Black Country Housing Director voted Green Champion

Wednesday 4th November 2009

Richard Baines, Director of Sustainable Development at Black Country Housing Group (BCHG) has won one of the UK's most prestigious environmental awards.

Richard was voted Green Social Housing Champion in the national 2009 Sustainable Housing Awards organised by Inside Housing magazine.

TV news presenter Jon Snow presented Richard with his trophy at an eco-themed awards ceremony in front of 600 delegates at the Hilton Hotel in London's Park Lane as one of six finalists in his category.

Delegates comprised senior figures from the social housing sector including representatives of Government departments and chief executives of leading social housing providers.

Richard was honoured for his commitment, enthusiasm and pioneering achievements within the sector over more than two decades. His work has included world-first trials of space-age fuel-cell-based CHP (combined heat and power) systems in social housing.

At a practical level Richard is co-author of the Sustainable Inclusive Design Standard, developed in partnership with ergonomics specialist Ergonova and health sector champion Medilink West Midlands.

He led the team in demonstrating the standard's principles by transforming a derelict terraced house in West Bromwich into the ground-breaking i-House, which features the latest technologies offering sustainable living for all.

In 1998 he undertook two successful Energy Services Company (ESCo) feasibility studies funded by the Energy Saving Trust, which resulted in Energyextra, a partnership of 12 housing associations led by BCHG that provides energy saving services to tenants countrywide.

Richard Baines said: "It's wonderful to be honoured by the social housing sector in this way. I owe my success to colleagues past and present who have guided me and supported me in my efforts, and especially to the BCHG Board and Chief Executive who have had the confidence and foresight to support these risk-laden initiatives."

Ted Stevens, Inside Housing's events director and the organiser of the awards added: "Richard's contribution to green living has been brilliant and his award is well deserved. He has been helping Britain to lead the way in sustainable housing and innovative building techniques."

Richard Baines' award was sponsored by Sitex Orbis. The other finalists were Paul Davis from Wates Living Space, Sally Hancox from Gentoo Group, Terry Keech from Calford Seaden, Inger Leach from Plus Dane Group and Haf Roberts from Grwp Gwalia Cyf.

Posted by 0 for Black Country Housing Group Ltd.