MALVERN building firm Speller Metcalfe has received a top Green Apple award for a “heavenly” project.

The company from Enigma Business Park was presented with a gold standard Green Apple at the House of Commons for an eco-vicarage for the Diocese of Worcester.

The new-build property in Kingswinford, Dudley, which has been called the greenest home in the UK, contributes to the Church of England’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint by 80 per cent over the next few years.

Bill Cave, small works director at Speller Metcalfe said: “This is an absolute honour to not only win an award, but gain the highest accolade of gold. The project was exciting and challenging, but most of all it has become an environmental model for others to follow.

Now more than ever people need to realise the value of a sustainable home and how important it is to reduce our impact on the environment.

“The vicarage emits no carbon emissions whatsoever, and is built to the highest levels of energy efficiency and sustainability and is the first residential property in England to reach these standards.

“Heating bills at the property have been reduced by up to 90 per cent with thick insulation, triple glazed windows, solar and PV panels and a heat recovery system all playing their part in contributing to the energy efficiency of the house.

“The Green Apple Environmental Best Practise Awards have become established as one of the most popular environmental campaigns around the world, recognising significant achievement in promoting sustainability and best practice in the UK and overseas.”