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Tools/Resources

20 of the Best

These pictures show 20 good examples of housing design and sustainable development, reflecting the success of RSLs in London in delivering innovation and quality and in pushing the boundaries on density. Further details of the individual schemes can be sought by contacting the relevant housing association.

2020 Living: But will we want to live there? (Women and Housing)


This report builds on earlier work that identified what women would like to see in homes, neighbourhoods and public services in the future. With help from groups of women the research team benchmarked a current new development against the earlier futures scenario findings. The resulting report highlights where current new development meets likely future expectations and where it falls short. The report will be of particular interest to planning and development managers.


Summaries of the report are available free. The full report is available from the address below on receipt of a self-addressed A4 envelope and £1.40 in postage.


Telephone: 01672 540 180
Contact name: Lesley Andrews
Postal address: Ulmus, Ogbourne Road, Aldbourne, Wiltshire SN8 2LD

BedZED

Beddington Zero (fossil) Energy Development -- BedZED -- is the UK's largest eco-village. The development aims to show that 'green' living is a real, attractive and affordable option. Energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation are successfully integrated with a car club and local organic food initiatives.

BedZED comprises 82 homes, office space and live-work units. The village has a mix of social housing, shared ownership, key worker homes and private houses. It is designed for a comfortable, yet highly resource-efficient way of life.

For more information on BedZed, including a case study to show how sustainable development can be achieved by housing providers, visit the BedZED website.

Website:http://www.bioregional.com/
Phone number: 020 8404 4880
Contact name: Nick James
Postal address: BioRegional Development Development Group, BedZED Centre, 24 Helios Road, Wallington, Surrey SM6 7BZ

Climate Change: Risk Management for the Construction Industry (Construction Industry Research & Information Association (CIRIA))

The project explores the potential impacts of climate change on the construction industry and discusses how climate change can be integrated into a framework for decision-making by the construction industry. Identification of research from government, industry bodies and research institutes is also drawn together to make an easy reference guide.

Contact:joanne.kwan@ciria.org
Website:http://www.ciria.org/rp668.htm
Phone number: 020 7222 8891

Community Data Services

This online database is designed to assist housing associations and their partners to develop forward plans for regeneration initiatives of various kinds and then to identify appropriate measures and to track progress over time. The data held covers a wide range of socio-economic measures and is available free on the web for all local authority areas in England.

For housing associations and others involved in small area regeneration initiatives Community Data Services can provide a tailored service for aggregations of wards and full postcode sectors.

Website: http://www.comdata.co.uk/
Email: cds.admin@virgin.net
Phone number: 01672 540 180
Contact name: Lesley Andrews or Dick Drinkrow
Postal address: Ulmus, Ogbourne Rd, Aldbourne, Wiltshire, SN8 2LD

Developing an Environmental Assessment Method for existing homes (Building Research Establishment)

The development of an environmental assessment method tailored for use on existing stock which would allow housing associations and RSLs to:

  • develop stock profiles in terms of the current environmental performance of their housing;
  • identify 'good' and 'poor' performers;
  • target improvements to gain the most environmental benefit; and
  • measure and monitor the progress of their stock.

Website: http://www.bre.co.uk/
Email: environment@bre.co.uk
Phone number: 01923 664300

Directory of Energy Services for Housing Associations (Nottingham Community Housing Association/Nottingham Energy Partnership)

A complete guide to the development and management of energy services schemes. Energy Services schemes, if developed and managed properly, can provide significant benefits to housing associations and their residents. The guide explains what Energy Services are and the wide range of types of scheme that can be developed. The guide also deals with how to get buy-in to the energy services concept, how to develop a scheme, help and assistance available (including funding assistance) and a number of detailed case studies. The next phase of this project will see the Directory developed for the web.

