Homes & Communities Agency announces first large scale zero carbon development
England’s first large-scale development to be built to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, has been given the green light to move ahead.
Barratt Developments Plc and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) have received planning permission to build 195 zero carbon homes as part of the Hanham Hall ‘eco village’ in South Gloucestershire. The eco village is part of the Carbon Challenge programme run by the HCA, the national housing and regeneration agency. The new homes will be constructed using energy efficient materials, with very high insulation standards to conserve energy and water use in a design by HTA Architects integrating buildings in a landscaped setting that benefits both residents and local wildlife.Materials from the existing buildings on the site will be recycled in the new development and heat from air extracted from the homes will be recycled. Rainwater will be harvested for use in homes and gardens and residents will have access to allotments and orchards to grow their own produce.
Housing Minister Margaret Beckett said: “Since our housing currently makes up a quarter of the UK’s carbon emissions, it's essential that the fight against climate change begins at home. This is why we’re making all new homes increasingly energy efficient, and zero carbon from 2016.”
“The Hanham Hall site shows that zero carbon new homes are becoming a reality. This will also be a real, sustainable community – showing that zero carbon homes help create attractive and sustainable places for people to live now and in future.”
Hanham Hall itself, a former hospital building, will be refurbished and transformed into a community centre for the neighbourhood. The centre will include a ‘sustainable living hub’ to help people become ‘greener’; with access to a crèche, café and a base for a car club. A community owned and run development trust will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the entire neighbourhood, including building maintenance, car sharing and gardening clubs.
Robert Napier, Chairman of the Homes and Communities Agency said: “As one of the HCA’s flagship schemes, this is about testing the highest level of the Code for Sustainable Homes and looking at innovative ways to achieve true sustainability. This will be the first large scale development in the country to be built to this high standard, demonstrating that while Level 6 is a challenge, it is one we must achieve if we are to prevent the impact of climate change and dwindling natural resources.”
Under the Code for Sustainable Homes, a new home’s sustainability is measured against nine categories of sustainable design. These include reducing energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions through use of new technologies; consideration of health and well being within communities and household management and steps implemented to minimise ecological impact. Other categories include water usage, materials used in construction and the environmental impact of sourcing them, making provision for surface water run off through adequate drainage systems, reduction in waste destined for landfill sites and reductions in pollution.Level 6 is achieved if a development scores a minimum of 90 out of 100 points across all nine categories defined by the Code, and includes mandatory requirements to be zero carbon and a design for water usage of 80 litres per person per day.
Mark Clare, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments PLC, said: “We are delighted to be building the first zero carbon community at Hanham Hall. There is no doubt that there will need to be significant changes in the way that homes are constructed to meet higher environmental standards; this project places us at the forefront of this important agenda.”
Work on site is due to start by the end of this year and the first homes are planned to be completed by 2010. The development will be the first created as part of the government’s Carbon Challenge programme, which aims to help the housebuilding industry fast track a number of developments that significantly reduce the impact on the environment, provide important lessons for delivering low carbon development and encourage people to live more sustainable lifestyles.
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Pilot Tidal Energy Scheme for North Wales Coast
Conwy County Borough Council has backed plans for a pilot tidal energy scheme off the North Wales Coast.
The £150 million scheme at Llanddulas in North Wales would provide a testing facility for turbine designers and manufacturers, and assess the environmental impact of turbines.
The project was given approval by the council as part of a strategic regeneration strategy for the Conwy coast, prepared by consultant Capita Symonds.
Paul Terry, Capita Symonds, said: "Tidal power will play a key role in providing a sustainable energy source for future generations. The North Wales coast is an ideal place for such a scheme as it’s blessed with a good tidal range and suitable ocean depth." He added that the project could also help protect the coast from rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.
The regeneration strategy also calls for seven new visitor centres costing £30m should be built at key locations stretching from Conwy to Rhuddlan. But North Wales Tourism chairman Chris Jackson raised doubts over whether the proposals could realistically be funded in the current economic climate. The council’s approval now means that Capita Symonds will seek funding for feasibility studies and investigations to develop a business case for the scheme.
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Micro-generation forms key part of Government's vision.
Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, has launched a consultation on the Government's strategy to boost energy self-sufficiency in communities.
The public debate about microgeneration will look at ways to ensure the quality of generating technology and its installation, how to improve available products, and how to develop the microgeneration supply chain while providing more accessible advice.
The consultation follows last week's news that the Government is to overturn a ban on councils selling "green" electricity back to the national grid by the end of the year.
Mr Barker said“I want to see more homes, communities and businesses generating their own energy. We can literally bring power back to the people.Microgeneration is a key part of this vision.
“By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies. People and communities can save money on their fuel bills at the same time as generating an income and cutting carbon. I want to work with industry to overcome the challenges it is facing. Together we will create a marketplace for jobs and prosperity alongside products and advice which people trust.”
More information can be found on the Microgeneration Strategy consultation web page
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Green policies could hit UK manufacturing hardest.
A report from the think-tank Civitas warns that the increasing cost of energy, which has been driven up as a result of green policies could hit the UK's manufacturing sector - just as the country needs industry to help boost the economy.
The report said efforts to tackle climate change through cutting greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy generation could significantly push up energy bills for business.Extra costs are put on energy from policies including the EU's emission trading scheme, the renewables obligation to boost investment in technology such as wind power, and the climate change levy which taxes energy use in businesses and the public sector. Also, the Labour Government's climate change strategy had already added an extra 14% on homeowners' electricity bills and 21% on business bills.
Last year's renewable energy strategy could have created "surcharges" of up to 70% for businesses, and 33% for domestic customers by 2020, the report from Civitas claimed. The study warns the new coalition Government's energy policy could be as damaging to manufacturing industry as the previous administration.
The review by economist Ruth Lea and Jeremy Nicholson, director of lobbyists the Energy Intensive Users Group, said the UK was badly placed to meet its commitments to boost renewables as it was starting from such a low base. Even without the extra costs imposed to pay for climate change policies, Britain has high industrial electricity prices, which threaten its competitiveness.
Ms Lea said: "The economy desperately needs a competitive and thriving manufacturing sector if it is to prosper. Competitive energy prices are vital to the success of manufacturers, especially energy intensive users.Government energy policies are, however, remorselessly driving up energy costs thus risking the 'migration' of manufacturing plants to economies where the costs are lower."
