Located close to Oxford city centre, NinetyOne achieves an Ecohomes ‘Excellent’ rating through initiatives including air tightness, recycling programmes, water conservation and harvesting and the employment of local contractors.

• zero-carbon

Air tightness, thermal and sound insulation are all to a much higher standard than building regulations require, providing reduced energy use and CO2 emissions.

• zero-waste

A recycling programme is implemented where the bin stores are compartmentalised for daily waste: paper, glass, household waste etc.

• sustainable water

Water flow restriction applied on all taps and showers. SUDS drainage system controls water wastage, putting runoff back into the water table rather than sewerage. Water butts have been provisioned as rainwater entrapment.

• local and sustainable building materials

Locally sourced materials will be used where available. Local labour used, contractor based in Oxford.

• sustainable transport

Developer says bicycle storage has been provided for residents.

Sancroft Square is a development of 141 properties where Persimmon Homes is trialling sustainable methods of construction and materials. The development incorporates 17 styles of properties to suit a range of potential purchasers and the company has placed a strong focus on eco-living from energy saving to wildlife conservation.

• zero-carbon

Solar panels are being installed on all three-, four- and five-bedroom homes, while highly efficient insulation and energy efficient heating systems are being employed. The minimum carbon index rating of all the homes being constructed will be 8.0.

• zero-waste

Persimmon recycles on average 90 per cent of the waste materials used on site, and is encouraging homeowners to do the same.

• sustainable water

Water butts are provided to homes, and water retention will be encouraged through the considered planting of trees and shrubs and landscaping of communal areas.

• local and sustainable building materials

Local building materials haven’t been used specifically. The developer says it believes strongly in employing local labour when constructing new housing.

• sustainable transport

The site is constructed around a series of tranquil family-friendly cul-de-sacs and traffic-calming measures are also being employed. Bicycle storage facilities are being provided at the development and Harleston’s town centre is within walking distance.

The homes in Tallsticks, the first phase of 100 properties, are designed to achieve level three of the Code for Sustainable Homes through eco-features including air-flow taps, energy-efficient boilers, and thermal solar panels. The completed development will feature approximately 1,250 new homes and a neighbourhood centre, where uses could include retail, restaurants, health facilities, children’s nursery.

• zero-carbon

Thermal solar panels will be installed on roofs to provide hot water. A combined heat and power boiler is being installed in the plant rooms of apartment blocks. Energy-saving light bulbs and energy efficient boilers are being installed.

• zero-waste

Recycling bins are being installed in the kitchens. Composting bins are being provided to plots with gardens.

• sustainable water

Air-flow taps, which can almost half the amount of water flow, low-fill baths and sinks to interiors; externally, water butts coupled to rainwater down pipes.

• local and sustainable building materials

Developer says timber only is being supplied from sustainable sources.

• sustainable transport

The streets and open spaces have been designed to give priority to the movement of people over cars with a series of dedicated pedestrian and cycle routes. There is cycle storage on site to promote greener transport use.