Living the sustainable dream

Nov 18 2008 by Francesca Craggs, The Journal

IF build affordable zero carbon status homes is considered a real challenge to the industry, Groundwork South Tyneside & Newcastle is raising the bar even higher with a project to design and build eight carbon negative homes.

The proposed development, designed by Fitz architects, is a partnership with Three Rivers housing association and Groundwork. The development starts on site at Reed Street, South Shields in April 2009 and will be a mix of two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom townhouses. The homes will exceed the highest rating of the Sustainable Code for Housing standards and will utilise state-of-the-art construction methods and technology.

“This project will demonstrate the potential of housing to become a real force in the fight to tackle climate change”, says Lionel Hehir, executive director of Groundwork South Tyneside & Newcastle. “Working with our partners, we want to showcase the best of sustainable technologies and encourage other housing developers to rise to the challenge and create homes that can tackle climate change as well as adapt to it.”

The homes, which are likely to be complete by 2010, will include solar panels, wind turbines and rainwater storage as well as futuristic technology. “We will source new materials including elements like futuristic fuel cells, and bio-fuelled micro combined heat and power units”, continues Lionel.

In addition the development will also encompass a high degree of open space including specially designed children’s play areas, quiet spots and seating areas, all linked with pedestrian walkways and cycle paths.

The homes will come with generous gardens to encourage allotment growing of fruit and vegetables and there will be a community recycling centre on site.

“With four million new homes planned by 2016, we hope to demonstrate that there’s real potential for carbon negative housing in the UK.”

Lynda Peacock, director of development at Three Rivers, added, “Being chosen to build in partnership this first carbon-negative scheme in the region is very exciting. We will be using technology to reduce consumption, generate renewable energy and encourage lifestyles that are inherently light on using the world’s resources.”

For more information contact Lionel Hehir on (0191) 428-1144 or at lionel.hehir@groundwork.org.uk