CIBSE announces Carbon 60 winner

The winner of the competition to reduce carbon emissions from CIBSE’s headquarters buildings in Balham, London, by 60% is team from Fulcrum Consulting. Its members are Kate Crawford, Chani Leahong, Susie Woollett, David Frank and Nick Boid. It is planned that the winning submission will be implemented by CIBSE as part of the building refurbishment. The two buildings (a converted Victorian mansion and an adjacent 1980s multi-purpose conference centre) will become examplars of what can be achieved on a limited budget. This 60% reduction based on a realistic scheme corresponds to the target set by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution. The UK’s whole building stock will have to reach this target to fulfil commitments to help reverse climate change. A site report by Action Energy sets out its baseline energy consumption in September 2002 and shows that substantial cuts in emissions could be achieved through a series of relatively straightforward measures. The buildings’ projected energy consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions was assessed by the judges. Part of the skill of the entrants was to provide suitable evidence in the form of calculations or modelled assessments. Detailed calculations were required from the shortlisted candidates, as well as a costed and realistic plan of action. Runner up in the competition was a team from Operon’s Environmental Division of Genex. Nigel Banks of the University of Sheffield received a student commendation.