On the day the United Nations called for communities across the world to focus on tackling climate change, winners of the Government’s awards for sustainable communities demonstrated excellence in promoting the natural environment and achieving a low carbon economy.
The Creating the Future Awards recognise outstanding achievement in the delivery of sustainable communities. The scheme, now in its second year, is organised by ASC on behalf of Government.
The 2008 winners were announced at an awards ceremony on 5th June – which was also World Environment Day, one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment.
On the day the United Nations called for communities across the world to focus on tackling climate change, winners of the Government’s awards for sustainable communities demonstrated excellence in promoting the natural environment and achieving a low carbon economy.
The Creating the Future Awards recognise outstanding achievement in the delivery of sustainable communities. The scheme, now in its second year, is organised by ASC on behalf of Government.
The 2008 winners were announced at an awards ceremony on 5th June – which was also World Environment Day, one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment.
The overall winner and recipient of 'The Co-operative Award for Excellence' was the River Nene Regional Park (RNRP). Established in 2003, RNRP aims to create a green infrastructure network of environmental projects across Northamptonshire.
It works with businesses and other local organisations to help them see the natural environment as an essential, integral part of any community, offering access to funding and guidance on best practice in tackling green issues. Innovative developments, such as a landscape character assessment planning tool, improve place-making and have been influential in guiding the growth of several Northamptonshire towns.
For 2008, ASC introduced new categories, including Low Carbon Development. The winner of this category was Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership. The partnership has more than 70 member bodies that are all working towards a sustainable future for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, a region that suffers severe deprivation, particularly in terms of fuel poverty and education.
Since its creation in 2001, the partnership has achieved carbon reductions in more than 6,000 homes, set up home health projects offering free insulation in energy-deprived areas and supported renewable energy projects such as the UK’s first commercial wind farm in Delabole. Technical innovations include using the UK’s first retro-fit ground source heat pump installations in social housing to help households benefit from affordable low-carbon heating.
Gill Taylor, ASC Chief Executive, said:
“It was fitting that on World Environment Day, this country could demonstrate a number of community projects that are leading the way in promoting green space and tackling environmental issues. These projects are excellent because they don’t tackle green issues in isolation and recognise that sustainability must be combined with social and economic goals.
“On behalf of ASC, I would like to congratulate River Nene Regional Park and the other category winners. In the coming months, we will be promoting these excellent projects as we continue to support people to learn from practical examples of innovation and commitment.”
The 2008 category winners are:
Bringing People Together, sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Housing – This Is Not A Gateway, London
Innovative Engagement, sponsored by Harworths Estates – U Decide, Newcastle
Inspiring Young People, sponsored by English Partnerships – Young People’s Voice @Allsorts LGBTU Youth Project, Brighton
Low Carbon Development, sponsored by NHBC – Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Mixed Community, sponsored by Spawforths – Transformation of Northmoor, Manchester
Schools and the Community, sponsored by Specialist Schools and Academies Trust – Marlowe Academy and Newington Estate, Ramsgate
Vision for Place, sponsored by Sovereign Housing Group – River Nene Regional Park, Northamptonshire
Special Recognition – One Brighton, Brighton
More than 150 public, private and third sector organisations submitted entries to the 2008 awards, with 31 projects shortlisted. The winners were announced at an evening awards ceremony in London in front of 460 people from across the sustainable communities sector.
