As the Government sets ambitious housing targets, it is crucial for new homes developers to embrace sustainable construction methods to help meet them but also to ensure compliance with standards such as the Future Homes Standard. We caught up with one of our New Homes Managers, Ellie Lockwood, to learn more about how new homes developers are revolutionising their construction methods to meet these sustainability guidelines.
One of the new homes developers we work with, WELink Homes, have a development, Westcott Rise in Pershore in Worcestershire, which showcases their commitment to eco-friendly practices through their adoption of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). These innovative techniques are paving the way for a greener future in housing.
The latest and final phase of this project, known as The Ridge, comprises 17 highly eco-friendly homes, which they have called "the homes of tomorrow." The three and four-bedroom houses at The Ridge have achieved the maximum EPC rating of A, reflecting their exceptional energy efficiency. Through innovative construction methods, where they build highly insulated wall panels off-site which are then transported to the development site and assembled to create the properties. This approach not only ensures precision and quality but also significantly reduces construction waste and on-site disruption. Factory production of panels for walls, roofs and upper floors also means the building process will not be delayed by adverse weather conditions.
Each home at The Ridge is equipped with a range of advanced eco-friendly features, including PV solar panels that harness solar energy to power the homes, high-performance double-glazed windows that enhance insulation and reduce heat loss, energy-efficient lighting and smart controls that minimize energy consumption, and mechanical ventilation and wastewater heat-recovery systems that improve air quality and recycle heat from wastewater. These features collectively reduce energy demand and minimise the environmental impact on the local surroundings.
The Future Homes Standard, set to come into effect in 2025, aims to ensure that new homes produce 75-80% less carbon emissions compared to those built under current regulations. This standard focuses on improving heating, hot water systems, and reducing heat waste through better insulation and low-carbon technologies. I am proud to say that the homes at The Ridge are already meeting these stringent requirements, positioning them as pioneers in sustainable living.
As construction methods evolve, developments like Westcott Rise demonstrate the potential for creating sustainable, energy-efficient homes. By embracing MMC and factory-made developments, WELink Homes is not only meeting current sustainability guidelines but also setting a benchmark for the future of housing.
Construction of The Ridge is nearing completion, with a selection of homes ready for occupancy now. These homes represent a significant step forward in the journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
