North London Waste Authority (NLWA) is proud to announce that EcoPark House, its education and community centre at Edmonton EcoPark, has won the Social Infrastructure Project of the Year at the British Construction & Infrastructure Awards (BCIA) 2025.
The award recognises outstanding contributions to social value, sustainability, and community engagement in infrastructure delivery. EcoPark House, which officially opened in June 2025, is part of the North London Heat and Power Project (NLHPP) and exemplifies NLWA’s commitment to building public infrastructure that serves both environmental and educational purposes.
The centre provides a vibrant space for schools, community groups, and the Edmonton Sea Cadets, offering hands-on learning about recycling, waste prevention, and the circular economy. Since the start of the year, it has welcomed over 900 visitors, including students and local residents, who have praised its engaging educational programmes and sustainable design.
Cllr Clyde Loakes, Chair of NLWA, said: “This achievement is a testament to NLWA’s commitment to delivering sustainable, community-focused infrastructure that not only educates and inspires but also serves as a vital hub for local engagement. At EcoPark House, we’ve created a place where sustainability is not just practiced but taught—ensuring future generations are equipped to lead environmental change. We’re incredibly proud of everyone who helped bring this project to life.”
Designed by Grimshaw Architects and delivered by contractor Taylor Woodrow, EcoPark House is an off-grid, eco-conscious facility powered by solar panels and ground-source heat pumps. The building achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating, which reflects strong performance in areas like energy, materials, ecology, and wellbeing — and reinforces NLWA’s commitment to sustainable development. It features a brown roof, rainwater harvesting system, and energy-efficient design elements that reduce carbon emissions by over 200 tonnes annually and save approximately £117,000 in operating costs each year.
Katy Jones, Section Manager at Taylor Woodrow said: "We are thrilled to receive this award which recognises the outstanding collaboration and dedication of our team in delivering a pioneering, sustainable EcoPark House. We’re incredibly proud of our small building with its big impact and lasting legacy."
EcoPark House is the final building to be completed at the south of the Edmonton EcoPark site. Construction continues on the new Energy Recovery Facility at the north of the site, which will replace the ageing energy-from-waste plant and further enhance NLWA’s capacity to deliver sustainable waste services to over two million residents across north London.
For more information about EcoPark House and NLWA’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.nlwa.gov.uk.
