Welsh developer to build 6,000 zero-carbon homes
Welsh housing developer Edenstone Homes Group has entered into a joint venture (JV) with environmental consultant Sero to deliver 6,000 zero-carbon homes by the end of the decade.
The two companies have formed the partnership as part of Edenstone’s ambition to become a net zero-carbon business by 2025.
Latest accounts for Edenstone for the year up to 30 April 2020 show that the independent house builder acquired 64 acres of land, enough for 814 homes.
Major sites include the 460-home St Mary’s Garden Village near Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire. Previous developments include the first phase of the 300-home Parc Ceirw scheme in Swansea as well as a number of schemes in Gloucestershire.
Sero has been drafted in to help Edenstone deliver on its target to become zero carbon by using renewable energy such as solar panels, battery storage and heat pumps alongside smart energy systems within homes.
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James Williams, chief executive of Sero, said: “We already have the technology and knowledge needed to deliver zero-carbon homes, so now we need to demonstrate delivery and viability at scale – as ultimately this is where we need to get to sooner rather than later to meet net zero targets.
“Through this JV we have an opportunity to show how much customers love living in low-carbon homes because of the lifestyle benefits it offers around comfort and convenience, increased well-being, and lower energy bills.
“We need to demonstrate that zero-carbon homes are what customers want, and help the industry and market adapt to achieve a position where net zero is the industry standard.”
The JV will work on pilot schemes including Edenstone’s sites at Parc Ceirw and Orb Drive in Newport.
The demonstration homes will showcase various technology options, setting a blueprint for how the group will look to deliver its new build homes as it moves into the future.
Martin Taylor, managing director at Edenstone, said: “The climate emergency requires urgent action, and we all need to look at how we can play our part within our everyday lives.
“Forty per cent of UK emissions come from households, meaning our homes have huge role to play if the UK is to meet its target for reducing carbon emission.
“That is why as a company, Edenstone is committed to ensuring we can begin delivering zero-carbon smart homes as quickly as possible. We see this JV with Sero as the way to ensure we can fast-track our journey to making this happen.”
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