Slo, a joint venture between Spaceover and Proctor & Matthews Architects, is the latest phase at Newhall. The homes will achieve Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. A range of measures, such as high performance thermal and sound insulation, reduced water wastage and reduced pollution during construction, will enable the development to achieve the highest EcoHomes rating of ‘Excellent’.

• zero-carbon

Dovetailing with the masterplan every street has been carefully considered to maximise passive solar gain enhancing light and warmth, and the homes have a high thermal performance. Across the whole of Newhall 20,000 trees and shrubs have been planted ahead of any development work commencing to assist the absorption of CO2 emissions. Owners can choose to install air/ground source heat pumps.

• zero-waste

Built in a streamlined process in the factory, the properties have a low-carbon footprint since deliveries to site are minimised and there is little wastage of materials (only 10 per cent of the wastage resulting from traditional building methods).

• sustainable water

To handle the run off from Newhall and adjacent housing, all surface water is diverted through a series of reed beds that purify the water before is enters the balancing pond and then on it to the local river network. This was put in before any construction began, and is now naturalised with a diverse population of wildlife, flora and fauna.

• local and sustainable building materials

Recycled materials are used in the construction of the steel frames and in the forming of the window frames. The homes are highly durable and sustainable, too, with room modules being framed using galvanised steel with a predicted life of over 200 years.

• sustainable transport

A 15-minute bus shuttle to Harlow Town station will commence in 2009. The car is secondary at Newhall and the street layout, through the masterplan, makes traffic calming a priority with raised tables at junctions, trees in the highway to slow traffic and no vision splays making the driver consider their every move.

Stamford Brook, developed as a joint venture between Bryant Homes and Redrow Homes in association with the National Trust, gives home owners the opportunity to reduce electricity, gas and water usage, and to save on bills, through improving the air tightness of the properties, building in efficient systems and making it easy to segregate waste for recycling.

• zero-carbon

The development does not include any renewable energy sources, rather the philosophy has been to reduce energy requirements through higher levels of insulation and air tight construction. Passive and mechanical ventilation systems are included within most homes.

• zero-waste

Through the construction of the development construction waste is segregated and recycled as far as practically possible. Householders are encouraged so segregate their recyclables and each kitchen is equipped with segregated storage for waste to encourage use of local recycling schemes.

• sustainable water

Reduced water usage is promoted within the development through low flush toilets, reduced usage showerheads and tap restrictors.

• local and sustainable building materials

As far as practically possible all materials used have a reduced impact on the environment, e.g. CFC free - and are low in embodied energy. All timber is specified as sustainable and as far as possible recyclable materials particularly aggregate are used for construction.

• sustainable transport

The development seeks to promote cycling and walking through the enhancement of existing footpaths and the creation of new ones throughout the development particularly through the recently restored river corridor.

Designed to achieve Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, all dwellings will be super-insulated and feature triple glazed windows. Air source heat pumps, solar thermal, rainwater and grey water harvesting, energy efficient appliances and water saving features will be installed as standard. Each home will have recycling facilities, bike storage and natural drying areas.

• zero-carbon

Renewable energy will be provided from a combination of solar thermal and air source heat pumps. Approximately 23% of energy is provided by the solar thermal input. Mechanical Ventilation Heat Recovery will be used with a trailled 90% efficiency (SAP appendix Q) with a target air-tightness of 2m3 @ 50Pa. U-values: walls 0.15W/m2K, floor 0.16W/m2K, roof 0.14W/m2K, windows 1.00W/m2K

• zero-waste

Within the layout of the development there will be internal and external areas, both communal and private, where dedicated areas for general waste, recycling bins, boxes and bags are provided. These areas are located in convenient positions to encourage recycling and provide for the collection of glass, metal, plastic, paper, card and green waste.

• sustainable water

Rainwater from dwellings 1 to 17 and 28 to 33 will be collected in underground tanks. The grey water from the baths and showers in dwellings 18 to 27 and the apartments will be collected and used to flush the toilets. Low-flush mechanisms will be used throughout as will air-flow taps and showers.

• local and sustainable building materials

Wherever possible local materials from sustainable sources will be used, consequently with low carbon footprints arising from production and delivery. Furness Bricks have been specified due to their locality, while Brazilian slates have been specified due to their improved environmental credentials. All timber will be FSC accredited.

• sustainable transport

Cycle storage is provided with two spaces within the curtilage of the two- and three-bedroom dwellings and 4 spaces within the curtilage of four-bedroom dwellings. The cycle storage is located in convenient and safe locations either within the dwellings or garages, or in covered external storage areas within private gardens.