WORK to construct carbon-negative buildings at a military base near Oswestry has helped three national firms win Military of Defence (MOD) awards.

Landmarc Support Services (Landmarc), the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and Reds10 have been recognised for their commitment to sustainable construction in the annual MOD Sanctuary Awards.

The award was announced on March 16 at a virtual event with Jeremy Quin, Minister for Defence Procurement and Lieutenant-general Richard Nugee, the MOD's climate change and Sustainability Lead, for a programme that led to the first carbon negative buildings at local Nesscliff Training Area, and the creation of over 400 jobs.

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The Net Carbon Accommodation Programme (NetCAP) is an army and government-funded initiative that will transform the lived experience for the armed forces by delivering around 40 new carbon efficient accommodation blocks, providing more than 1,700 bed spaces across the UK Defence Training Estate (DTE).

Accommodation will vary in size, providing beds, showers, ablutions and drying rooms all in one modern complex, removing the need for troops to move around different buildings.

The first carbon-efficient accommodation delivered through NetCAP was installed at Westdown Camp on Salisbury Plain last summer and achieved an A-rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of 12, thanks to air source heat pumps and rooftop solar panels providing the building's energy requirements.

However, by analysing data from SMART technology installed in the building, adjustments have since been made to deliver the Training Estate's first carbon negative buildings at local camp Nesscliff Training Area with an EPC ratings of -5 and a reduction in embodied carbon (tCO2) of some 130 tonnes.

These buildings will now generate extra power for the site, further reducing electricity costs and making a significant contribution to the government target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Mark Neill, managing director at Landmarc, said the award win would go a long way towards helping the government achieve its environmental goals.

He said: "We are delighted to receive this Sanctuary Award from the MOD, particularly when it's for work that is improving the living accommodation for our armed forces, while helping the Government meet its long-term carbon reduction goals.

"The accommodation is modern, smart and sustainable and will transform the welfare of troops using the estate to train.

"Its construction has also helped sustain some 16 UK SMEs during this challenging period, securing more than 400 jobs and boosting local economies."

Meanwhile Colonel Phil Cook of the UK Defence Training Estate added: "This investment in modern, carbon efficient accommodation will completely transform the training estate, making it a more sustainable place to live, work and train for our Armed Forces.

"NetCAP is just one of many improvements taking place across the DTE this year to ensure our troops have what they need to deploy on operations and return home safely.

"This recognition is well deserved."