Modus in running for European retail award

Modus' Grand Arcade in Wigan has been shortlisted for a prestigious MAPIC retail award, due to be announced in Cannes next month.

Grand Arcade was nominated in the eco-initiative category, and is up against La Vache Noire by Multi Development France in Arcueil, South Paris; and Atrio in Austria, a scheme by SES Spar European Shopping Centres.

Manchester-based Modus aims to eventually make the 425,000 sq ft Wigan centre carbon neutral, partly by installing local systems such as a wind turbine, solar panels and green roof but also by investing in re-forestation projects and renewable energy developments around the world to offset carbon generation.

Modus also signed an agreement with the Carbon Neutral Company to devise a number of initiatives, which were screened and verified against the Carbon Neutral protocol.

During construction, 7,000 cubic metres of demolition materials were reused, saving 1,000 truck movements.

In addition to working with the TCNC, Modus included several design features within Grand Arcade to ensure that carbon levels are kept to a minimum:

• a green roof which can retain up to 75% of rainwater reducing flooding and retaining the pollutants in the soil. It also dramatically improves the insulation value in summer and winter months
• traditional air conditioning was replaced with a mechanical natural ventilation system to monitor indoor and outdoor temperatures, adjusting the angle of the vents to reach optimum level
• thermal glazing was used in the roof space for natural light and to reduce the need for indoor artificial lighting
• under floor heating was added to the upper part of the scheme, delivering the same results as conventional heating but at much lower temperatures and with a thermal store.

Anthony Kilbride, development director, Modus, commented: "We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award. It's a testament to everyone who has worked so hard over the last 18 months to ensure the success of Grand Arcade. As a team we're committed to the sustainability of the communities in which we work, and we're hoping to win this award which will be recognised by an international audience."

MAPIC 2008 takes place in Cannes from 19 to 21 November and is the European retail sector's main annual conference.