Accoya fenders have been recognised at the London Construction Awards (LCA). Circular design consultancy, 540 WORLD won the “Excellence in Sustainability – Product” category for the innovative Accoya wood fenders, designed for the Thames Estuary.
These fenders were developed for the Environment Agency’s TEAM2100 initiative by 540 WORLD in collaboration with Accsys. Notable contributions to their biodiverse design came from Glasgow University and King’s College London. Produced by International Timber and Jacobs Engineering, these fenders not only help manage flood defences in the Thames Estuary but also enhance local biodiversity. Special alcoves in the fenders support a diverse habitat for marine life and microorganisms.
The Environment Agency sought a resilient and durable alternative to tropical hardwood fenders that also prioritised sustainability. Accoya wood, being non-toxic, durability class 1, and Cradle to Cradle certified® at Gold level, proved to be the perfect choice.
The LCA judges praised the fenders for being an “impactful product that brings a number of wider innovative sustainability benefits.”
Chaline Church explained that for 540 WORLD, "the key benefit is that the Accoya fender exemplifies a regenerative circular design benchmark - that designing for positive impact is possible through Cradle to Cradle Certified products, and together we can create a circular world of good!"
“The Thames presents a challenging environment with its mix of brackish saltwater and active marine organisms that can rapidly degrade most wood types," adds Laura Keily, Head of Marketing at Accsys Technologies. "It's the ultimate endurance test for any wood product, and Accoya has consistently met expectations. Accoya's outstanding performance in such harsh conditions is helping to set new benchmarks for durability in the construction industry."
“Choosing materials that are sustainable and that consider the effects of their production on the environment is a key goal of our flood risk management program. Certification processes, such as the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program*, help achieve this and permit identification of materials that consider the effects of their production on the environment, minimise energy and water use, and aid social fairness. Finding a viable, sustainable substitute for tropical hardwood has been an important goal of ours,” states Dr. Jo Guy, of the Environment Agency’s TEAM2100.
