Ecostessey Park is a development of 22 zero-carbon ‘eco-chic’ town houses set on a private estate on the banks of the River Tud, surrounded by fishing lakes and open countryside, three miles from Norwich city centre. Eco-features include solar and PV, rainwater storage and reuse, and dedicated recycling and composting areas.

• zero-carbon

Energy from Ecotricity windfarm (REGO certified). Each ‘warm technology’ room is a completely insulated cell with independent heating. Heat recovery system. Solar panels and photovoltaic panels will deliver one kilowatt back into national grid.

• zero-waste

Dedicated recycling and composting areas within the development. In individual homes waste compactors and a waste disposal unit for non-bio waste - which will go into the sewage treatment system rather than landfill – are fitted.

• sustainable water

Flat roofs are designed to catch rainwater that will be stored and pumped into homes for WC flushing. Taps and showers fitted with regulators, and WC has dual flush, all to lower water consumption. Ground level areas are designed so that ground water goes into soakaways. Drought resistant shrubs and flowers will be planted.

• local and sustainable building materials

Materials sourced from local suppliers wherever possible. Total recycling programme for waste building materials, such as wood, plastic, plaster and hardcore.

• sustainable transport

Site was chosen for its proximity to bus and cycle routes - park & ride facility nearby for city centre access three miles away. Dedicated bicycle storage within development and individual garages, which also have a socket for charging an electric car.

Part of an urban regeneration scheme in New South Leeds, greenhouse has been conceived as the UK’s first carbon-negative residential development. The building uses a variety of innovative technologies – ground source heat pump technology, rooftop mounted wind turbines, a rooftop solar thermal system, state-of-the-art super insulation and a majestic 100metre (328ft) wind turbine to achieve its aim.

• zero-carbon

The building uses ground source heat pump technology, rooftop mounted wind turbines, a rooftop solar thermal system, state-of-the-art super insulation and a 100metre (328ft) tall wind turbine, which will deliver surplus energy to the national grid.

• zero-waste

Onsite recycling facilities are provided to facilitate recycling of waste products; organic waste is composted and reused on the development’s allotments. During construction phase, the contractor has committed to reduce building waste.

• sustainable water

Low flow taps and showers are provided. The provision of grey and rainwater recycling is in consideration.

• local and sustainable building materials

All timber is SFC and local materials and labour are used wherever possible.

• sustainable transport

Initiatives such as an electric car-sharing scheme for apartment owners, a bike by-the-hour service and the provision of free umbrellas to encourage walking to work are being implemented.

Spring Fields is a small community of three remaining homes for sale in a development of six, incorporating contemporary design and environmentally-conscious materials and construction – particularly renewable energy, high levels of insulation and triple glazing and the extensive use of sustainable materials.

• zero-carbon

Closed-loop, ground source heat pumps provide 97% of maximum requirement for hot water and heating combined with a low-temperature underfloor system, triple glazing, factory-produced and fitted construction panels and insulation for improved air-tightness and a concrete slab to provide thermal mass.

• zero-waste

Hardcore materials from demolition are re-used on site; wood, metal, soil sorted for recycling; factory production helps reduce waste. Extensive storage areas on site reduce the number of deliveries required. Kitchens are fitted with recycling bins.

• sustainable water

All hard landscaping is permeable with rainwater ducted to a sustainable drainage system including roof run-off, providing an enhanced habitat for newts. Reduced-flush mechanisms and water-saving basin taps are fitted as standard. Grey water recycling is being investigated.

• local and sustainable building materials

Factory production is within one hour of site; local suppliers are actively sought for finishing materials. The timber used in construction is from Scandinavian sustainable sources. Only local sub-contractors are invited to tender.

• sustainable transport

Bicycle storage is provided on site. A general store, regular bus stop and cinema are within walking distance. Garages include electricity supply for hybrid vehicles. The access road width varies to reduce vehicle speed and maximise soft landscaping.