Southwark recycling facility recognised for innovation at industry awards

The awards, which are sponsored by Letsrecycle.com, were hosted by TV broadcaster and journalist, Jon Snow, who maintains a strong interest in environmental matters.

Completed in December 2011,  the facility, which is operated by Veolia Environmental Services on behalf of Southwark Council, was praised for both its innovative approach to sustainability and complementing  the urban location in which it is set.

Simon Bussell, Managing Director for Veolia Environmental Services in Southwark said: “This is a wonderful achievement for Veolia, our key partners Southwark Council and VolkerFitzpatrick; we are delighted that the design of this state-of-the-art facility has been recognised through these prestigious awards. A great deal of thought, planning and hard work went into the creation of this integrated waste management facility; with key focus being to minimise environmental impacts on our neighbours and also maintain biodiversity and sustainability features. We are all very pleased to receive this award in recognition of this achievement.”

Cllr Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling, said: "We're really proud of the centre and it’s great that its clever design has been recognised in this way. What makes it so unique is that we are able to meet all of our recycling needs within the boundaries of our own borough. This keeps the carbon footprint from collection of rubbish even lower, and goes long way towards us meeting our waste recycling targets. Hopefully this will encourage more local authorities to look to the future and work in partnership to create more plants like this one."

Keith Maplethorpe, Development Director for VolkerFitzpatrick; who were the main constructor of the facility commented:” We are thrilled to be associated with this award; this was an incredible project and we are immensely proud of what has been achieved at this site. This flagship facility in the heart of London will continue to divert thousands of tonnes of London’s waste away from landfill for many years to come.”

Key design features include:

• The facility’s architecture is designed to sit discreetly in its surroundings; the exterior makes use of neutral colours and a pleasing curved roof structure.

• State-of-the-art technology is used to deal with recyclables and waste.

• Operational entrances face away from nearby housing.

• Negative pressure within the facility to draws dust and odours back into the building for neutralisation and treatment.

• Quiet, rapid shutting fabric doors help to contain noise, dust and odours.

• Landscaping with 100 new trees and 10,000 new shrubs creates a ‘green’ corridor to promote health and wellbeing.

Sustainable design features include:

• 25% of materials used in construction were recycled or reclaimed.

• Solar panels provide 20% of the energy for the education centre.

• Sedum roof matting, bat and bird boxes and stag beetle logs help promote biodiversity.

• Grey and rain water systems.

The facility supports a full suite of waste treatment processes, from collection to recovery, offering maximised diversion from landfill, and a significantly lowered carbon footprint.