Pick Everard's growing reputation for affordable and sustainable building design takes centre stage this week at one of the most influential events on the construction industry's calendar.

As sustainability consultants and structural and civil engineers, Pick Everard is part of a design project team on The Creo Insulated Concrete Formwork Structure being exhibited at INSITE '09 at the BRE Innovation Park in Watford.

The aim of this innovative building is to highlight ways in which zero carbon buildings can be affordable, not just in terms of the materials used, but equally in terms of reduced energy consumption. The Creo House will have a space-saving, air source heat pump and solar water heating, low-energy lighting systems and photo-voltaic power generation systems.

Pick Everard environmental manager Andrew Bannister explains: "The Creo House brings the model zero carbon house another step nearer in the UK, not to mention new opportunities for the UK construction industry and more affordable housing for all. Pick Everard is proud to be contributing its expertise in sustainable building physics to this high profile project."

The Creo House gives professionals in the construction industry the chance to see the insulated concrete formwork (ICF) system uncovered and get a feel for how it works. An innovative low carbon concrete, that could play a significant role in UK's sustainable future is also being showcased, developed by fellow Leicestershire firm Aggregate Industries who had already developed a 'greener' concrete for the Olympic Delivery Authority, named The London Concrete, using a far higher proportion of recycled and waste materials than ordinary concrete.

Developed and constructed by Hungarian building specialist Creo Prekoncept, the four-storey apartment block - due for completion later this year - is constructed from ICF, meeting the UK Government's Code for Sustainable Homes, the standard with which all new-builds have had to comply since May 1, 2008. Replacing the former EcoHomes scheme, (devised by BRE), the code, which grades properties between Level 1 and 6 measures the overall sustainability of homes, incorporates minimum standards for energy and water consumption, providing buyers with essential information on projected energy costs, and builders with an official ecological comparison tool they can use to rate properties.

The mixed-use Creo House has been designed to meet the maximum Level 6 rating. It will also house a demonstration retail outlet on the ground floor, very typical of a mixed domestic/retail combination commonly seen in urban areas in mainland Europe. If considered a success, this welcome innovation could see several thousand others just like it being built across the country.

Other partners involved in the project include BASF and Buckingham Group.

About INSITE 09 - 1-4 June, 2009

Key annual conference for the architectural, engineering and construction industry, featuring keynote speakers, full-scale building showcases and interactive, indoor exhibitions. For more information on the event, go to: www.insite09.com

About BRE Innovation Park

Opened in June 2005 in Watford, the BRE Innovation Park is a showcase for a range of world-leading sustainable homes and buildings, with the emphasis on ecologically sound, low-impact design and construction. Designs and buildings are the result of the BRE working in partnership with some of the country's leading developers, house builders, architects and designers, acting as a "living" collection of examples of more then 300 construction innovations. For more information, go to: www.bre.co.uk/innovationpark

About Code for Sustainable Homes

The new star rating system has been in force since February 27, 2008. Since April 2007, the developer of any new home in England can choose to be assessed against the code. The code is part of the Government's plans to move towards zero carbon development by 2016. All new homes now have to provide a current rating.

About Insulated Concrete Framework (ICF)

This innovative build method uses expanded polystyrene hollow blocks, made of BASF's revolutionary insulation material NEOPOR®. These lock together to create a wall structure into which concrete is poured. Once set, the wall becomes a high-strength concrete frame structure, with the formwork remaining in place to provide insulation. This method can be used in walls, floors and roofs and is ideal for achieving upper levels Five and Six of the Sustainable Homes code

Email: helenwillson@mezzoconsultancy.co.uk