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Bedzed Ecovillage - a case study
What is BedZED?
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BedZED
– or Beddington Zero Energy Development - is an environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient mix of housing and work space in Beddington, Sutton. It is one of the
first developments in the UK to try to incorporate up-to-the-minute thinking on sustainable development into every aspect of their scheme.
Why ‘Zero Energy’?
BedZED only uses energy from renewable sources generated on site. It is the first large-scale ‘carbon neutral’ community - i.e. the first not to add to the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Some features include:
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Building materials selected from natural, renewable or recycled sources, and where possible from within a 35-mile radius of the site.
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A combined heat and power unit able to produce all the development’s heat and electricity from tree waste (which would otherwise go to landfill.
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Energy-efficient design - south-facing houses that make the most of the heat from the sun, excellent insulation and triple-glazed windows.
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A water strategy able to cut mains consumption by a third, by using water-saving appliances and making the most of rain and recycled water.
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A green transport plan which aims to reduce reliance on the car by cutting the need for travel (eg through internet shopping links and on-site facilities) and providing alternatives to driving such as a car pool.
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Recycling bins in every home.
The social dimension
BedZED is a city ecovillage, demonstrating the creative use of brownfield land.
As well as the ecological dimension, BedZED is providing a mix of high and low cost housing – for rent and to buy - so that the community is varied and socially inclusive.
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Brighton Peace & Environment Centre,
Address: 39-41 Surrey Street, Brighton, BN1 3PB. United Kingdom.
Tel: UK (01273) 766610
Email: info@bpec.org
Web: www.bpec.org
Company Registration No. 6166971
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