We have received shortlistings in three categories, Sustainable Consultancy, Low Energy Housing and Sustainable Housing Retrofit in the Sustainable Housing Awards 2011.

The Sustainable Housing Awards focus on the best green social housing projects constructed in the UK and the organizations responsible for them. We are delighted to have received confirmation of having been shortlisted for three categories in their 2011 awards: bere:architects have been shortlisted in the Sustainable Consultancy of the Year category; the Larch House has been shortlisted in the Low Energy Social Housing Project of the Year category; and Passfield Drive has been shortlisted in the Sustainable Smaller Housing Retrofit Project of the Year category. The Sustainable Housing Awards are organized by Inside Housing magazine and its sister publication Sustainable Housing.

Sustainability is one of the most pressing issues affecting the social housing sector. The government is introducing its green deal scheme and forcing new build homes to be ‘zero carbon’ in order to achieve an 80 per cent cut in carbon emissions by 2050 and social landlords are at the forefront of this effort. We are fortunate to have worked with enlightened partners such as the United Welsh Housing Association and BRE and Southern Housing as well numerous private clients all recognizing Passivhaus as the way forward.

It is important that we build houses that reduce their tenant’s household energy bills and protect people from fuel poverty. Our buildings incorporate sustainable features in both the finished product and in the building process. We are striving for the perfect balance, incorporating greener methods of building and offering benefits to tenants through lower energy bills and improved comfort.

The awards will be presented during a green lunch to be held on 21st October 2011.