Drum Housing Association launched its second Sustainability Strategy. The Association is part of the newly formed Radian Group, one of the largest providers of social housing across the South East, and is widely recognised as a pioneer in its use of new eco-friendly technologies.
The use of renewable energy such as solar power, ground source heat pump systems, and, potentially, wind energy, have already reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its housing stock by some 178 tonnes each year.
The new strategy sets out plans to make further progress towards the significant reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in Drum's new and existing homes. The greater use of environmentally friendly building materials, conservation of water and reductions in energy costs to residents, tied with supporting communities, empowers individuals to reduce their eco-footprint.
Drum recognises the need for residents to benefit from environmental improvements. By using innovative energy efficient technologies to deliver heat and power to homes as an alternative to systems that rely on fossil fuels, homes become cheaper to run enabling residents to make savings on their bills.
Since 2005, every Drum development site has undergone an ecological survey to protect existing wildlife and habitats.
The new strategy goes a step further with a commitment to restore the ecology/biodiversity of sites post development and to include external maintenance works in ecological surveys.
The strategy also covers wider economic and social issues facing local communities. Initiatives include learning opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups of people, to improve their employment prospects by providing them with access to new skills.
Another feature is greater involvement with schools and colleges and organised sports events to help build opportunities for young people.
Eleven eco-friendly homes went on show at the Prince of Wales' model village development at Poundbury, in Dorset.
The five houses and six apartments incorporate energy-saving features, including solar-powered hot water and loft insulation made from sheep's wool. All the homes have received top National Home Energy Ratings.
Other features include:
The properties are heated using a recovery ventilation system. This takes heat from air extracted from the kitchen and bathroom and transfers it to the main living rooms and bedrooms.
Poundbury is built on Duchy of Cornwall land, as an urban extension to nearby Dorchester. Affordable, private and social housing are integrated and designed to be indistinguishable from each other.
Employment, recreation, education and shopping facilities are mixed with housing to encourage residents to walk or cycle, instead of drive.
