COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION RECOGNISED IN MOD SANCTUARY AWARDS

Landmarc, working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Reds10 have been recognised for their commitment to sustainable construction in the annual Ministry of Defence (MOD) Sanctuary Awards. The award was announced on 16 March 2021 at a virtual event with Jeremy Quin, Minister for Defence Procurement and Lt Gen Richard Nugee, the MOD’s climate change and Sustainability Lead, for the first carbon-efficient accommodation delivered through the Net Carbon Accommodation Programme (NetCAP), which was installed at Westdown Camp on Salisbury Plain last summer. 

First modular accommodation at Westdown Camp

Pictured: Representatives from Landmarc, DIO and Reds10 at the opening of the first carbon-efficient accommodation at Westdown Camp on Salisbury Plain in the summer of 2020.

The Net Carbon Accommodation Programme (NetCAP) is an army and government-funded initiative that will transform the lived experience for our Armed Forces by delivering around 40 new carbon efficient accommodation blocks, providing more than 1,700 bed spaces across the UK Defence Training Estate (DTE). Accommodation will vary in size, providing beds, showers, ablutions and drying rooms all in one modern complex, removing the need for troops to move around different buildings.

At the time, the prototype on Salisbury Plain achieved an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of 12 thanks to air source heat pumps and rooftop solar panels providing the building’s energy requirements. However, by analysing data from SMART technology installed in the building, adjustments have since been made to deliver the Training Estate’s first carbon negative buildings at Nesscliff Training Area in Shropshire, Castlemartin Training Area in Pembrokeshire and Brunswick Training Camp in Surrey, with EPC ratings of -5, -7 and -9 respectively, and a reduction in embodied carbon (tCO2) of some 130 tonnes.

These buildings will now generate extra power for the site, further reducing electricity costs and making a significant contribution to the government target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Mark Neill, Managing Director at Landmarc, said, “We are delighted to receive this Sanctuary Award from the MOD, particularly when it’s for work that is improving the living accommodation for our Armed Forces, whilst helping the Government meet its long-term carbon reduction goals.

“The accommodation is modern, smart and sustainable and will transform the welfare of troops using the estate to train. Its construction has also helped sustain some 16 UK SMEs during this challenging period, securing more than 400 jobs and boosting local economies.”

Paul Ruddick, CEO of Reds10, said, “The entire Reds10 team are enormously thankful to be recognised at the Sanctuary Awards. We have come a long way since the Westdown Camp prototype: the NetCAP programme has continued to make good on its promise to create more energy than it uses. I’m proud to say that our unique approach to modular construction and SMART building technology, and our commitment to push boundaries, have been integral to the results we have seen in relation to the sustainability credentials of each accommodation block delivered. We look forward to seeing the troops enjoying the spaces in the years to come.”

Commander UK Defence Training Estate, Col Phil Cook, added, “This investment in modern, carbon efficient accommodation will completely transform the Training Estate, making it a more sustainable place to live, work and train for our Armed Forces. NetCAP is just one of many improvements taking place across the DTE this year to ensure our troops have what they need to deploy on operations and return home safely. This recognition is well deserved.”

The Sanctuary Awards recognise the outstanding contributions to sustainability and conservation across the Ministry of Defence (MOD) estate and were celebrated virtually on Tuesday 16 March this year due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.