We've committed via our climate change strategy to achieve Net Zero Carbon for council operations by 2030, with the County of Surrey achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050.  We also have an ongoing commitment to improving wider environmental sustainability, which includes creating low carbon, healthy homes for our residents that reduce emissions, have lower running costs and improve the well-being of our community. 

We have incorporated these goals throughout the design of this project, and some of the ways these will be achieved are listed below:   

Fabric first approach   
The new homes are designed to minimise heat loss through a combination of measures, including high quality insulation and windows. This means that the buildings will need less energy to heat in winter and cool in summer, resulting in lower carbon emissions and reduced heating costs.  

All-electric building  
All heating and cooking will use electric appliances, which are less carbon intensive than natural gas-powered appliances.

Low carbon, low-cost heating solutions  
Electric heat pumps are currently the preferred solution to supply heating and hot water for the new buildings. These have a significantly lower carbon footprint than gas boilers, are highly efficient and will help to manage the energy costs for residents.  The buildings will benefit from underfloor heating with smart controls, which allows residents to manage and reduce the energy for lighting and heating in their homes.  

Maximising on-site generation of renewable energy
Generating electricity using renewable energy technology such as solar panels will further reduce carbon emissions. 

Sustainable use of water 
Low volume lavatory flushes and low flow taps and showers will be installed to keep water use to a minimum. The landscape design will include measures to alleviate flood risk.  

We intend that the energy performance of these buildings will meet LETI standards for small scale housing. You can find out more about LETI standards here.