The Future’s
Green...
You may have heard the term 'sustainable communities'
being bandied about by politicians and developers. But does it mean
anything? There is no doubt that communities face challenges: developing
areas sustainably so that a sense of community and general well being is
retained; ensuring the environment is protected. But let's get down to
basics: shouldn't a sustainable community start with sustainable
buildings?
Bedzed (the Beddington Zero Energy Development) is a
unique, experimental housing development near Sutton, Surrey. Bedzed
provides a snapshot into what the future of house building could be like.
The whole development draws together ways of reducing energy and carbon
emissions. Architects faced many challenges, but used many clever tricks.
For example, they designed the houses so that they were all south facing,
allowing the houses to retain heat more efficiently.
Water efficiency was also tackled. A shocking 150 litres
per person per day are consumed in the average household. At Bedzed, water
use was reduced by using stored rainwater for flushing toilets. Water
meters were standard. Bedzed even had a solution for waste water: a ‘Living
Machine’ designed to treat it using plants and ‘friendly bacteria’.
But how can we make existing buildings more
environmentally friendly? One idea that is gaining ground both in this
country and in Europe is that of ‘green roofs’. They consist of a
rocky substrate on the roof which is naturally colonised by plants. One of
the most impressive is the roof of the new Zurich Railway Station,
specifically designed to provide habitats for the wall lizard. A green
roof filtration plant, also in Zurich, supports nine species of orchid.
It is a little known fact that in London there are
approximately 100,000 square metres of green roofs. These provide habitat
for many wild species, including the black redstart, a bird usually
associated with rocky substrates and brownfield sites. As urban
regeneration leads to the loss of brownfield sites, green roofs could
provide an important substitute habitat.
There are also plenty of ways that conventional house
building can be made more sustainable. Using locally sourced materials,
and using natural materials for insulation are just two. Using low energy
light bulbs, composting waste and ensuring our properties are properly
insulated all help to promote sustainable living.
Green issues will continue to be high on the agenda as
Ashford develops. Innovative ideas should be welcomed to ensure a true
green vision for the future.
