Together we are greener

Together we are greener

Our Eco Homes experiment shows innovation and technical expertise at its very best. If it’s successful, the results could improve the lives of over five thousand customers.

In everything CBHG does, caring for the environment is key. That’s why we’re constantly looking to make our properties more energy efficient. This has two advantages. It makes sure our developments and surrounding areas are sustainable whilst reducing energy bills for residents.

The results of this revolutionary project will set an industry precedent, so it’s really testing the skills of Property Care and our partners. We’ve developed a brand new home using sustainable materials and fitted with state of the art energy saving technology, in the garden of an existing property. The existing home has been retro-fitted with similar technologies. Families of four will occupy each, and the performance of the two homes will be tested against a third home, built to decent homes standards, but without the same modern technology.

Ursula Bennion, Group Business Development Director, explains the property’s design, “The new build sits in a conservation area which was very restricting. The size and shape of the site dictated the design. Built to high sustainability standards, the property is crammed with energy efficient technologies. There’s an under floor air heating system which also heats the water, this is supplemented by solar panels. Argon filled or triple glazed windows and low energy lighting feature throughout. Kitchen units made from recycled materials cleverly open to reveal recycling bins. A water butt outside collects rainwater and, just to help the wildlife flourish, a range of bird and bat boxes feature in the garden. Families of four will occupy each of the homes and the performance of the two eco-properties will be measured against a traditional, unconverted property next door to assess their performance and efficiency”.

Ursula adds, “We’ll monitor emissions and energy usage and compare the three houses. Results can also inform residents on how to use energy more efficiently too. It’s groundbreaking in this sector. I don’t know of another housing association attempting something like this.”

The project has tested the ability of our Property Care team, who have picked up valuable skills on the retro-fit project. These new skills will make future projects even more efficient. Ursula concludes, “If this pioneering initiative is a success, the project and the skills learnt will prove vital. They’ll be applied to existing homes that would benefit from energy saving and environmentally sustainable improvements, and will help inform residents about energy efficiency and reducing fuel bills”.