The National Federation of Builders was delighted to win a prestigious Green Apple award for its role in promoting the sustainability agenda in the built environment. The awards were presented at a ceremony inside the ancient walls of the Tower of London.
The Green Organisation is an independent environment group dedicated to promoting the positive side of environmental endeavour. The organisation’s Built Environment Awards have become an important annual event to recognise the efforts to preserve and enhance our architectural heritage. Entries came in from all over the world and numbered around 500, yielding 50 award winners in several categories.
The NFB won the National Silver Award for Green Practices. It was presented by actress Carol Royle and received by NFB External Affairs Director Sameena Thompson.
Julia Evans, Chief Executive of the NFB said: “The financial, environmental and social benefits of the NFB’s provision were all taken into account for the award, and I am very proud of our training team which developed the materials and projects and led on the regular workshops to raise understanding.
“Our planet’s future lies in our hands, and it is up to all of us to play a part in building an ecologically sustainable environment. I am proud that our builders are playing a part in that, and my thanks go to the Green Organisation for their unrelenting passion to recognise and encourage all our efforts.”
The NFB was applauded for its work with its members, including BuilderScrap itself awarded the Green Apple award in 2008. Wirral based firm BuilderScrap operates a website to help builders recycle their surplus materials.
Following a comprehensive survey of its members into the sustainability of their business, the NFB used the results to inform its policy and actively lobby the government to prioritise sustainability legislation and to help mitigate the costs to house builders of meeting them.
Also recognised were the NFB’s flagship training courses, such as Eco-Refurbishment, and its practical advice and support lines providing technical advice on the latest sustainable and environmentally friendly building techniques, as well as regular and informative policy updates.
The award also took into consideration the NFB’s project to transform the future of the Isle of Wight - the ‘Island Construction Forum’ – which brought together local contractors, architects, surveyors and engineers to develop a working consensus on how to achieve a carbon-neutral Eco-Island.
For further information on the NFB please contact marketing@builders.org.uk
