A joint development by Crest Nicholson and BioRegional Quintain, One Brighton, New England Quarter, will espouse the One Planet Living principles. The 172 apartments will produce zero-carbon emissions, zero-waste; will use sustainable materials, implement sustainable transport solutions, and apply measures to support local and sustainable food and wildlife.

• zero-carbon

A biomass boiler using recycled wood chips will provide hot water and space heating; photovoltaic panels will contribute towards the electricity demands that will otherwise be brought in from 100% renewable sources.

• zero-waste

Recycling and composting will be encouraged through the provision of onsite segregation and composting facilities.

• sustainable water

Water consumption will be reduced through efficient fittings and appliances. Rainwater will be harvested and used for irrigation and for WCs in the community facility.

• local and sustainable building materials

High performance, but reduced impact in sourcing, manufacturing and transportation - including natural clay blocks, wood fibre insulation and concrete made with recycled materials – will be used.

• sustainable transport

The site is car-free - residents have use of an onsite car club - and is well served by public transport (Brighton train station is a two-minute walk away), and has very good access to a range of everyday services and amenities.

RiversideOne is a £200m regeneration project that will see Middlesbrough’s derelict Middlehaven Docks area transformed into a vibrant waterside community featuring state-of-the-art residential, leisure, education, and commercial facilities. Masterplanned by architect Will Alsop, the scheme by sustainable community developer BioRegional Quintain in partnership with Tees Valley Regeneration is the largest planned zero-carbon development in the UK.

• zero-carbon

RiversideOne is designed to be very energy efficient as well as zero carbon. The buildings will be highly insulated to stay warm in winter, with argon filled double glazing and energy efficient lighting and appliances. The concrete frame construction will enable the building to stay cool in summer by absorbing heat. The reduced demand for heat and electricity will be met using renewable energy generated from both on-site (bio-mass boiler) and offsite sources to achieve net zero carbon dioxide emissions.

• zero-waste

Recycling and composting will be made easy at RiversideOne through the provision of on-site waste segregation and composting facilities. As part of a sustainable approach to resource management, support and guidance will be offered to residents to help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

• sustainable water

The apartments will be specified with the latest water efficient appliances and fittings, with the aim to significantly reduce domestic water consumption. Rainwater will be used within the landscape for irrigation and amenity, and where necessary will be discharged into the dock to reduce the load on local drainage systems.

• local and sustainable building materials

RiversideOne has been designed to make full use of local, healthy, natural, reclaimed and recycled materials. Some of the construction materials are the most advanced and sustainable in the UK, providing the possibility of long term heath benefits to residents. The energy used to extract, process, refine and transport materials (embodied energy) as well as pollution and waste generated, will be reduced. Locally-sourced materials will be used to reduce transport impacts and to support the local economy.

• sustainable transport

A managed car park will be provided for residents. The development will also provide RiversideOne and the wider area of Middlehaven with a number of additional and sustainable transport options. A car club will be established to provide the convenience of pay-as-you-go motoring without the expense and hassle of car ownership for those who don’t need or want a car. Car use and transport-related emissions will be reduced at RiversideOne by providing access to local services and public transport and facilities for cyclists.

The Mill Meadow holiday home project comprises 18 Scandinavian type, two-storey homes on the edge of an area of outstanding natural beauty in Somerset. The project has been developed with a significant level of sustainability with a low carbon, low energy footprint. A BRE Ecohomes ‘Excellent’ rating has been achieved for the completed show house, plot 1, which it is the aim for the whole project to realise. A full wildlife plan is in place.

• zero-carbon

Ground source heat pumps supply underfloor heating and domestic hot water requirements. Buildings have a high insulation factor, triple-glazed windows and excellent airtight quality. Top up energy, when required, is from green tariff for main electric supply. Low energy lighting is installed throughout and energy efficient (A) appliances and biomass (woodburning) stove are in place.

• zero-waste

Link to local waste recycling initiative has been established. Full recycling is accessible. Individual composting option is being explored. Waste from construction is minimal. All hardcore used on site is recycled material from both on- and offsite. Wood residual from the cabin structure is used to fuel wood burners, and cardboard packaging is recycled.

• sustainable water

Water-saving taps, showers and reduced-flush mechanisms on toilets have been installed. Rainwater harvesting for toilets, clothes washing and irrigation is in place and hard surfaces around each plot are permeable. As the access road is tarmac, minimal runoff is taken up by extensive landscaping areas.

• local and sustainable building materials

The log houses are constructed from FSC sourced timber from a manufacturer in Finland. Two Finnish carpenters are leading the buildings’ erection, which are assisted by local labour. All other labour sourced locally. In percentage terms 60 per cent of the value and 80 per cent of the materials and labour have been sourced in the South West.

• sustainable transport

A shuttle service is provided to the local main line station at Taunton, seven minutes away with links to Paddington, London, in under two hours. A shuttle is available to regional airports at Bristol (45mins) and Exeter (40 mins). Bicycles supplied and secure storage is available onsite. A car pool scheme is in consideration.