Soldiers using Nesscliff Training Area in Shropshire are among the first to benefit from new carbon efficient accommodation, delivered as part of the £45m Net Carbon Accommodation Programme (NetCAP).

The programme is being part-funded using £35 million from a £200 million investment to improve Armed Forces accommodation with more than £35 million of this funding, into this nationwide programme aiming to improve facilities for troops when they are training away from their permanent barracks.

Three of 38 new carbon efficient accommodation blocks, providing more than 1,700 bed spaces, have been installed at Nesscliffe, which is the second site to be given the upgrade behind Westdown on Salisbury Plain, and was carried out by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), working with industry partner Landmarc Support Services and its contractor Reds10.

Brigadier Jonathan Bartholomew, DIO’s head of the Overseas and Training Region said they were proud of the work carried out.

He added: “DIO supports our Armed Forces by providing what they need to live, work and train.

"Working closely with our industry partner, Landmarc, and Reds10 we are proud to have delivered the first new accommodation blocks on time and during the current climate.

"These new buildings are modern, flexible and efficient and will support troops on exercise, providing them with the high-quality accommodation that they expect and deserve.”

The blocks have an Energy Performance Certificate rating of –5, thanks to air source pumps and rooftop solar panels, generating power for the site and reducing electricity costs while reducing embodied carbon by 30 per cent at Nesscliff.

The buildings range in size as required, typically providing up to 46 bed-spaces each, which can be subdivided as needed. This innovative design means that different military units, whether trained soldiers or cadets, male or female, can be accommodated within the block together.

The manufacture and installation process took 13 weeks for the three buildings at Nesscliff. Installation on site took about a month, minimising disruption for training troops compared to traditional construction.

Labour was locally sourced, helping to reduce the carbon footprint and boost local economies by providing 400 jobs across the programme, 150 of which were new.

Mark Neill, managing director at Landmarc, said: “The welfare of the troops that use the estate is our top priority and the accommodation facilities are a key contributor in delivering the best possible training experience.

“We are therefore delighted to work with DIO and Reds10 to deliver a programme that will not only support the government’s commitment to improving living accommodation for our Armed Forces but will also provide a highly energy efficient solution that will help DIO meet its long-term carbon reduction commitments.”