18 THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE How to build greener homes
The climate crisis demands urgent action, explains Philippa Hoy of sustainability consultant Bioregional. She gives the case for the One Planet Living concept, and looks at how embracing sustainable design and low-carbon solutions can meet developers’ imperatives as well as creating resilient, future-proofed communities.
Elmsbrook, NW Bicester © Andy Aitchison T
he climate and ecological emergency demands urgent action from every sector, and housebuilding is no exception. As we are all too painfully aware, the built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, so all developers have a crucial role to play in reversing this trajectory.
The good news is that sustainable, low-carbon development is not just increasingly a regulatory requirement, it’s an opportunity to build homes and communities that are more desirable, more resilient, and more fi nancially viable in the long term.
But how prepared are housebuilders to seize this opportunity?
THE FUTURE HOMES STANDARD & THE UK NET ZERO CARBON STANDARD The UK Government’s Future Homes Standard, set to take effect in 2025, will require all new homes to produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than those built under current Building Regulations. This is a signifi cant step forward, but it’s just the baseline. Many developers are already looking beyond compliance toward true net-zero carbon, a goal supported by the voluntary UK Net Zero Carbon Standard which is currently being piloted. This standard will provide a consistent methodology for measuring and reducing whole-life carbon emissions in new developments. Developers that move early to adopt the Net Zero Standard will not only future-proof their projects but also position themselves as leaders in the transition to a sustainable built environment.
THE FUTURE HOMES STANDARD IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD, BUT IT’S JUST THE BASELINE
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THE BUSINESS CASE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Sustainability is often seen as a challenge, but in reality, it presents a signifi cant business opportunity. Homes built to higher environmental standards not only reduce long-term operational costs but also attract buyers and tenants more quickly. Research shows that energy-
effi cient homes sell faster and at higher prices. At the same time, investors are increasingly prioritising developments with strong sustainability credentials, aligning with growing government and market expectations. Mortgage lenders are also recognising the fi nancial benefi ts of low-carbon homes, with some, such as HSBC and NatWest, now offering preferential rates or increased borrowing capacity for energy-effi cient properties. Another key indicator of this shift is the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), which assesses the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of real estate portfolios worldwide. Investors are increasingly using GRESB scores to guide their decisions, favouring developments that demonstrate strong sustainability credentials.
ONE PLANET LIVING: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
While cutting carbon is essential, sustainability in housing development goes beyond emissions reduction. To champion the creation of truly sustainable communities, Bioregional created the One Planet Living framework back in 2004, based on the approach we took with forward-thinking stakeholders to create the award-winning BedZED eco- village in south London. The One Planet Living framework, freely available for all to use, provides a holistic approach, covering ten principles that address every aspect of sustainable community design – from health and happiness to local food production and equity.
One Planet Living has been used in real estate projects globally, helping 1.4 million people worldwide live happier, healthier lives within the Earth’s natural limits. Truly outstanding sustainable developments can apply to us to be reviewed and recognised as a Leader in One Planet Living. In Canada, Zibi is a pioneering waterfront development that has earned Global Leader status in
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