Energy-saving dwellings now set foot in Cambridgeshire
In the picturesque town of Witchford, Cambridgeshire, a significant shift towards sustainable living is underway. The Cambridge Housing Society, in collaboration with WElink Homes and Stonewater, has recently completed an innovative energy-efficient housing development. This groundbreaking project, located at Woodlands Chase in Main Street, promises a greener future for the community and serves as a blueprint for future sustainable housing projects.
The homes, engineered at WElink's factory, are a testament to modern, sustainable construction methods. By delivering homes in sections, this approach minimises waste, resources, and people management, making it a more efficient and eco-friendly process.
Adam Norton, UK head of land for WElink Homes, expressed his pride in the first housing development in the UK created by WElink Homes. He stated, "We are thrilled to bring this innovative project to life, and we look forward to working closely with Stonewater in the future."
Chris Montague, Stonewater's Development Director (East and North), shared similar sentiments, expressing his excitement about the delivery of the new affordable homes. He said, "We are proud to be a part of this project, which will provide much-needed affordable housing to the Witchford community."
The new development includes 14 two and three-bedroom properties for affordable rent and shared ownership. These homes feature solar panels, insulated wall panels and floor systems, an energy-efficient roof design, double glazed windows, mechanical ventilation, and smart controls. As a result, these energy-saving homes reduce energy demand by up to 70% compared to traditional homes.
The homes have achieved an EPC 'A' rating, classifying them as having good energy performance. This means that residents can expect to save significantly on their energy bills in the long run. However, recent findings suggest that these energy-efficient homes are currently too expensive for many to afford, raising concerns about the accessibility of green housing for all.
Despite this challenge, Stonewater has been a supportive stakeholder in this innovative project. The UK trade union, Unison, has published a report outlining that only wealthy people are able to secure homes with green upgrades. The report also highlights the UK's 'painfully' slow progress on green homes and the likelihood that the country will not meet its 2050 net-zero target.
The process of constructing these homes in a factory setting also offers the advantage of being less susceptible to delays caused by external factors such as bad weather. This approach not only ensures a more efficient construction process but also contributes to a more sustainable one.
WElink Homes and Stonewater are optimistic about their future collaborations and the potential for similar sustainable housing developments. As the world continues to grapple with climate change, initiatives like these are crucial in promoting a greener, more energy-efficient future for all.
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