The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Awards 2016 took place at Belfast City Hall on Friday 4th March 2016.
Killynure Green in Carryduff won the Sustainable Development of the Year. Killynure Green is a pioneering housing development and is one of the most energy efficient in the country. As the first scheme designed to meet Level 5 of The Code for Sustainable Homes, this scheme is one of the most sustainable in the country. Killynure Green incorporates energy efficient building fabric including the ‘Fabric First’ approach and provision of renewable technologies such as PV solar panels and mechanical heat ventilation heat systems which will reduce running costs of the property for tenants and rain water harvesting which will assist in water conservation.
The scheme of 39 homes is the largest social housing development built in Carryduff for several decades, meeting vital housing need, and has been designed to show how higher standards can be achieved without taking a radical approach to construction, which Choice hope can inspire future developments. Well done to the development team involved and our partners; Architect- PDP London, Structural & Civil Engineer- Ian Black Consulting Environmental Services Consultant- Caldwell Consulting, Code Assessor- Eight Associates, Cost Consultant- Consarc Quantity Surveyors, Landscape Architect- The Paul Hogarth Partnership, Contractor- GEDA Construction.With special mention to Brian Rankin, Energy Manager, and Jayne McFaul, Development Officer who were key to this development and its success.
The Supporting Integration category was won by our Root Soup initiative in partnership with L’Arche. Root Soup is a social enterprise that brings together people who have learning disabilities and people who are homeless to learn and grow as individuals. The overall vision is that, through partnership and by sharing resources and expertise, Root Soup will become a dynamic social enterprise that is part of an overall “Field to Fork” initiative, offering training and employment opportunities across the food chain.
In addition to our winning nominations, Laura Moore, Housing Officer, was announced as Post Graduate of the Year by Ulster University. Laura O’Dowd, Choice Tenant and Client Services Committee member was also announced as Housing Professional of the Year. At Choice, we value the contribution of experienced and qualified individuals on our Board and staff, and this year the CIH Awards provided us with plenty of reasons to celebrate.
It was a very successful night for Choice, showcasing how, as the largest association in Northern Ireland that we are leading change and doing things differently in the social housing movement.
Congratulations to all the winners at the CIH Awards 2016!
