Council scoops two awards for environmental excellence
Lewes District Council has won two International Green Apple Environment Awards for Newhaven Fort and Stowe Place housing development.
Newhaven Fort scooped gold in the Beautiful Buildings category while Stowe Place was awarded silver in the Environmental Best Practice Awards category.
Councillor Emily O'Brien, Cabinet Member for Climate, Nature and Food Systems, said: "Winning not one, but two International Green Apple Awards is a brilliant achievement and a tremendous endorsement of our commitment to both environmental best practice and the very best new council housing. It's fantastic to see both Stowe Place and Newhaven Fort receive this prestigious international recognition."
Both projects were selected as winners from more than 700 entries across the world.
Historic Newhaven Fort, operated by Wave Active, has undergone a successful £7.5 million conservation project that was driven by a sensitive heritage approach, improving drainage and ventilation. The scheme also prioritised sustainability with electrical upgrades, energy efficient lighting and biodiversity enhancements like creating new habitats for bats. Additionally, an adventure playground was built to broaden the fort's appeal to a younger audience.
Duncan Kerr, CEO of Wave Active, said: "I am delighted that the sensitive and sustainable approach of this project has been so highly praised. This award is a testament to the commitment of everyone involved in maintaining Newhaven Fort's heritage for the enjoyment of generations to come.
"We are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the fort from February 14th, when it reopens after the winter break."
Stowe Place is a development of high-quality, affordable homes which opened on the site of a former police station in Newhaven last year. Each of the 21 homes at Stowe Place benefit from full electric heating, reducing carbon emissions; hot water is provided by either air source heat pumps or air-to-water heat pumps; PV solar panels on the roof generate renewable energy; mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is installed and the lighting is low energy. Nature is encouraged with bee bricks and a swift box.
The International Green Apple Awards are run by The Green Organisation, an independent, nonprofit group founded in 1994 to recognise, reward and promote environmental excellence worldwide.
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