Green appears to be the new gold as ICP Network prove their super eco-friendly HQ – already dubbed the ‘Greenest IT HQ’ in Britain.
The IT and Networking specialists are rapidly making a new for themselves in the building industry after wowing judges at the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2014.
ICP Networks found themselves ranked alongside the big boys of the building game at the prestigious awards ceremony.
The Cheshire based business, who supply a host of new, recycled and legacy parts including Cisco switchers and routers, were proposed by local council Cheshire East for the LABC – Local Authority Building Control – Awards even though technically ICP Networks were both the client and project manager.
Humbling
ICP Networks MD Matt Archer, said: “It really was quite humbling to be nominated for the award in the first place. We are immensely proud of our new headquarters and everything we have achieved but to be nominated for our ‘expertise’ in converting the building was beyond our wildest expectations.
“Protecting the environment and considering the effects of our industry on the environment were primary thoughts in our mind when it came to considering the new headquarters but we also recognised in made more commercial sense to design a building that would be cost less to run.
“The two issues really run hand-in-hand for us, we take our responsibilities seriously but then why wouldn’t you if the results are going to be good for the environment and for us as a business?”
ICP Networks designed their new 16,500 sq ft global HQ from the ground up but with the specific brief of consider the environment, and ICP Networks impact on it, at every level.
Futuristic
The futuristic new building now boasts the largest solar panel installation in the North West, a giant 50kWp system that generates almost three times the amount of energy required to power the ICP Networks operation, modern lighting which saves more than 90% energy, a ventilation recovery system, Planitherm Argon Super Thermal Glass and super insulation which ensure the building stays warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
These innovations and the thought process behind the new renovation impressed East Cheshire Council so much they nominated ICP Networks for the LABC Building Excellence Awards.
Neutral observers may have argued that ICP Networks were always up against it in terms of taking home the honours considering they were placed into a category which included the likes of the £60 million Waters Mass development in Wilmslow, the £20 million Manchester Airport Air Traffic Control Tower and new £10 million ITV Drama Facility at Media City in the ‘Best Large Commercial Building’ category.
Inspiration
The £120 million Mann Island Development was crowned winner of the category but ICP Networks have been hailed as an inspiration for other businesses, showing what bold vision and determination can achieve.
Matt Archer, added: “To be even considered alongside the other projects that were shortlisted as finalists is almost beyond ridiculous. It was a tremendous honour and it wasn’t lost on us that we were there both as client and effectively building contractor!
“The project proves me with immense personal and professional satisfaction and the entire team at ICP Networks, led in particular by Bob Greaves who led the project with such enthusiasm, drive, skill and dedication encapsulates who we are as a business, as a team, as a family.
“We hope we may inspire other business to take equally proactive steps when it comes to transforming existing premises or moving to a new building, Thinking about the environment makes good common sense, for the environment and for you as a business.”
ICP Networks are poised to celebrate their first anniversary in their new Lexicon House HQ, a move that has not only seen them receive ZERO bills for any energy – gas or electricity – but has generated a cash RETURN from energy supplier E-ON. Experts predict the solar panel installation and other eco-saving devices will have paid for themselves within seven years.
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