Environment. A greener place
As an innovative, responsible developer that believes in creating a positive legacy for future generations, countryside properties is committed to implementing the principles of sustainable development throughout our business.
WWF's Living Planet Report 2004 states that if everyone globally consumed natural resources and generated carbon dioxide at the rate that we currently do in the UK, we would need three planets to support us. Most homes in the UK have significant environmental impacts. Moreover the way in which homes and communities are developed also determines our lifestyle decisions and our overall impact on the environment.
The challenge facing companies such as ours is to provide a higher quality of life for people in new and existing communities, whilst at the same time minimising resource use and adverse environmental impacts.
Countryside Properties was therefore delighted to be recognised as the 'sustainable Housebuilder of the year' at the Building sustainability Awards 2005 and by WWF-UK and insight investment (a part of the HBos group) as the leading housebuilder surveyed in 2004, in respect of our sustainability policies and perfomance.
We ensure that environmental considerations are incorporated into the planning and design of all of our developments, and that the landscapes we create integrate with and enhance the surrounding natural and built environment. During construction we adhere to the principles of best construction practice and good neighbourliness through the Considerate Constructors scheme.
Throughout our business we are looking to reduce our environmental and social impacts by using the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method known as EcoHomes.
EcoHomes is an authoritative rating for new homes. it sets out a series of best practice criteria, against which the environmental aspects of building design and operation can be assessed.
Schemes are rated on the basis of Pass, through to good, very good and Excellent. one to four
sunflowers depict these.
EcoHomes considers the broad environmental concerns of climate change, resource use and impact on wildlife, and balances these against the need for a high quality of life, and a safe and healthy internal environment. The issues assessed are grouped into seven categories:
- Energy
- Transport
- Water
- Ecology and land use
- Pollution
- Health and well being
- Materials
EcoHomes offers the benefits of reduced running costs through greater energy and water efficiency, and reduced maintenance, as well as healthy, comfortable and flexible internal environments.
