'Green' regeneration pioneers gain national recognition » Environment » 24dash.com

A regeneration partnership formed by Stroud District Council and Two Rivers Housing has achieved national recognition by pioneering the management and successful implementation of BREEAM’s (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Sustainable Communities toolkit.

The toolkit will enable the partnership to utilise best practice in the delivery of sustainable solutions that physically and financially benefit local communities.

The project is one of only six pilot projects in the UK and forms part of the BREEAM Sustainable Communities Pilot Assessment programme. 
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability to fulfil the needs of the future generations.
The toolkit provides a framework for tackling today’s societal and environmental problems.  The benefits it bestows far exceed society’s expectations with regard to fuel poverty, environmental protection, sustained economic growth and social equity.

Under continual development, BREEAM is the world’s most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings.

It actively encourages the use of innovative ‘sustainable’ elements such as recycled and sustainable materials, natural ventilation, energy-saving lighting and water management.

Created in 1990, the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method otherwise known as BREEAM, sets the standard for Best Practice in sustainable development.

The toolkit aims to incorporate regional planning, sustainable development and be compatible with EcoHomes and Health and Environmental Impact Assessments.

Planners, architects and developers will also benefit from the toolkit as it sets out best practice performance across a range of sustainability issues.

The partnership’s redevelopment initiative in Midland Road, Stonehouse has already benefitted from the BREEAM toolkit.

This is the partnership’s first modular project and involves the demolition of eight Woolaway PRC (Prefabricated Reinformced Concrete) home to allow the construction of sixteen new affordable homes.

In order to develop appropriate design proposals for this particular redevelopment initiative, extensive consultation has taken place with residents of the wider community and Stonehouse Town Council. 

A key factor about this particular programme is the 44% improvement in energy performance.  As a result this will significantly reduce residents’ fuel bills.

The 50% reduction in water consumption will also have a major impact on their water charges.  Green materials and recyclable products will be responsibly sourced and waste management practices will be employed.  All of which will ensure that these homes meet the Communities for Local Government’s (CLG) Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4.

In the interest of all members of the local community, the use of modular construction solutions have been selected for the Midland Road initiative, to reduce the construction time and reduce the number of deliveries to the site.

This will benefit local people as it will be less disruptive to their neighbourhood.  This redevelopment initiative has also involved Planners, the Highway Authority and the Police. 

Councillor Barbara Tait, Cabinet member for Planning & Climate Change at Stroud District Council, said: “We are fully committed to providing a sustainable environment in the Stroud district and are delighted to be implementing the BREEAM toolkit.

"Forming a partnership with Two Rivers Housing is a positive step towards ensuring that new developments in the area are better for the environment and better for the community.”

Garry King, Two Rivers Housing Chief Executive, said: "We are proud to be working in partnership with Stroud DC, this partnership is responsible for providing the interface for the development of homes that shape and improve the local landscape and the wider community as a whole, and more importantly improve the quality of life for residents."

Martin Townsend, BREEAM Director, said: "We welcome the involvement of Stroud City Council and Two Rivers Housing in piloting and assisting us in the development of BREEAM Communities.

"They have both recognised the need to demonstrate a clear track record of delivering sustainable results within the built environment by aligning themselves to products and services (such as BREEAM) that the community trust and respect."