BedZed A Step Into The Future
BedZED is one of the UK’s largest mixed use sustainable communities. The name Beddington Zero Energy Development encapsulates the vision behind the project – i.e. to develop the first large-scale carbon neutral or zero fossil energy development, aiming to meet all its energy demands from renewable energy generated on site.
Key strategies
Planning gain – increased density through provision of gardens on rooftops Thermal efficiency – reduce space heating by 80% over conventional homes through passive solar heating with south facing conservatories, triple glazing, super insulation and passive ventilation through wind-driven cowls on the roof
Increased energy efficiency – fitting of energy efficient appliances as standard, visible meters to raise residents awareness of consumption, good daylight design
Increased water efficiency – water efficient appliances, rainwater collection for toilet flushing, irrigation, treatment of waste water on-site
Green travel plan – with pedestrian/cyclist priority, reduced availability and car parking reduced from 160 spaces to 100 spaces, residents’ car club and promotion of public transport
Renewable energy – meet all remaining, reduced energy needs through onsite generation of renewable energy using an experimental wood-fuelled combined heat and power system and photovoltaic panels
Construction – consideration of the environmental impact of the construction process and materials used was considered, sourcing of reclaimed and recycled materials and local sourcing policy to reduce haulage carbon emissions
BedZED households use 2,579 kWh of electricity per year which is 45% lower than the average in surrounding area. On average, households use 3,526 kWh of heating per year – 81% less than the average in Sutton and carbon emissions from energy use in the home are reduced by 72% compared to similar homes built at the time.
BedZED was influential in the genesis of the UK government policy that all new homes must be zero
Key strategies
Planning gain – increased density through provision of gardens on rooftops Thermal efficiency – reduce space heating by 80% over conventional homes through passive solar heating with south facing conservatories, triple glazing, super insulation and passive ventilation through wind-driven cowls on the roof
Increased energy efficiency – fitting of energy efficient appliances as standard, visible meters to raise residents awareness of consumption, good daylight design
Increased water efficiency – water efficient appliances, rainwater collection for toilet flushing, irrigation, treatment of waste water on-site
Green travel plan – with pedestrian/cyclist priority, reduced availability and car parking reduced from 160 spaces to 100 spaces, residents’ car club and promotion of public transport
Renewable energy – meet all remaining, reduced energy needs through onsite generation of renewable energy using an experimental wood-fuelled combined heat and power system and photovoltaic panels
Construction – consideration of the environmental impact of the construction process and materials used was considered, sourcing of reclaimed and recycled materials and local sourcing policy to reduce haulage carbon emissions
BedZED households use 2,579 kWh of electricity per year which is 45% lower than the average in surrounding area. On average, households use 3,526 kWh of heating per year – 81% less than the average in Sutton and carbon emissions from energy use in the home are reduced by 72% compared to similar homes built at the time.
BedZED was influential in the genesis of the UK government policy that all new homes must be zero