Entries open for 2013 Concrete3 Sustainability Awards

Media Release: 16 July, 2013

Entries open for 2013 Concrete3 Sustainability Awards

The Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand’s (CCANZ) 2013 Concrete3 Sustainability Awards are now open for entry, offering those in the construction industry the chance to be recognised for their sustainable achievements. 

In its sixth year, the awards are open to anyone – from architects, designers and engineers to contractors, builders and clients.

CCANZ Chief executive Rob Gaimster said it is crucial that the industry’s successes in contributing to sustainable development are recognised and celebrated.

“The Concrete3 Sustainability Awards acknowledge those within the construction industry who have adopted sustainability as a core business strategy. These awards give entrants the opportunity to share their knowledge and experience with their peers, while at the same time highlighting their achievements,” Mr Gaimster says. 

The Concrete3 Sustainability Awards encourage responsible design, build and operating practices across environmental, economic and social considerations.

There will be five categories from which a supreme winner will be selected: Excellence in Residential Concrete Construction, Excellence in Commercial Concrete Construction, Excellence in Civil Concrete Construction, Excellence in Concrete Innovation, and Excellence in Concrete for the Community.

“Examples of sustainability come in all shapes and sizes, from the smallest residential job to a multi-million dollar civil project,” Mr Gaimster adds.

The 2012 Supreme Award went to Athfield Architects for its extensive refurbishment of the new Christchurch Civic Building on Hereford Street - a transformation of what was the New Zealand Post Building into an architectural statement that adds tremendous value to Christchurch.

Mr Gaimster says the judges applauded Athfield Architects for the way in which significant changes were made to the existing concrete building, creating spectacular work and interactive spaces without losing the original architectural and industrial heritage.

“This is a truly outstanding example of adaptive reuse, one which demonstrates the flexibility of concrete as a sustainable construction material,” says Mr Gaimster. “It continues the emerging trend in New Zealand of optimising resources and enhancing the built environment through the innovative refurbishment of our existing concrete building stock.”

The 2013 Awards entries will be judged on any of the following criteria:

·         Lean production, less waste

·         Managing natural resources

·         Minimising energy use

·         Protecting against pollution

·         Respect for people

·         Setting performance targets

Entries remain open until Friday, 30 August 2013. Entry information and forms can be found at www.sustainableconcrete.org.nz. The winner will be announced at a presentation at the 2013 New Zealand Concrete Industry Conference, 04 October 2013 in Queenstown.

ENDS

© Scoop Media