Email: andreag@ncha.org.uk
Phone number: 0115 910 4236

EcoLaw (Association for the Conservation of Energy)

EcoLaw is a guide to environmental regulation for housing associations covering environmental law, UK policy, EU directives and Housing Corporation Regulation, Inspection and Scheme Development Standards. It provides a quick overview of all key legislation relating to the environment and housing associations, and provides a risk analysis for prioritising action. The website is updated quarterly and an email alert service is available to let people know when new items have been published. Additional hard copies are available from ACE or Sustainable Homes while stocks last.

Website: http://www.ha-ecolaw.org.uk/
Email: info@ha-ecolaw.org.uk
Phone number: 020 7359 8000

Green Street (Sustainable Homes)

Green Street is a web-based refurbishment tool aimed at helping housing associations make more environmentally friendly and sustainable refurbishment decisions. One of the ways in which it is used revolves around the concept of a virtual street, in which the most common housing association stock types are portrayed, along with improvements relating specifically to that type. The project looks at all the areas involved in the refurbishment process: energy, water, material use, as well as issues of lifestyle and tenant communication. The user can obtain ideas on how to implement suitable measures, and learn about costs, available funding, and where to get products, as well as advice.

Website: http://www.greenstreet.org.uk/
Email: info@sustainablehomes.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8973 0429

Health and Housing: Measuring Impact and Ensuring Stability

The Health and Housing Network is a partnership between the UK Public Health Association, the Health Development Agency and the Housing Corporation. Health and sustainability are linked because the causes of ill-health are closely linked with unsutainable social, economic and environmental conditions. The purpose of the Network is to champion the links between health, housing and sustainability to healthcare, public health and housing audiences. It promotes a better understanding of the mechanisms and relationships needed to sustain people, neighbourhoods and property at a local level, and the delivery of health and well-being.

Website: http://www.healthaction.nhs.uk/
Contact name: Peter Molyneux
Contact number: 020 7277 6196

Integer Homes Energy Monitoring (Westlea Housing Association)

The project monitored temperatures and energy use in both pilot INTEGER homes to assess the effectiveness of the various design factors. This information is used to evaluate actual savings to tenants compared to anticipated and to gauge this against any additional rent factor applied to these homes. The data quantifies the tenant savings achieved due to high insulation, low energy lighting and solar powered hot water heating as well as identifying other areas of energy use within the home such as white goods.

Website: http://www.westlea.org.uk/
Phone number: 01249 465465

MicroCHP, and miniCHP in the UK RSL Housing Sector

A report to the Housing Corporation, March 2002, FaberMaunsell Ltd.

This report focuses on the potential for microCHP in the UK social housing sector and is one result of a pan-European project, part funded by the European Commission SAVE programme. The objectives are to provide an evaluation of technologies, markets and players; to assess potential energy and cost savings; maintenance and other related issues; and to propose possible routes to exploiting the new technology in the sector. This will help to enable decision makers in the Housing Corporation and RSLs to make judgments about microCHP and to plan and implement strategies if they so wish.

Email: simon.burton@fabermaunsell.com
Phone number: 020 7601 1652 or in Brussels on 00 322741 2442

One Planet Products: Buyers' Group project

This project examines the feasibility of enabling housing associations and private developers to work together to purchase a core list of One Planet Products (defined as benign and sustainable building products that will reduce the customer's ecological footprint). Bulk purchasing can drive down the cost of the products, stimulate local production and make the products more accessible to all.

Website: http://www.bioregional.com/
Email: sc@bioregional.com
Contact name: Simon Corbey
Phone number: 020 8404 6103

Pathways to PV

This guide has been produced for housing associations wishing to install photovoltaic (PV) technology. It is designed as a step by step guide to developing a PV scheme in social housing. It brings together the experiences of housing associations to date in the development of PV as well as actively engaging the sector in future funding regimes being proposed by government.

