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 (photovoltaic panels) respectively provides hot water and aims to generate up to 50% of electricity requirements in 12 four-storey houses; reverse metering, which enables any excess electricity to be transported back to the grid, has been installed. High levels of insulation – 300mm thick to loft spaces – and increased insulation to walls and foundations are standard. The whole site has been built to Ecohomes ‘Excellent’ Standard. Only A-Rated energy-saving white goods and appliances have been 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.

Living I is a collection of five different innovative homes: the Eco House, Energy House, Lifetime House, Modular House and Techno House that have been built in Irlam, Manchester. The techniques used include a range of modern construction methods that embrace the very latest in home technologies and eco-friendly solutions.

• zero-carbon

Across the five house types, energy from renewables includes solar thermal, PV panels, geo thermal, air source heat pumps, and wind turbines. Energy saving initiatives include high levels of thermal insulation in the roofs, and sheep’s wool insulation for heat retention, and passive stack ventilation for natural cooling.

• zero-waste

Recycling systems for separating paper, garden waste, bottles and tins, which have individual receptacles, have been set up by the local council.

• sustainable water

Across the five house types, rainwater is harvested and grey water recycled for use in toilets, washing machine and for irrigation. Air-flow taps and half-flush toilets have been installed.

• local and sustainable building materials

Across the five house types, the kitchen units are made from recycled materials, the wall tiles are made from material with a high recycled content. Organic paint is used in the Eco House.

• sustainable transport

None specified.

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.