Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

Green developments for London tenants

Posted: 07/08/2007

Two London based social housing providers are planning greener homes for their tenants. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has given the go-ahead to plans by Swan Housing Group to build a £30 million, 25 storey 'eco tower' in Blackwall Way, and Harrow Council say they intend to have the most solar thermal installations in London within the next two years.

Councillors have approved the plans for the eco tower. Swan Housing say that more than half of the homes in the 133 unit development will be 'affordable'. The development is said to include good quality play areas for young people and toddlers and a community space. There will also be a small retail unit at the base of the tower block.

As well as the flats there will be a high number of low-rise units for families. Swan Housing Group assistant director of development, Akin Durowoju, said: “We are delighted Alberta House can go ahead. This high quality scheme will be one of the first in central London to meet Eco-Homes Excellent standards. It will also exceed the London Mayor's and latest government climate change targets by achieving 23 per cent carbon savings through renewable sources of power. It incorporates top quality design and will be an important addition in terms of sustainable affordable housing provision for Tower Hamlets.”

Meanwhile in HArrow, local residents have responded enthusiastically to an initiative from the council and Scottish and Southern offering to install solar thermal heating in local homes for £500.

The council received more than 400 enquiries and, as a result, is currently installing panels in 20 homes with a further 20 planned later this year.

Cllr Susan Hall, portfolio holder for environment, said: "The response was overwhelming but demand currently outstrips supply and we are seeking further funding to extend the scheme. A large number of people have taken an interest and will do all we can to secure further external funding."

According to the Lord Mayor's office up to 40 per cent of carbon emissions in London come from housing. Solar thermal panels can provide up to 70 per cent of energy in a home during the summer months and 50 per cent in the winter. Harrow Council say that each solar installation saves an average of one ton of CO2 per year per household.

Green Building Press  
 

Back     Latest news from Green Building Press    Subscribe to our newsletter

2097