was named ‘Sustainability Innovation of the Year’ at the 2012 Sustainable Housing Awards, beating off stiff competition from more than 120 entrants nationwide.
Mr Rimmer, who designed the system to alleviate fuel poverty in high-rise tower blocks, said: “This is the fourth major award EcoPod has won in 2012, and it’s further recognition that it is a genuinely innovative solution in the fight against fuel poverty.
“The EcoPod was specifically created to alleviate fuel poverty in high-rise tower blocks, and I am immensely proud of what we have managed to achieve in a relatively short period of time.”
Since the first installation took place in Hyde, Greater Manchester, two years ago, the EcoPod has become firmly established as a market leader.
Leading integrated support services company Carillion recently announced plans to install EcoPod systems across Birmingham after it was named as the preferred bidder for the Birmingham Energy Savers (BES) scheme.
Mr Rimmer added: “This is a real game changer for Belfry and our newly-formed company EcoPod Heating Systems Ltd.”
Almost 600 people gathered for the Sustainable Housing Awards at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, which was hosted by author, adventurer and national institution Brian Blessed.
Jess McCabe, from the Sustainable Housing Awards, said: “Social landlords have continued to lead the way on sustainability in housing.
“They have been fuelling some of the most ambitious green, affordable projects in the country, and showing that green housing isn’t just eco bling for millionaires.
“Already a number of landlords are working to become the first providers of energy saving home retrofits, under the green deal. Our annual awards recognise the best of the best.”
