Merseyside housing association Helena Partnerships has received a 2011 International Green Apple Environment Award in recognition of its Passivhaus community facility the Green Base.
The Awards, which celebrate companies, councils and communities carrying out projects that enhance the environment, were held at the House of Commons in November and attracted more than 500 nominations this year.
The judges’ citation commended the Green Base in Thatto Heath, St Helens, as an outstandingly sustainable building being used for operational, community and volunteer development purposes and training. The eco-friendly building provides a community hub for learning about horticulture and the green agenda and is home to Helena’s Green Space Service. It is one of just a handful of buildings in the country to reach the Passivhaus global standard of energy efficiency, offering energy savings of around 90%.
Helena’s Green Space manager Liz Ackerley said: “It’s a real honour to have our work recognised with such a prestigious international award. We’re incredibly proud of the Green Base and will continue to work in partnership with tenants to create a more sustainable future for local communities.”
The Awards are run by The Green Organisation, a not-for-profit group that promotes environmental best practice around the world.