Details of a new architectural sustainability award for Worcester have been announced.
The award is the brainchild of two Green Party politicians – Marjory Bisset and Karen Lewing – and forms part of the Worcestershire Society of Chartered Architects’ award scheme for 2024.
This is the first time the awards have featured prizes for conservation and sustainability.
The idea is to find a way to encourage architects and designers to consider sustainability and to design buildings that reduce their impact on our climate.
City council officers in the sustainability team helped by initiating discussions with the society.
Former joint city council leader Marjory Bisset said: “This is great news.
“Since 40 per cent of global carbon emissions come from the construction sector, and we are facing climate breakdown, every new building should emit as little carbon as possible and architects have a significant role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“We hope that this award will encourage architects to put sustainability first.”
Cllr Lewing, a current city councillor for the Arboretum ward and deputy group leader for the Greens, said: “As an architect, I know that the rapid decarbonisation of the built environment is possible with the best design approaches.
“As Worcester has a large number of listed buildings and conservation areas, I am also very pleased to see a new conservation award as it is really important that the design is sympathetic, preserves and enhances our historic city.
“The deadline for entry is 5pm on Monday, June 10. I look forward to seeing the entries in this year’s competition, which will celebrate and promote the work of the winners.”