Eco towns

Two streams of actions are required, addressing standards for new-build and refurbishment measures for existing stock.

For new build, the UK Government has set building construction standards defining a path towards so-called ‘zero carbon’ or ‘zero energy’ homes by 2016. For the present, the ‘Code for Sustainable Homes’ is voluntary for private builders (~75% of the market) but mandatory for public sector housing, housing associations and for homes built on land released by Government.

The Code goes much further than energy. It sets standards for water usage, surface water run-off, provision for the storage of separated refuse for recycling, secure storage space for bicycles, provision of external spaces for laundry drying and the selection of construction materials (and the recycling of construction waste), among others.

The Code defines six levels, each of which requires specific levels of energy demand reduction and specific levels of water consumption. However, meeting these requirements alone is not enough; it is also necessary to ‘earn’ additional points in nine categories in order to achieve each level. Note that achieving ‘zero-carbon’ in the energy category earns 17.6 points – a further 72.5 points (including 7.5 for reduced water consumption) are required to meet Level 6.

This is an ambitious and bold initiative, but it will be effective only if private house builders adopt it. In order to stimulate the market, establish the supply chain and kick start training, the Government has proposed the building of up to ten ‘Eco Towns’ and invited planning applications from local authorities.

Eco Towns are distinct new settlements with a minimum of 5000 to 10 000 dwellings of which 40% need to be classed as ‘affordable’. Homes, schools, offices and public buildings should be zero-carbon, achieved by the use of town-scale renewable energy systems. Designs must incorporate high standards of water efficiency and drainage, especially in areas of low rainfall or where there may be a future flooding risk, and sustainable approaches to managing waste.

Although the need for good transport links to existing towns is emphasised, it is required that Eco towns provide opportunities for local employment to avoid them becoming dormitory towns.

The UK Government has recently published a short list of 15 planning proposals (from 58 submissions) from which up to ten will be chosen to proceed to detailed planning and assessment. Many are on Government owned brownfield sites such as collieries and disused 1940s airfields. These proposals are open for public consultation.