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Woodbine Close, Newport ,Isle of Wight

A development of 31 units on a Brownfield site in an ideal location in terms of being easily commutable, close to all major facilities without needing to resort to the use of a private vehicle.


This development performed reasonably well under the EcoHomes assessment. In particular, the choice of materials minimised the impact on the environment because they were all supplied from renewable sources. Before works commenced a geotechnical analysis confirmed the presence of some contamination from the previous land use which was removed. Several credits were added to the score because of this.

Although no consideration was given to the inclusion of wood burning stoves or renewable energy sources such as solar panels, the use of relatively efficient gas fired heating systems still provided a good score. It is worth noting that CO2 emissions from gas are the lowest of all fossil fuels. Further improvements such as solar heating probably need to be consumer led. On future developments, Information could perhaps be provided prior to development to allow for such energy saving matters to be considered in especially if Government incentives are on offer.

Phase 3 of the development included facilities for recycling household waste. but has not provided for the inclusion of water buts to facilitate the reuse of water in the external environment. This may need to be considered in future developments if the necessary credits are to be achieved.

A sustainable drainage system serves the parking areas. The rainwater passes through an interceptor and is returned to the natural drainage system. Porous paving allows water to soak through the paving in to natural water tables rather than direct collected rainwater into public sewers and watercourses. Sanitary use of water within the dwelling could be minimised further by using flow restrictors on taps and appliances and this should be considered for future developments.

 
EcoHomes– the environmental rating for homes

EcoHomes is an independently verified environmental assessment for residential buildings, certified and quality assured by The Building Research Establishment.

EcoHomes provides a formal mechanism for assessing new homes by balancing the use of materials, resources, and impact on wildlife with improved quality of life.

It aims to cut the environmental impact of developments through good design and by allowing you to make informed decisions in the following areas:

  • Energy
  • Water
  • Pollution
  • Materials
  • Transport
  • Ecology and land use
  • Health and Well being

As an approved EcoHomes assessor, Ellis Belk Associates Ltd will provide a professional, cost effective service, whether purely for a certified assessment or by working with the design team and providing practical design advice and solutions.

Design Stage Assessment and Design Advice

Once a report has been commissioned, detailed EcoHomes information sheets are sent out for the developer to complete. Information requirements cover a broad range of sustainable issues and advice including SAP worksheets.If all the information requested is provided by the developer, a desk top assessment can be made.The EcoHomes assessment process rates the performance of a scheme development. Assuming the scheme is successful it will receive a rating of either: ‘pass’, ‘good’, ‘very good’, or ‘excellent’.


EcoHomes is intended to be applied at the design stage and early design advice will avoid unexpected additional costs, if the original scheme design does not meet the required standard.Our pre-assessment design advice provides a knowledgeable review of proposed schemes to identify the potential rating and opportunities for improvement, under EcoHomes guidelines.

Where specific ratings are required then design advice to include an interim report can be issued to the client for comment. This will include the predicted EcoHomes rating and suggestions of potential improvements. This can also include attendance at design team meetings. It is possible to complete the EcoHomes assessment as a desktop activity. However, this can only be achieved if the necessary information is provided complete, in line with the initial request for information.

On completion the assessment and rating achieved will be certified by the BRE and a certificate issued. A bound report, including official achieved rating, explanation of assessment and advice for improved future performance will be forwarded to the clien.

The assessment requires a fairly extensive range of information, and it is advisable to establish the information needs at the earliest opportunity and begin compiling to minimise later delays. Failure to provide the necessary information can mean an inferior assessment rating to actual scheme performance. Time delays in assessment process and potentially increased cost of assessment.

In certain circumstances, for example where design teams lack experience with sustainability issues or where a particularly high rating is desired, additional advice may be required prior to making the assessment. Ellis Belk is happy to undertake initial appraisals and to attend design meetings etc to ensure the scheme maximises its potential.

 


Download the ECOHOMES brochure here >>> ( 135kb)
     
       
 
 
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