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New ecoDepot wins 'green' award
York City Council's state of the art ecoDepot has won a green award at the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Yorkshire and Humberside annual awards in Harrogate.
HBPW Consulting Ltd helped to construct the timber framed neighbourhood service directorate office off Hazel Court in James Street and was commended for its involvement in the project.
Construction company Carillion was also presented with an award for its role in the building of the pioneering structure, which houses the council body responsible for waste and recycling, highway maintenance and street cleaning.
The building was constructed using straw bale walls encased in lime render and supported by a timber frame. It has raft foundations which eliminate piling, further adding to its environmental credentials.
Paul Withers, head of HBPW Consulting, told the York Press: "The eco-building was an immense challenge, but it was one we rose to and I am sure it will remain a showcase and a model of best practice for organisations across the UK."
The building also includes solar panels to generate electricity and a feature for collecting rainwater from the roof which can then be used to wash vehicles.