Contact name: Andrea Griffiths-James
Email: info@ncha.org.uk
Phone number: 0115 910 4444
Postal address: Energy and Environmental Services, NCHA, 12-14 Pelham Road, Nottingham NG5 1AP

Providing Services and Governance Frameworks For New Communities (Women and Housing)

Under regional planning and Local Plan guidance East Devon District Council expects to build a new community of around 3000 new homes in order to cater for the growth in Exeter City. The Council wants to ensure that all aspects of this major programme reflect best practice in terms of social, economic and environmental sustainability. The Women and Housing research team is contributing to specific aspects of this remit. This involves an appraisal of how public and community buildings and services can contribute to the sustainability agenda. They are also concerned to establish the scope for linking services with new community governance frameworks. Report: Options for Service Provision

Phone number: 01672 540 180
Contact Name: Lesley Andrews
Address: Ulmus, Ogbourne Rd, Aldbourne, Wiltshire, SN8 2LD

Recycled Materials in Construction

The Ecoconstruction website contains a database of currently available recycled materials and products made from recycled material. Designers and builders can find products ranging from hardcore for foundations to stained glass from old bottles. An information page on each material or product gives details of manufacturer, product specification, certification, availability, environmental and health issues and costs, in many cases with a direct link to the manufacturer's website.

As well as the database, the site gives information to help specifiers with issues such as planning, design, specification, guarantees, etc. The site also contains case studies of houses which have made extensive use of recycled materials.

The site was developed by FaberMaunsell's Sustainable Development Group, with Ecological Development, using grants from the Housing Corporation and SITA Environmental Trust, and the support of several organisations including Waste Watch, housing associations, architects, builders, and the Building Research Establishment.

Website: http://www.ecoconstruction.org/
Email: simon.burton@fabermaunsell.com
Phone number: 020 7601 1652 or in Brussels on 00 322741 2442

Routes to Sustainability (Practical Environment)

Routes to Sustainability makes the links between the work housing professionals do and the sustainability issues outlined by the Housing Corporation, Local and Central Government. It makes that link by identifying the proven help, products and programmes that are out already there that have been designed to make sustainability achievable, regardless of what stage the Association is at. It is a toolbox and searchable database, handbook and training course that aims to:

  • Identify products that assist housing associations to move forward in one or more policy areas
  • Provide routes between products so that logical choices can be made when moving on from the current project
  • Allow people to start at the most appropriate point for their own situation
  • Allow people to choose the most appropriate style of tool for their organisation or community
  • Allow organisations to take a longer term view of what sustainable development means for them in terms of action

Websites:http://www.routestosustainability.org.uk/, http://www.practicalenvironment.co.uk/
Email: info@practicalenvironment.co.uk
Phone number: 0870 2408274
Fax Number: 0115 969 2621

Step Change housing: zero fossil energy developments (Zedfactory Ltd)

The aim of the study is to show how and why a step change reduction in environmental impact can be achieved in new affordable homes projects at the same time as measurably increasing residents quality of life -- including a worked example showing financial viability, development appraisals and an integrated supply chain. The study will be summarised in a comprehensive report for distribution to Housing Associations and their professional teams.

Email: info@zedfactory.com
Phone number: 020 8404 1380

Sustainability Works (Sustainability Works Services Ltd)

Sustainability Works is the complete development tool for sustainable housing.

This free web-based application can help with:

  • Writing sustainable development policies
  • Setting sustainability targets for specific schemes and monitoring them through the development process
  • EcoHomes predictions, Housing Quality Indicator reports and Sustainability Toolkit reports

The comprehensive database includes background information on social, environmental and strategic issues, best practice and case studies.

Introductory hands on training courses are available as well as bespoke sessions to assist housing providers with policy writing and target setting.

Website: http://www.sustainabilityworks.org.uk/Phone number: 020 7422 1777

Sustainable Carbon Neutral Housing Design for rural projects in Cornwall (Cornwall Rural Housing Association)

The aim of this study is to develop a blueprint/prototype design and principles for an affordable, low energy, sustainable house that could be replicated on rural sites throughout Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. Specifically designed to have low energy consumption levels and therefore low utility bills the dwellings will provide high levels of comfort while also providing high levels of daylight and sunlight. Designed with high levels of insulation the dwellings energy consumption through heating and lighting will be reduced to a level where by they can be met by renewable resources.

