Homes at ICON – which achieved the EcoHomes ‘Excellent’ rating for energy efficiency – are highly insulated and feature central ventilation systems, solar water heating and low energy lighting to keep energy consumption and CO2 emissions low. These features, combined with thoughtful landscaping, create a sustainable community which puts people and the environment first.

• zero-carbon

A 5% CO2 reduction through renewable energy technology is being achieved across the development; 47 houses are being installed with Solar Hot Water systems. The energy efficiently of the plots provides a 25% CO2 reduction over the current Part L1A of the Building Regulations.

• zero-waste

All structural building materials including timber, concrete and plasterboard are segregated for recycling in addition to office paper and cardboard. All earth arising onsite is re-used therefore reducing waste transport to land fill sites.

• sustainable water

All sanitaryware in houses and apartments is fitted with aerated taps and showers with all toilets fitted with 6/4ltr dual flush cisterns. All houses are supplied with 210tr water butts with overflow connectors to guttering.

• local and sustainable building materials

All timber on the development is from FCS/PEFC sources from local suppliers in Glastonbury, Bristol and Wiltshire. All stone is sourced from local Mendip Hills Quarries. All Bricks are supplied from the Ibstock Cattybrook Works in Bristol.

• sustainable transport

The development has been designed for 20mph speeds with an enforceable traffic speed limit with cycle and pedestrian links to the town centre and nearby Clarks Village to encourage non-vehicular travel. All houses and apartments have dedicated in curtilage cycle parking appropriate to the size of the property.

Barratt’s NU@D2 incorporates eco technologies, cutting-edge design, and unique layouts. It is all part of the housebuilder’s vision to create a sustainable and healthy living environment, where residents are encouraged to walk and cycle to amenities, rather than rely on cars, via ground-breaking urban landscaping. Barratt Northampton is ISO 14001 accredited – Environmental Management Standard.

• zero-carbon

Solar and PV respectively provides hot water and electrical power to run appliances and lighting. High levels of insulation – 300mm thick to loft spaces – and increased insulation to walls and foundations. Whole site to Ecohomes ‘Excellent’ Standard. Only A-Rated appliances provided.

• zero-waste

Recycling programme implemented on site – reuse of waste materials bricks and blocks, timber sent for recycling. Plasterboard sent back to manufacturers for re-use, plastic packaging separated from builders’ waste. Recycling storage provided with each home.

• sustainable water

Sedum roofs to absorb rainfall and alleviate storm water run off. Reduced water usage in the home – showers, taps and toilets. Water butts provided. Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) installed, which retains water safely on site and reduces flood risk.

• local and sustainable building materials

Minimum 85 per cent of materials used are from a sustainable source. Stone to some elevations from local quarry; modern methods of construction used, incorporating timber and steel frames. Local labour used – most subcontractors are from Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire.

• sustainable transport

Traffic calming throughout the site; mews courts designed specifically to reduce car speeds. Walkways and cycle stores provide healthy and environmentally friendly access to amenities. Bus routes and train station close by.

Avante combines striking architecture with eco-friendly features to the properties, and a village green, Home Zones and children’s play areas. Avante’s ethos is to demonstrate best practise in environmental design and construction to help minimise consumption of resources whilst maximising environmental performance. The properties have an ‘Excellent’ EcoHomes Rating, and will be built to Lifetime Homes standards.

• zero-carbon

CO2 emissions are minimised by the use of low energy light fittings, high levels of thermal insulation, clothes drying facilities, ‘A’ rated appliances and low energy external lighting. Gas fired boilers with low nitrous oxide emissions have been installed; a community heating system is planned.

• zero-waste

Recycling bins to all houses and adequate storage space for recycling waste.

• sustainable water

Aerated taps with flow restrictors and dual flush wc cisterns are fitted. Rainwater from shed roofs is drained to a water butt. All non-harvested rainwater drainage discharges into deep bore soakways in the ground. Parking spaces are finished with permeable hard surfaces to allow gradual rainwater soak through.

• local and sustainable building materials

Timber sourced from well-managed forests for the primary, secondary and finishing elements. Use of materials that have less impact on the environment for walls, roofs, floors windows and boundaries; limited plastic used e.g. timber frame windows and aluminium drainpipes.

• sustainable transport

The development is within safe walking distance of public transport facilities and local amenities. Cycle storage facilities are provided; home office facilities are included in all properties.