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Clarion partners with two firms on ‘zero bills’ affordable development
Clarion has announced a strategic partnership with a major energy firm and house builder to develop what they believe will offer the first “zero bills” affordable homes.
The 125,000-home landlord will work alongside Octopus Energy and Hill Group to deliver the homes in Essex.
Each home has been designed to exceed the energy requirements of the property, meaning that residents are guaranteed to pay no energy bills for a minimum of five years.
A total 64 properties at Hollymead Square in Newport are being sold on the open market, with the remaining 25 being made available for shared ownership and affordable rent.
Each of the homes will be fitted with low-carbon technology, including solar panels, high-quality insulation, heat pumps and home storage batteries.
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After the pilot scheme in Essex, the firm has set a goal of delivering 50,000 of these homes in the UK and elsewhere by 2025.
Michael Cottrell, zero bills homes director at Octopus, said: “This partnership with the Hill Group is the first giant leap in transforming the way we live in our homes and consume energy.
“This will also mark both the biggest zero bills development in the UK and the first with affordable rent options with Clarion.
“This partnership pioneers a future where sustainable living is the standard for everybody, no matter their situation.”
Greg Hill, deputy chief executive at Hill, said: “The new homes at Hollymead Square in Newport will provide a blueprint for future sustainable housing and mark the start of our fruitful strategic partnership to deliver new homes complete with cutting-edge low-carbon technology that enable zero energy bills.”
The development will consist of two to five-bedroom houses, as well as two-bedroom bungalows. Construction is underway, with the first houses are expected to complete in spring 2024.
Richard Cook, group director of development at Clarion, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Octopus Energy and Hill Group on such an innovative project. It’s crucial that we cut emissions and cut bills for homes of all tenures.
“I am proud that Clarion residents will be among the first to benefit from a zero bills home.”
Earlier this year, Clarion revealed it was exploring training its residents in green jobs, such as installing heat pumps, as part of “a general push” to increase green skills and address challenges in the retrofit supply chain.
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