The properties at Elysian Fields will incorporate rainwater harvesting systems, solar panels, PV panels, and ‘green’ roofs to garages. Other green initiatives include ‘super’ insulation, low energy lighting and a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS). Residents are provided with a home user guide, which includes information on energy and water efficiency, recycling and waste, car rental/sharing companies, and sustainable DIY. Elysian Fields has achieved an Ecohomes ‘Excellent’ rating.

• zero-carbon

47 plots have solar panels and 25 plots have both solar and PV panels. Electricity is produced via PV tiles, which is sold back to the national grid if not used. If more power is required than is being produced, it is taken from the grid.

• zero-waste

All kitchens are fitted with a three compartment bin within the kitchen cupboard. A paved area within all gardens provides wheelie bin and recycling box storage. Building waste is segregated into waste streams as detailed within Barratt’s company waste management strategy, run by Yorkshire Waste.

• sustainable water

All plots have rainwater harvesting systems. All external garages include ‘green’ roofs made of sedum. The car parking courtyard at each plot has permeable paving. A sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) is in place. Flow restrictors are fitted to showers.

• local and sustainable building materials

Where possible, Northamptonshire ironstone has been used for many boundary walls. Modern methods of construction have been used including steel frames. All timber is FSC certificated. Local labour and contractors from Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire have been employed for the majority of construction work undertaken.

• sustainable transport

The development is located within walking/cycling distance of shops and the train station. Cycle storage facilities have been built at each home. Rumble strips have been installed as a traffic calming measure. A bus route runs close to Elysian Fields.

Gladstone Row is a development of 21 townhouses, 14 flats and 1,115 sq metres of office accommodation with strong environmental credentials, right in the heart of Brighton and Hove. The site offers vital affordable and environmentally responsible space for families and individuals who want to live and work in the centre of Brighton and benefit from excellent access to public transportation. The scheme encompasses local art and a landscaped greenway that provides a sustainable city link and an area of natural interest. The homes have been awarded a BRE Ecohomes ‘Excellent’ rating.

• zero-carbon

The homes have airtight insulation and are fully equipped with solar panels for hot water heating. The development’s central position results in excellent lighting throughout, reducing the need for energy-hungry artificial light. Low energy A-graded white goods are installed.

• zero-waste

Recycling facilities for non-biological waste, including tins, bottles and paper, has been implemented. Educational booklets with each home purchase are provided to advise residents on waste/packaging reduction opportunities. Site waste management plans ensured that all building materials were recycled where possible.

• sustainable water

A rainwater collection system in individual households is designed to irrigate public green space. Airflow taps and dual flush lavatories conserve water in households. Low water use is practised through the provision of A-rated white goods.

• local and sustainable building materials

Wood, including larch, used is from sustainable sources. The timber clad and zinc exteriors are virtually maintenance-free. The developer’s policy is to use local construction companies and local labourers as much as possible.

• sustainable transport

A provision has been made for bicycle storage, and residents have the opportunity to join a local car club. Brighton train station is 250 metres from Gladstone Row.

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.