McAleer & Rushe are pleased to announce two of their projects have been shortlisted in the 2024 ESG Edge Awards. In its inaugural year, Property Week’s 2024 ESG Edge Awards recognises achievements that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental, social and governance principles and drive positive change throughout the property industry.
The shortlisted projects and categories are as follows:
- ESG New-Build Project of the Year (Small): Plot K1 Canada Water.
- Excellence in Site Regeneration: St Crispin’s House, Norwich with client GSA – Global Student Accommodation.
The ESG Edge Conference and Awards will be held on Tuesday 12th November at the Hilton Bankside, London.
A model of sustainable construction and social commitment, Plot K1 is the first completed building in the 53-acre Canada Water Masterplan, delivering 79 affordable homes for Southwark Council, with 60 designated as council homes.
The project achieved a net zero embodied carbon, accomplished with the use of pre-cast brick slip panels, GGBS within the concrete and EAF steel within plant enclosures and walkways. Plot K1 achieved an astonishing 866.4% Biodiversity Net Gain, surpassing its 10% target, and is fully electric, fossil-fuel free, water-efficient and has been built to a zero-waste plan. The project received a perfect score of 45/45 in the Considerate Constructors Scheme, earning the team a Bronze accolade at the 2024 CCS National Site Awards.
With community at the core of this project, the team carried out several volunteering and repair works for the local Southwark charity, Bede House, engaged with local primary schools, and collaborated with conservation volunteers to support and enhance local woodland areas. Plot K1 not only sets a benchmark for sustainable and innovative construction, but also serves as a testament to the positive socio-economic impact and community engagement that define the Canada Water Masterplan’s vision for the future.
St. Crispin’s House (SCH) is an impressive purpose-built student accommodation property for 684 students in Norwich, repurposing a 1970’s office block to give it a new lease of life. Opened in September 2023, students benefit from on-site facilities including communal spaces, a gym, podcast studio, multi-purpose event room and both individual and collaborative study spaces.
By retaining the existing concrete structure, the project significantly reduced its environmental impact, shortened the development timeframe, and minimised disruption to the local community. The project saved 4,700 tonnes of embedded carbon and achieved a 13% carbon reduction against Part L 2013 targeted emissions through various sustainable practices including a highly efficient façade design, advanced aerothermal heating and cooling, and an air source heat pump and prefabricated bathroom pods.
Earning a Fitwel three-star accreditation and a perfect CCS score of 45/45, SCH exemplifies excellence in sustainable development, innovation, and positive community impact.
