Birmingham
’s first eco neighbourhood scheme in Summerfield has been awarded a national prize for demonstrating excellence in promoting and encouraging best practice in sustainability. The project, a partnership of Summerfield residents, Be Birmingham’s Environmental Partnership, Family Housing Association, Birmingham City Council and the Urban Living pathfinder was ‘highly commended’ by the UK’s GovNet Communications Sustainable Development UK Conference earlier this month (March).
This award follows on from the Summerfield partnership’s 2008 success during which it won the public sector category at the National Energy Efficiency Awards, with judges commending its work as ‘a fantastic partnership approach’.
Summerfield Eco Village is the largest single renewable technology retrofit project in the UK. The ambitious regeneration programme has used a range of renewable technologies which have reduced energy usage and fuel poverty amongst households with low incomes. It has also provided training and employment opportunities for local citizens through placements made available by local company New World Solar.
Keith Budden, Be Birmingham’s Environmental Partnership Manager said “It’s great that Summerfield Eco Neighbourhood has been recognised for the work it has done to promote sustainability and renewable technologies to local residents. Birmingham is well on the way to becoming the UK’s first sustainable city and partnership working is helping us to achieve that.”
Tim Sewell, Chief Executive of Family Housing added “It is fantastic to gain such prestigious recognition yet again for the eco neighbourhood project and we would like to thank the local residents and our partners in making it such a success. An independent evaluation proves the positive impact the project has had in the area and we have now expanded into other parts of the city, helping more people benefit from the renewable technology and cut down on their fuel bills.”
Steve Lilley, Director of Programme & Performance for Urban Living said: “This is a great example of eco-regeneration which has seen the transformation of old Victorian properties into large eco-friendly family homes.”
For more information on the Summerfield Eco Neighbourhood Scheme please contact Lisa White at Family Housing Association on 0121 766 1144 or email lwhite@family-housing.co.uk. Alternatively, contact Be Birmingham’s Environmental Partnership manager, Keith Budden, on 0121 464 9169 or email keith.budden@birmingham.gov.uk