Council’s retrofit eco home shortlisted for two prestigious RICS awards

Unveiled in late November last year, the sustainable three-bedroom semi-detached eco home has garnered recognition in two categories at the RICS Regional UK Awards 2024:

• Refurbishment revitalisation: Recognising land or buildings that have undergone retrofitting for enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability.
• Public sector: Celebrating exceptional public sector projects, emphasising professionalism, teamwork, collaboration, achievements, innovation, and sustainability.

The RICS Awards spotlight the most inspirational initiatives in land, real estate, construction, and infrastructure, honouring outstanding achievements and teamwork.

Southend-on-Sea City Council's retrofit eco home features a variety of energy and water-saving innovations, aligning with the council's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. With approximately 40% of the council's carbon emissions originating from housing, retrofitting homes plays a crucial role in reducing environmental impact.

The Juniper Road home serves as an educational resource, showcasing effective technologies and practical applications for South Essex Homes residents and partners.

All shortlisted projects will undergo expert panel judging until April. RICS will host regional events in May and June to celebrate achievements and announce finalists for October's national event.

Councillor Meg Davidson, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, said: "I am delighted for everyone involved in our retrofit eco home on Juniper Road. This recognition by RICS showcases our dedication to pioneering sustainable solutions and acknowledges the tireless efforts and collaboration of our officers and everyone involved.

"Being shortlisted regionally amongst many other outstanding projects is a great achievement and we shall wait and see if we are put forward as a finalist for the national awards in October. We are celebrating these prestigious nominations because they affirm our commitment to a greener, more resilient future for our city."

For an in-depth look at the Juniper Road project, including interviews with the project team and the council's portfolio holder, please see our YouTube video. Additionally, a podcast featuring Ben Harrison, housing sustainability development officer for Southend-on-Sea City Council, is available now, offering insights into the Juniper Road show home project.

Published: 11th March 2024