Green News

The United Kingdom’s Hanham Hall Development is the largest eco-village aspiration to date. Designed by HTA and funded by Barratt Developments and the Homes & Communities Agency, there are a rumored 188-195 zero carbon homes in the overall housing scheme. The development will include an onsite biomass CHP plant, strategically placed reed beds, shops for farmers to sell their goods, bicycle storage throughout, and a carefully crafted drainage system. Hanham Hall is the first major eco city underway that is part of the government’s Carbon Challenge Programme. The government has set a goal for all new builds to be zero carbon by 2016. It looks as though they are six years ahead of the curve.

Built on the site of a former hospital, which is being transformed into a new community center, each house in the Hanham Development will be free of VOCs, to help ensure a healthy, eco-friendly lifestyle for residents. SIPS panels will be used as the main structural element throughout the development, with the addition of other energy efficient materials. Recycling of materials onsite will ensure a zero carbon footprint. Construction is currently underway, and the first homes are slated for completion in 2010.