Building Greener Homes
The Government’s target to reduce UK carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 represents a significant challenge to achieve and clearly the house building industry has an important role to play in creating more sustainable environments. We are committed to research and innovation and to working with our supply chain partners to improve the sustainability standards of the homes we construct.
We have made considerable progress in reducing the long-term environmental effects of the homes we construct. Last year we increased the number of homes constructed in accordance with Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes from 1186 homes to 1371 homes. As a result many more homes have access to a cycle store and feature renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and low water use taps, baths and showers that are specified to reduce water usage to 105 litres per person per day. In constructing these more sustainable homes we estimate we are achieving a 25% reduction in CO² emissions when compared with homes built under previous building regulations.
This year saw the first home owners moving into City East part of our Barking Riverside development. Situated in the borough of Barking and Dagenham, the development will provide affordable homes for families who find them selves priced out of other London boroughs. Spearheading the arrival of the first occupants was the development of the Rivergate Centre which incorporates a new primary school, place of worship and community facilities, the early development of this centre meant that new residents had access to essential services from day one.
All homes have been passively designed to reduce solar gain. All pitched roofs face due south and are provided with photovoltaic solar panels achieving 20% micro-renewable energy generation. The remaining flat roof areas are covered with green roofs, reducing rain water run-off, encouraging biodiversity and bedding the buildings further into the landscape. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery is provided to the affordable dwellings. Provision has also been made to allow connection to a district heating system, future-proofing the development..