Time is running out for Oxfordshire businesses, committed to embracing a zero-carbon future, to enter the latest category in the EP:50 competition.
Energy Pathfinders: 2050 (EP:50) is a joint initiative between OxLEP and Oxfordshire Greentech, a business network supporting the growth of the low-carbon sector in Oxfordshire. It follows the publication of the county’s Energy Strategy in November 2019 and reflects the importance being placed on innovation by the UK government, especially in the run-up to COP26 in November.
Following the announcement of the competition’s first winner in April, EP:50 is currently receiving nominations for its second category and projects that represent transport and infrastructure.
Greencore Construction’s pioneering development of 25 high performance, low-carbon homes at Springfield Meadows in Southmoor was the winner of category one: built environment and communities.
Whilst entries to the current transport and infrastructure tranche might look different, Greencore’s project is an exemplar of the guiding principles EP:50 is looking for in its next winner.
The development boasts zero embodied carbon and is net-zero carbon in use, with the second phase being ‘Climate Positive’ – locking up more carbon than emitted and generating more energy than used – thanks to bio-based materials, photovoltaic panels, and energy sourced from a green provider.
Its ambitious scale-up plans also impressed the judges, with Greencore aiming to build 500 Climate Positive houses over five years, creating employment for people with a wide range of skills and backgrounds.
James Pritchett, Marketing Consultant for Greencore Construction, said: “We are delighted to have won the EP:50 award. We’ve worked with Bioregional’s One Planet Living 10-point framework from when we first purchased the site, to make sure we have the most positive impact on greener living – and to have that confirmed by the judges of EP:50 is absolutely fantastic.
“We’re looking forward to getting involved further in representing Oxfordshire’s green capabilities over the coming months.”
If you are working on a transport or infrastructure project with the potential to secure a greener Oxfordshire, then get your entry in.
Entries to EP:50 Category 2 close on 4 July.
