Pupils from Ermine Street Church Academy were invited to discover more about sustainability at New Shire Hall at Alconbury Weald and plant new trees, donated by R G Carter, to add to the environmentally friendly landscaping surrounding the site.
R G Carter, one of the region’s leading construction firms, invited the Academy, and leaders from Cambridgeshire County Council and Urban & Civic, to plant native trees to mark the next stage in the project’s completion in combination with their centenary year. The visitors then took a tour of the site to discover more about the environmental infrastructure behind the new project.
Alconbury Weald New Shire Hall is a project being delivered by R G Carter for Cambridgeshire County Council to create new efficient work space and a new headquarters. Designed and built with the environment and its users wellbeing, at the heart of the development.
“We are extremely proud to be leading the development of this new modern and sustainable building at Alconbury Weald Hub,” said Rob Carter, Joint Manager Director at R G Carter. “We have worked closely with Cambridgeshire County Council, Urban & Civic and all the partners to design, develop and create a space that will both reduce the impact on the environment and provide a better place for people to live and work.”
Cllr Derek Giles, Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council said: “It is great that we can get local schoolchildren involved in the development of New Shire Hall, the civic hub for Cambridgeshire County Council. I am delighted that we can encourage them to plant trees and recognise why it is so important that we have an environmentally friendly landscape.”
The project has been delivered using the principles of the WELL Building standards which aim to make buildings healthier for all and includes easy access to nearby open spaces and increased levels of ventilation and natural light.
The site is designed with energy efficient measures that include 151 solar panels* and 22 electric car points, which will ensure a significant reduction in the carbon footprint of the hub, as well as considering the long-term well-being of the community, both physically and mentally.
The Headteacher of Ermine Street Church Academy welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the day and the project, stating: “Our children are the future of Alconbury Weald and they have gained much from learning about a building that looks to the future too.”