Bristol City Council’s ambitions for a Zero Carbon city are taking a mighty step forward with their motion earlier last month to reduce new building emissions by 75% after the end of 2021, helping the city become zero carbon by 2030.
For some housebuilders this may send shivers down their spine, but at Autograph Homes, we say “bring it on”. As creating our homes sustainably is built into our ethos.
The motion received cross-party support, an indication as to how seriously the Council are taking this issue.
So from the end of 2021, it looks like all new homes built in the city will be required to meet the full Future Homes Standards within Part L of Building Regulations. In effect, that means new homes will be required to produce 75% less carbon emissions than under current regs. All new buildings will be required to be 100% zero carbon from 2025 onwards.
At Autograph Homes we’re fully on board. Some of our team are already living in Low Carbon Homes utilising Air Source or Ground Source heat pumps and PV on our roofs to power this and help with EV charging.
The homes we build already combine low carbon technologies with forward-thinking design, improving energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Our new development at ViewPoint in Totterdown, due for completion this Autumn, has proven how receptive customers are for environmentally friendly homes. Fully sold off plan, these 3-bed townhouses, family homes and 1&2 bed apartments, are powered by highly-efficient, low impact technology to reduce energy costs.
Every ViewPoint home is SAP ‘A’ rated for energy efficiency and environmental impact – classing each property in the top one percent of new homes built nationwide. Timber frame construction, exceptional insulation and airtightness, and low carbon energy sources, like high output solar panels, raise the standard for environmentally conscious living.
Meanwhile in Old Market, where we’re building 32 affordable homes in partnership with Housing Association Curo, the development is one of the first to be connected to the Bristol Heat Network.
This will bring an important environmental element to the already high level of sustainability built into the development. With low carbon heat and energy, residents will benefit from lower heating bills compared to a conventional system thanks to the innovative Bristol Heat Network.
As a company we’re committed to low carbon living and look forward to playing our part in Bristol City Council’s carbon zero journey.
