Straw Bale site among the best in the country

Straw Bale project is in the running for Considerate Constructors Scheme National Site Awards 2012.

The site scored 36 and 37 points during CCS assessments which put it in the top 10 percent of sites in the country. Notably, the project was awarded the highest marks of 5 points in “environment” and “responsible” categories. This proves that Carter Homes has taken exceptional and unique measures and we were working to a very high standard.

During Straw Bale project we have developed good relationship with the neighbours and local community. We promoted straw bale construction method by organising open days and visits for representatives from building industry. We also organised a competition for a local school in Martin, training days for college students and health and safety talks.

Matthew Chamberlain, Carter Homes Construction manager, said: “We are delighted to hear that straw bale site in Martin is nominated for CCS award. Carter Homes is a long-term participant in the scheme and this nomination proves our commitment to being a considerate constructor.”

The site was recognised for maximising opportunities for reusing and recycling. For example early installation of water harvesting system allowed recycling water for site use.

Carter Homes shortlisted as finalist for the 2011 Sustainable Housing Awards

We have been shortlisted in the Low energy social housing project of the year category of The Sustainable Housing Awards 2011, organised by Inside Housing magazine and its sister publication Sustainable Housing.

This awards scheme focuses on the best “green” social housing projects constructed in the UK, and the organisations responsible for them. The trophies will be presented at a suitably “eco” awards ceremony at the Hilton Hotel in London’s Park Lane on Friday 21st October.

Steve Forster, Carter Homes General Manager and Director said: “This is another nomination for this project which has already been recognised regionally during LABS East Midlands Awards. East Row dwelling proves that affordable housing can be green and embrace the values of low carbon living.”

Nick Duxbury, Editor of the Sustainable Magazine said: ‘Now in their fourth year, the Sustainable Housing awards 2011 have, once again, been inundated with entries from the leading green organisations featuring the most innovative and impressive projects in the UK. It is a fantastic achievement for Carter Homes to be shortlisted in the face of such fierce competition. We are thrilled to be able to host the awards ceremony that recognises the work of the housing sector’s sustainable pioneers.’

Last year nearly 600 people attended the event. This year’s event will be hosted by comedian, actor and keen climate change campaigner Marcus Brigstocke.

For further information contact about East Row project click here.

If you want to find out more about the awards, the judges and each of the finalists go to insidehousing.co.uk and click on the events section.

Carter Homes praised at LABC awards

Eco house constructed by Carter Homes in South Somercotes has won LABC East Midlands 2011 award in “Best individual dwelling” category.

The ceremony was held at Mariott Hotel in Leicester on 20 May 2011.

Steve Forster, Carter Homes General manager and director, collected the award from David Smith, Chairman of East Midlands Region LABC.

Steve said: “We are very pleased and honoured to have won the LABC award. This award puts South Somercotes project among the best in our region and in the country.

“The eco home was built and designed to the highest standards. It showcases the best practice in the construction of affordable housing."

The award gala, hosted by TV presenter Lucy Kite, celebrated the achievements of the whole construction industry in East Midlands.

Green project up for a chance to win LABC Award

Development in South Somercotes, which was build to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5, has been shortlisted for 2011 LABC East Midlands building Excellence Awards.

The project was nominated in the “Best individual dwelling”  and "Best sustainable development" categories. The winners will be announced on 20th May 2011 during the black tie event in Leicester.

Steve Forster, Carter Homes General manager and director said: “The nomination proves that Carter Homes is a constructor of high quality developments. We are pleased to see that our commitment to deliver innovative projects is being recognised by professional bodies such as LABC.”

Carter Homes is also working on such “green projects” as Straw Bale homes in Martin and Cutting Carbon 2Gether initiative in South Witham. For more information about any of these developments go to Eco-projects section of our webpage.

Eco home receives more interest

South Somercotes Level 5 eco house built by Carter Homes has been featured on CNN Europe webpage.

Our project is one of six developments from UK which have been chosen to demonstrate the advantages of low carbon homes and sustainable living. The article can be found at: http://bit.ly/fjwNzs

Carter Homes is proud of putting our environmental expertise in practice by working on schemes such as South Somercotes Level 5 and straw bale homes. For more information about these developments please visit Eco Projects section of our webpage.

We are currently using our knowledge on research project in South Witham which will provide insight into refurbishing old properties and converting them into low carbon homes.