Environment: Meeting environmental challenges - Gordon Miller, whatgreenhome.com

Meeting the environmental challenge of a new decade

Next year promises to see a step change in environmental standards in new homes across England and Wales. From 1 January, it becomes mandatory for all commercially built new homes to be 25 per cent more energy efficient than is currently required under Part L of the 2006 Building Regulations. Already, social housing has to meet this energy requirement; next year such homes will be required to be 44 per cent more energy efficient.

The new requirements are mandated through Building Regulations as part of the Government initiated Code for Sustainable Homes. The Code calls for all new homes to be zero-carbon (effectively a 70 per cent improvement in thermally efficiency in the home with 30 per cent permitted through offsite ‘allowables’) by 2016 (social housing by 2013). Zero-carbon is Code level 6 (the highest); 44 per cent is Code level 4, while a 25 per cent thermal saving is Code level 3.

The Code, which is a legislative step change in sustainable building practices, has become a single national standard for design and construction elements. The Code addresses nine elements of construction and design from an environmental perspective, including energy efficiency, water efficiency, surface water management, site waste management, household waste management and the selection of eco-friendly materials.

Housebuilders, in the main, have striven to respond to the Code for Sustainable Homes. The majority of volume housebuilders have built prototypes aimed to reach various Code levels. Miller Homes, for example, has built houses to reach Code levels 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 at The Pinnacle, in Basingstoke, Hampshire. Barratt is building 195 dwellings at Hanham Hall, near Bristol, to Code level 6. It expects to deliver the first phase of homes by the end of 2010.

Legislation overseas

Overseas, in an overwhelming number of countries, legislation is not yet as progressive as in England and Wales. Where it is lacking, or less robust, an increasing number of developers are taking it upon themselves to develop in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. The developments span the globe from Portugal to Panama and from Morocco to Kenya.

In the Bocas del Toro archipelago, which lies in the Caribbean Sea less than two kilometres from the Panamanian mainland, Emerald Monkey Eco-luxe Resort & Residences has been conceived as one of the world’s first carbon-neutral communities. The distinction means the development will generate its energy requirements from a renewable source – hydro electricity in its case – that has no net carbon impact.

The resort’s environmental initiatives do not end there. The Balinese style 100 one, two and three bedroom luxury villas, measuring from a generous 247m2 which includes outdoor living area, being erected by the end of 2012, are made from sustainable chain of custody certified Bankarai and Berbau timber, hand-carved by Balinese craftsmen. Two trees will be planted for every one that is cut down and used at Emerald Monkey.

Water on the 250-acre resort will be drawn from natural wells and grey water will be recycled and reused. Rainwater will be harvested and used for irrigation. No vehicles are permitted onsite and the only form of transport available is solar-powered ‘golf’ buggies. Eco homes website whatgreenhome.com has awarded Emerald Monkey its highest accolade, an Excellent kitemark. Villa prices at the $200m resort start from $75,000 for a one-tenth fraction; whole villas are priced from $565,000.

Across the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, L’Amandier in the Atlas Mountains, Morocco addresses a broad environmental agenda. The 16 two and three-bedroom striking architect designed villas are optimumly orientated and well insulated for passive solar gain and heat retention in the winter months. All construction materials, window frames and doors are made from local and sustainable products by indigenous tradesmen. Villa prices start from £280,000.

In Kenya, Media Palms is an environmentally sensitive resort of 50 apartments and villas for sale. Located on the Indian Ocean in the resort of Watamu, the properties are built with local and sustainable materials. Greywater will be recycled from the homes for reuse, while rainwater will be harvested and used for irrigation on the six-acre site. Non-organic waste will be recycled and biodigestable products will be composted for use on the organic garden. Property prices start from £170,000.

Gordon Miller

Gordon is a journalist and founder of eco homes website whatgreenhome.com. To read about the environmental credentials of more than 100 of the most eco-friendly developments in 29 countries worldwide, including the UK, visit www.whatgreenhome.com