A programme to install green roofs in the City of London has won at the United Kingdom and Ireland’s most prestigious planning awards.
The City of London Corporation’s green roof initiative, which has seen over 60 installed, won in the Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment category at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2017 The Awards for Planning Excellence are the most established and respected awards in the UK planning industry.
Over 60 green roofs have been created in the Square Mile, including the ones at the Barbican, the Museum of London and the Grade I listed Guildhall, as part of a City of London programme to help address flood risk, mitigate climate change, improve biodiversity and provide new green spaces for people to enjoy.
Nick Raynsford, former planning and housing minister and Chair of the Judging Panel, said: “Planners were front and centre on this project, ensuring strong sustainability outcomes. Despite the small residential population in the City of London, the planners worked hard to ensure strong community involvement. It shows an excellent example of how taking a long term view of a project can allow you to overcome resistance and achieve results.”
Running for over 40 years, the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society. This year saw a nearly 40% increase in entrants and the judges shortlisted 90 finalists across 13 categories.
Andrew Jones, Practice Leader Design, Planning + Economics at AECOM said: “AECOM is proud to be a headline sponsor once again of the RTPI’s Awards for Planning Excellence. Those recognised tonight illustrate the best of the planning profession and demonstrate the impact we have on quality and delivery in every area of the built environment. On behalf of AECOM I would like to extend our congratulations to all of the commendations and winners.”
David Jackson, Head of Planning, Savills said: “Savills is delighted to be a headline sponsor of the RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence. The winners this year reflect the positive impact planning has on our communities across the UK, Ireland and internationally through projects, plans and people. I’d like to congratulate all of those short-listed for awards and the category winners on behalf of the team at Savills.”
The Royal Town Planning Institute champions the power of planning in creating prosperous places and vibrant communities. It represents over 24,000 members worldwide, supporting them throughout their careers. The Institute shapes planning policy, raise professional standards and is the only body in the UK to confer Chartered status to planners, the highest professional qualification.
