We feel Greener Homes for Redbridge, the innovative project to transform older properties into environmentally sustainable homes, is a great example of how sustainable housing can work in practice. The project is already receiving industry wide recognition for its success, having won the Architect’s Journal Retrofit Award and a Highly Commended Award from the Inside Housing Sustainable Housing Awards.
This pilot refurbishment project by the London Borough of Redbridge highlights the importance of focusing on existing homes, if the Government targets for carbon reduction by 2050 are to be achieved.
The eco-retrofitting project implemented water and energy saving improvements and a variety of other environmental measures to 20 empty older houses in Redbridge significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
Following the renovations, the empty homes were turned into much needed social housing for local families. Families should benefit from the range of energy efficiency and low carbon measures with reduced cost utility bills and warmer, more comfortable homes.
The NHBC Foundation funded testing after refurbishment which has shown that ten of the properties achieved reductions in carbon emission ranging from 62% to 82%. For the next two years the homes will be monitored to assess the actual energy and water savings achieved, and the effects of residents’ behaviour on each home’s carbon footprint.
The findings will be shared with industry and government. As this is truly a pioneering project, the lessons learnt will be used to shape the approach that is being taken to improve sustainability of older homes and bring empty homes back into use.
The project was delivered by local housing and regeneration group East Thames in partnership with the London Borough of Redbridge, housing contractor Wates Living Space, BRE and construction consultancy Pellings.
For more information visit http://www.east-homes.co.uk/greenerhomes
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