‘Low carbon homes are increasingly becoming a reality as developers and consumers embrace the role they have to play in climate change’ said David Edwards Regional Director for the Southern Region of English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency.

Speaking at the conference ‘Creating a Low Carbon South East’, held today in Southampton by the Environment Centre, Mr Edwards spoke about English Partnerships’ role, its success in the region and future plans to provide low and zero carbon affordable housing in the south east.

‘It has been very encouraging to see the response from developers and house builders in devising ways that households can reduce their carbon footprint. The Carbon Challenge seeks to speed up the house-building industry’s response to climate change and has generated much interest from developers, who are keen to be involved.

‘English Partnerships has no shortage of developers and public sector partners who want to work with us to provide this sort of housing. Equally there is enthusiasm and strong demand for such homes from consumers who want environmentally efficient, comfortable and affordable homes’. said Mr. Edwards.

In line with the government’s directive that by 2016 all new homes will be built to zero carbon requirements English Partnerships is taking the lead in developing the methods to help make this possible.

Already homes are being built to conform to strict environmental requirements throughout Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Oxfordshire, and all homes on English Partnership sites are now required to meet Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Currently over 100 homes are being built at Linton, near Maidstone, which conform to the Eco Homes ‘Excellent’ standard.

These homes feature the highest levels of insulation; air tightness; heat recovery systems, whole house ventilation and low energy lighting. With over 30% of these homes being allocated to affordable and first home buyers the scheme will introduce a new generation of home owners to environmentally responsible living.

New sites acquired by English Partnerships will ensure a steady supply of low-carbon housing in the South East. The Connaught Barracks site, near Dover, will see the construction of some 500 new homes; another 900 homes are planned for the Hastings Millennium Community, and 700 homes for hospital sites in both Chichester and Maidstone. All will be built to conform to strict environmental codes.

The level of environmental criteria required for new homes will be steadily increased by English Partnerships, on its sites, over the coming years towards Code Level 6 or zero carbon by 2013- three years ahead of the government’s mandate.

In closing Mr. Edwards spoke of low-carbon and zero carbon housing being an important element in developing sustainable communities. He said that such communities would thrive where there was a balance and mix of affordable homes; a range of social and employment infrastructure opportunities; integrated transport and design opportunities and quality neighbourhood management.

‘Low-carbon housing is with us now. Working with the house-building industry we want to make zero carbon housing the standard well ahead of 2016.’

Email: CraigF@phoenixplc.com