Greener Homes
We're working hard to improve the efficiency and economy of the homes that we provide and ensure our new developments adhere to the Sustainable Homes agenda. Because of the nature of our rural work and the variances in site location and property types we continue to be innovative, creating bespoke solutions for each development.
But the journey doesn't stop there, even the smallest of actions can help save the planet, and as an added bonus, often save money too.
What Can YOU Do?
Residents can help to make their properties "greener" and more energy efficient in a number of ways. Perhaps by buying a more efficient fridge or freezer? Or by something as simple as turning your thermostat down or closing the curtains to keep heat in.
Please visit the following websites for more tips on how to be more energy-efficient.
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
Easy-ways-to-stop-wasting-energy
www.sust-it.net
to compare the energy efficiency of household
appliances
What We're Doing
English Rural Housing Association is committed to sustainable development and energy efficiency. Many of our homes are built with this in mind and we have incorporated a number of energy-efficient measures into both our new and our existing properties.
English Rural Housing Association's Sustainable Policy is driven by achieving Level 3 or higher of the Code for Sustainable Homes.
The Code is intended as a single national standard to guide industry in the design and construction of sustainable homes. It is a means of driving continuous improvement, greater innovation and exemplary achievement in sustainable home building.
The design categories within the code are; Energy, Water, Materials, Surface Water Run off, Waste, Pollution, Health and Well-Being, Management and Ecology. The benefits with working to the code standards are; reduced green house emissions, better adaptations to climate change, reduced impact on the environment overall, lower running costs, improved well being and improved comfort.
Some examples of measures taken on our schemes are the installation of renewable technologies, such as Ground Source Heat Pumps, Solar and Photovoltaic Panels in conjunction with Modern Methods of Construction like Volumetric and Close Boarded Timber Frame buildings with very high insulation values.
Other examples are energy efficiency light fittings, increased cycle storage, rain water butts, porous paving, consideration of building materials used based on the green guide, provision of internal recycling bins, responsible sourcing of building materials and site waste management plans, flow reducing/aerating taps throughout, dual flush toilets, composting facilities, high efficiency boilers, ecological enhancements and protection and building to Life Time Home Standards.