Green living isn't just a burgeoning fashion, it's essential – around 30% of all carbon dioxide emissions in the UK comes from our homes. To help tackle climate change, the government has stated that all new homes must be zero-carbon by 2016. So, how is the housebuilding industry rising to the challenge? We look at three of the best new ‘eco’ developments on offer.
1. One Planet Living Community, Brighton - Crest Nicholson/BioRegional Quintain
Designed to be the most environmentally advanced development in the UK, the Brighton One Planet Living Community will occupy a derelict site on New England Street, close to Brighton train station.
One Planet Living (OPL) is a global, joint initiative between BioRegional and WWF, which aims to make sustainable living easy, attractive, and affordable.
A key goal of OPL is to achieve zero-carbon emissions, provide a zero-waste plan, use sustainable materials, implement sustainable transport solutions and apply measures to support local and sustainable food and wildlife.
Specific eco features at the Brighton site include an energy efficient, communal woodchip biomass boiler, supplied from local wood waste that currently goes to landfill. There will also be eight roof-mounted wind turbines and photovoltaic panels.
Residents will be able to grow their own food on-site, with roof-top allotments, roof gardens and integrated planters on balconies for growing edible plants. Partnerships will be established with local food providers and farms so that seasonal organic produce can be supplied to the residents.
The scheme will include a community centre that will house a number of charitable organisations and provide a resource for local people to use.
Construction of the 172, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including 54 units of affordable housing, is due to commence in August 2007, with the first properties going on sale later this year.
Contact Crest Nicholson South East on 01959 564 282, or visit the One Planet Living website.
2. St Mary’s Island, Chatham, Kent - Countryside Maritime
Once home to Britain’s first Royal Naval Dockyard, St Mary’s Island is now the site of a major redevelopment project. Covering a stretch of the Medway River, the development forms part of the wider Chatham Maritime Project.
The latest phases - The Fishing Village, Ventura, Northshore and Axis - have all been awarded an EcoHomes rating of either 'Good' or 'Very Good'. The EcoHomes award is an official assessment method that rates the environmental qualities of new homes.
Some homes are situated to increase passive solar gains (maximise natural light), with the potential for roof-based solar water heating (some of which the homes already have).
When finished, this new community will comprise 2,000 new homes covering 150 acres. There is already a 300-berth marina and riverside walks.
Homes at Axis - the latest phase - boast exterior weatherboarding from sustainably sourced cedar, providing an extra layer of insulation. Large windows ensure the main living areas are flooded with natural light, thus reducing the need for artificial light.
All properties are well insulated with CFC-free insulation to reduce heat loss. Dual-flush toilets and spray taps reduce water usage, and low-energy light fittings and high-efficiency condensing boilers with low nitrogen oxide emissions reduce energy use.
A network of footpaths and cycleways give priority to pedestrians and cyclists, helping to reduce car usage. Plenty of green spaces and special ‘wildlife corridors’ are being created to encourage wildlife on the island.
The scheme has won a number of awards in recognition of its eco-friendly approach, including ‘Best Sustainable Development’ at the What House? Awards.
Despite there being no shops or restaurants on the island as yet, there is a school, doctor’s surgery, community centre and church.
A range of two and three-bedroom terraced and semi-detached homes, and three and four-bedroom detached homes are available. Prices start at £249,950.
Contact Countryside Maritime on 01634 891 444, or visit the website.
3. Market Quarter, Chippenham - Linden Homes
Following the success of Fusion, Linden Homes’ flagship eco development in Woking, the firm is now creating Market Quarter with the aim of achieving an ‘Excellent’ EcoHomes rating.
The new homes at Market Quarter will use ‘state-of-the-art’ insulation, sustainable timber, highly energy efficient appliances to reduce fuel and water consumption, and low-energy lighting. Internal recycling ‘pods’ will be fitted in the kitchens for sorting domestic waste.
Linden is introducing ‘HomeZones’ to help improve the safety and appearance of the neighbourhood, and to encourage a community spirit. This includes meeting the needs of pedestrians and cyclists through traffic-slowing measures, and the creation of public open space.
Market Quarter will comprise 256 homes, ranging from one and two-bedroom apartments to three and four-bedroom family homes. The development is close to Chippenham town centre and the railway station.
Properties are currently for sale off-plan, with prices ranging from £137,995 to £259,995. Apartments in the first phase will be ready for occupation from June.
Contact Linden Homes on 0117 945 8435 or visit the website.
By Sarah Speight
This article was published on 22 March 2007