Email: cornwall.rural@crha.fednet.org.uk
Phone number: 01579 348567

Sustaining Health Through Housing

The purpose of this project is to review the current guidance and tools available to assist RSLs and their health partners to deliver health and well being in an environmentally sustainable way. Key outputs will be:

  1. a screening tool for housing agencies wishing to undertake a health impact assessment
  2. an online database of the current evidence
  3. a summary of relevant legislation, guidance and the associated risks
  4. the piloting of continuous improvement cycles and a 'balanced score card' approach to evaluating regeneration and renewal proposals

Contact name: Peter Molyneux
Phone number: 020 7277 6196

Toolkit of Indicators for Sustainable Communities, 3rd Edition (John Moores University)

Often referred to as the 'Sustainability Toolkit', this gives guidance on how to assess the sustainability of communities where social housing exists or might be developed. It is a requirement that RSLs certify that the Toolkit has been used for all bids for new schemes.

There are no simple litmus tests for sustainability, because the sheer variety of factors that influence the demand for housing make that impossible. This is why a toolkit approach has been adopted. Only staff with a good knowledge of a community can decide which tools (indicators) are appropriate. Accordingly, the Toolkit is structured to help users choose and use its indicators appropriately. Total number of indicators and their definitions remain unchanged from the 'Toolkit of Sustainability Indicators'. The format has changed to an A5 size to reduce paper consumption.

Toolkit

User behaviour in energy efficient homes

This is a research project that aims to identify the key characteristics of people using energy efficiency improvements to their homes, in order to determine how such improvements can be delivered more effectively.
The project is jointly funded by the Housing Corporation and the Energy Saving Trust.

Project report

Website: http://www.ukace.org/
Email: jacky@ukace.org
Contact name: Jacky Pett
Phone number: 020 7359 8000

Virtual Reality Model for the INTEGER Westminster Towers Project

The development and use of a virtual reality model for the consultation process with the elderly residents of Glastonbury House, a residential tower block in Westminster undergoing a "green and intelligent" refurbishment programme. Glastonbury House will be the UK's first intelligent and green residential tower; the model will be used with residents and the community to develop and test design solutions to be included in the refurbishment programme.

The INTEGER Westminster Towers Project will generate new innovations in housing refurbishment; INTEGER is committed to disseminating these ideas to Housing Associations and Local Authorities. The virtual reality model of the INTEGER Westminster Towers Project will be made available to Housing Associations and Local Authorities as a tool to demonstrate the refurbishment of the existing housing stock using green and intelligent principles. A demonstration facility of two refurbished flats and an exhibition area has been built as part of the INTEGER Westminster Towers Project. Representatives from Housing Associations and Local Authorities are welcome to visit the site to get an understanding of the project.

The project was cited in the Government Response to the ODPM Select Committee Report on Planning for Sustainable Communities, Sustainable Communities in the South East, published in July 2003, as an example of a high density housing development that shows the possibilities of social, economic and environmental sustainbility of tall buildings.

Website: http://www.integerproject.co.uk/
Phone number: 020 8374 7720
Contact name: Jez Pellow

Whole Life Cost of Social Housing

This report gives benchmark whole life cost models, based on the capital cost models used in the Housing Corporation's Total Cost Indicators (TCIs) to compare the whole life costs performance of proposed schemes with definable standard schemes. Full report

Z2 - Zero Waste and Zero Energy scheme (BioRegional Development Group)

The Z2 project will produce a concept design for a zero waste and zero fossil energy settlement for up to 5000 people in the Thames Gateway regeneration area east of London. It will also draw together partners in the public and private sectors to implement the scheme. The Z2 concept will offer the Housing Corporation and Registered Social Landlords a model for developing sustainably in the Thames Gateway which will address government targets on future housing needs (including affordable and key worker provision) as well as helping to meet energy, waste and recycling targets.

Website:http://www.bioregional.com/
Phone number: 020 8404 4898
Email: jd@bioregional.com
Contact name: Jane Durney
Address: BioRegional Development Group, The BedZED Centre, 24 Helios Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 7BZ

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