A Wiltshire Councillor has visited a David Wilson development, to witness the housebuilders’ innovative approach to energy-efficient housing.
Jonathon Seed, Councillor for Melksham Without West & Rural division, visited the David Wilson Homes South West’s Buckley Gardens development in Melksham.
Buckley Gardens is the housebuilders’ first fully Part L compliant development where the A/B EPC-rated properties comply with new energy efficiency standards, which aim to reduce the use of power and fuel as the government moves closer to its goal of reducing carbon emissions to net zero.
Councillor Seed was given a tour of Buckley Gardens to see more than 50 homes under construction, led by the team from Barratt David Wilson Homes South West including managing director, Ralph Hawkins and Paul Hughes, senior site manager.
He was also introduced to other members of the David Wilson Homes South West team including senior sales advisor, Laura Sargen.
“I was impressed by the systematic approach to development, with some homes already occupied and others just starting the groundwork. The quality and size of the show homes further demonstrate David Wilson Homes' commitment to building high-quality properties.”
Ralph Hawkins said: “It was a privilege to welcome Councillor Seed to Buckley Gardens and demonstrate the energy efficient properties we’re building across Wiltshire. This development shows that it’s possible to successfully balance the demands for quality housing with the need to protect the environment and also help buyers save money on energy bills.
“We’re committed to create sustainable communities that not only meet the needs of today’s homeowners but also contribute positively to our planet for future generations.”
The Part L measures serve as an interim step towards the Future Homes Standard, set to arrive in 2025. The regulations focus on improving properties’ energy-efficiency credentials, leading to lower energy usage for heating, lighting, and daily needs.
New build homes are up to 74% cheaper to run meaning homeowners could save up to £2,590 per year on energy bills.
The new requirements mandate buildings to meet higher standards, reducing CO2 emissions by 31%. At Buckley Gardens this includes:
- Electric car charging points for every home
- Decentralised Mechanical Extract Ventilation (d-MEV) which is designed to draw moisture laden air out of the wet rooms such as bathrooms, utility rooms and kitchens
- Waste Water Heat Recovery Systems that work by extracting the heat from the water the shower or bath sends down the drain. The heat is used to warm the incoming mains water, reducing the strain on the boiler and the energy required to heat up water
- Argon-filled double glazing which is particularly efficient at keeping heat from escaping through windows, so properties are warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
- Photovoltaic panels that capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity that owners can use in their homes
- Highly efficient insulation to reduce heat loss
- Flue Gas Heat Recovery which recycles extra heat back through the boiler, helping to heat up the incoming cold water, is also available on selected homes.
Buckley Gardens, which includes 144 properties, launched in June.
Barratt Developments was the first major national housebuilder to set science-based targets and has committed to reduce direct carbon emissions by 29 per cent by 2025. Barratt Developments, parent company of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, has also announced that it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations by 2040 – becoming the first major housebuilder to make this commitment.
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