David Wilson Homes’ flagship sustainable development aims to meet DCLG’s guidelines for minimisation of water usage, reduced carbon emissions and utilisation of renewable energy sources. Green initiatives include roof-mounted photovoltaic systems to generate electricity, green roofs for superior insulation, high efficiency and solar thermal panel assisted boilers, advanced combustion fireplaces and harnessing natural resources. It has achieved Ecohomes ‘Excellent’ status.

• zero-carbon

Maximising natural light ensures optimum solar power gain, via solar collectors, for heating and hot water whilst roof mounted photovoltaic systems generate electricity and eliminate 61 tonnes of CO2 pa.

• zero-waste

A segregated waste system has been introduced across the development to assist in the recycling process. Residents will be encouraged to recycle.

• sustainable water

Harnessing natural resources extends to rainwater harvested for washing cars and watering gardens with each property being provided with a 200-litre water butt for recycling rainwater.

• local and sustainable building materials

Wherever possible David Wilson Homes source their building materials and labour locally.

• sustainable transport

Traffic calming initiatives in the form of road bumps have been introduced throughout the development and only one parking space is allowed per household.

In keeping with Rydon Homes’ Commitment to sustainability, all homes at this site will reach the Ecohomes ‘very good’ rating. Comprising detached and terraced units set around a village green, eco features include: energy efficient appliances; environmentally sensitive building design with maximum natural light; aerated taps and dual flush toilets; low energy external lighting; and kitchen recycling containers.

• zero-carbon

Energy efficient boilers are installed in properties. Buildings orientated south facing to maximise natural light/warmth and thus use less energy for lighting/heating. 75% of interior lighting will be energy efficient; external lighting will be energy efficient through use of movement sensor activated lighting (PIR).

• zero-waste

Separated recycling receptacles will be installed in kitchens of all homes.

• sustainable water

Initiatives include aerated taps; dual flush toilets; and 200 litre water butts will be supplied to each household to capture rainwater.

• local and sustainable building materials

Carefully designed to fit in with the vernacular style, roofs will be plain clay, hogs-back-ridge, valley and bonnet hip tiles; windows will be painted white with flush joints and the external doors will be varnished hardwood.

• sustainable transport

Cycle storage facilities provided.

Jelson Homes’ flagship development, Hallam Fields is an innovative and exciting project to create a new community in Birstall, Leicestershire. Offering around 50 styles of property ranging from one- to six-bedrooms, each will be not only modern and stylish but also have a recognisable local identity.

• zero-carbon

Some solar panels have been installed.

• zero-waste

During the construction process, building materials such as timber, hardcore, plasterboard and scrap metal are recycled.

• sustainable water

Water saving devices includes low-flush mechanisms on toilets, and water butts with the aim to reduce water usage in the garden.

• local and sustainable building materials

Local labour is used and building blocks come from a nearby village.

• sustainable transport

The road network is designed to enhance pedestrian safety and give them priority over motorists - aided by the use of different surface materials. Cycling is encouraged by a network of cycle ways that run through the development. There will also be a Park and Ride Scheme into Leicester.