As we become increasingly aware of the need to look after our planet and cut down greenhouse gas emissions, sustainability has become a buzz word in almost every walk of life. In the most basic sense, it means living in a way that avoids depleting the resources available to future generations, which in property translates to tangible steps such as using eco-friendly building materials, turning to renewable energy sources and reducing water consumption. It also takes into account the mental and physical wellbeing of residents through facilities including communal spaces and amenities.
But how much is actually being done in the industry to become more sustainable?
In 2006, the government made the ambitious pledge to make all newly built homes carbon neutral by 2016 – a promise dropped in 2015. However, the UK is committed to reducing net emissions of greenhouse gases by 100% relative to 1990 levels by 2050, so as part of this a number of guidelines and regulations have been introduced for the construction and property industry. Among these are energy performance certificates and minimum energy efficiency standards, as well as the use of the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and initiatives such as the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive. In the past couple of decades, we’ve also seen a number of specially designed eco-friendly developments springing up around the country, with the London Borough of Sutton’s BedZED leading the way in 2002. This is considered to be the UK’s first large-scale ecocommunity, built using reclaimed materials and with an on-site water treatment plant, woodchip fuelled heat and power plant, and sky gardens for almost every flat.
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Cheshire Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of Cheshire Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Home From Home For Christmas
Want to get away for the festive season but somewhere that’s comfortingly close? Here is our top 10 of feel-good escapes in and around Cheshire
LAUREN SIMON
Lauren is still in shock about where she lives, but is making the most of autumn in Cheshire
LOUISE MINCHIN
The BBC breakfast host on life beyond the red sofa
KALINI KENT
In conversation with Cheshire’s movers and shakers
AT HOME WITH Dave Lister, Lloyd Mullaney, Trunk of Funkster CRAIG CHARLES
The multi-faceted entertainer spends his working life here, there and everywhere, and he’s very happy he has Cheshire to come home to
CLARE MACKINTOSH
Where does the author of four bestselling novels find inspiration when she’s stuck for words?
Suits you
Your chance to take home a bespoke tailored suit made in the heart of Liverpool
Swamp thing
Kunal Trehan and Thomas Hope are creating the home of their dreams in Sandbach, and started with the very damp grounds
An autumn stroll with Darcy and Elizabeth
A quarter of a century ago Colin Firth took a swim and plunged Cheshire’s Lyme Park into global fame
A BRUSH WITH CHESHIRE
Explore our diverse county through the eyes and imaginations of these artists and their very different styles