18 February 2008
WYG, international consultant to the built, natural and social environment has been recognised with a first place award in this year’s City of London Sustainable Cities Awards for its work on the Cockermouth Eco Centre in Cumbria.
In its fifth year, the awards acknowledge responsible organisations that put sustainability at the heart of their business strategy. WYG was originally shortlisted from over 120 entries for the Best Sustainable Building Category. This award, in association with the BRE and the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors, honours organisations who have shown a commitment to sustainability in the built environment and whose expertise have helped produce buildings which go the extra mile to protect the environment.
WYG’s expertise in sustainable design and construction was demonstrated in the award winning £1.25 million Cockermouth School Eco Centre in Cumbria. The Eco Centre is a unique and innovative multi-functional teaching facility, which was designed in consultation with students, teachers and parents, specifically to minimise its environmental impact and to act as a showcase for sustainable design. The judges of the Sustainable Cities Awards felt that the way in which sustainable development was woven into the fabric of the project from the very start was an inspiration for others to follow.
Stuart Cowperthwaite, Director, WYG commented on winning the award:
“We are delighted and incredibly proud that our work has been recognised by such a prestigious award. Commitment to sustainability is at the core of WYG’s business and the award winning Cockermouth Eco Centre is testament to this commitment. The project is environmentally, socially and economical sustainable, and benefits not only the school but Cockermouth and the wider Cumbria area. “
Simon Mills, Sustainable Development Co-ordinator, City of London Corporation commented:
“All winners of the awards were picked not only for recognition of their achievements in CSR, but also as worthy ambassadors in sustainable business practise. It’s our hope that other businesses will be inspired by the winners’ approach to sustainability. They have shown that it’s not enough to tick boxes in the annual report, but that real commitment is needed to achieve change.”