20 THE CLIMATE CHALLENGE
Greencore Homes’ Springfi eld Meadows, Oxfordshire © Greencore Homes
One Planet Living. This 34-acre mixed- use development in Ottawa-Gatineau integrates indigenous land stewardship principles, district energy systems powered by waste heat, and an ambitious waste reduction strategy. Zibi is setting a new standard for regenerative urban development. Closer to home, One Brighton developed by Crest and Bioregional Quintain is a mixed-use residential development that follows One Planet Living principles, incorporating green roofs, car-free living, and communal food-growing spaces. It has been recognised for its innovative approach to sustainability and community building. A2 Dominion’s award-winning Elmsbrook eco-town in Bicester, Oxfordshire is a prime example of a One Planet Living Leader, demonstrating the viability of sustainable housing at scale. Designed from the ground up with sustainability at its core, it features highly energy-effi cient homes, solar panels on every roof and rainwater harvesting. Elmsbrook has 40% green space and a strong emphasis on community wellbeing. It proves that sustainable development is not only achievable but can also enhance the quality of life for residents.
Greencore Homes has two
developments on Oxfordshire that are Leaders in One Planet Living, Kings Farm and Springfi eld Meadows the latter achieving Global Leader status). Jon Di-Stefano, CEO of Greencore Homes, highlights the advantages of the One Planet Living approach: “It allows us to set ambitious, site-specifi c goals while addressing every aspect of sustainability – not just carbon reduction – in a truly holistic way.”
SPRINGFIELD MEADOWS IS A ONE PLANET LIVING SCHEME WHICH HAS ACHIEVED ‘GLOBAL LEADER’ STATUS
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A DEVELOPER ‘TO-DO’ LIST To rise to the climate challenge and meet the expectations set by evolving regulations and voluntary standards, developers must take decisive action. ere are the fi ve key steps to take: • Adopt a whole-life carbon approach: The industry is moving beyond operational carbon emissions from heating and powering homes) to address embodied carbon – the emissions associated with construction materials and processes. Using low-carbon materials like mass timber, recycled steel, and bio-based materials such as hempcrete or mycelium bricks) is key. Developers should also explore modular construction and circular economy principles, ensuring materials can be reused at the end of a building’s life.
• Move beyond net zero to ‘net positive’: Don’t just minimise impact
generate biofuel) and living walls that improve air quality can take developments to the next level.
– regenerate our environment. Design developments that generate more energy than they use, actively sequester carbon, and restore ecosystems with rewilding, urban forests, and biodiversity corridors. Emerging technologies such as algae facades which absorb 2
and
• Leverage smart technology for radical effi ciency: A-driven energy management, enabling local energy trading where residents sell excess solar power to neighbours), and demand-responsive district heating could transform how developments function. Smart grids and home battery storage could make communities more self-suffi cient and resilient.
• Design for a changing climate, not just net zero: With rising temperatures and extreme weather, homes need to be future-proofed. Passive cooling design can reduce overheating risk without relying on air conditioning. Flood resilience strategies, such as ‘sponge’ cities that absorb excess rainwater through permeable surfaces and natural drainage, should also be part of the toolkit.
• Design for people, not just buildings: Sustainable developments should enhance health, wellbeing, and social connectivity. Think 15-minute neighbourhoods built in the right locations, where essential services are within walking or cycling distance, car-free developments that prioritise active travel, and shared community assets like tool libraries, communal gardens, and workspaces. Creating spaces that promote social cohesion is as vital as reducing carbon.
To support developers to take these steps, Bioregional recently launched ‘ne lanet iving oals and guidance for new-build communities in the UK’. This free guide offers a clear, practical path to creating thriving, climate-positive communities.
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION! The climate challenge is upon us. But with the right tools, strategies, and commitment, the housebuilding industry can be a key part of the solution – combatting climate change while also creating places where people and nature thrive.
Philippa Hoy is One Planet Living lead at Bioregional
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