News: Bramall Construction showcases zero carbon solutions

Rotherham firm, Bramall Construction has completed one of the UK's largest zero carbon developments in Slough, Berkshire.

Unveiled last week, Greenwatt Way, a groundbreaking project from energy provider SSE (Scottish and Southern Energy) was designed by PRP Architects, built by Bramall Construction and engineered by AECOM.

The development uses the latest construction methods and technologies available to deliver zero carbon housing to Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. Greenwatt Way will be monitored for the next two years to improve understanding of energy usage and requirements as the UK moves to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.

The development of ten homes comprises two and three bedroom houses, one bedroom flats, an information hub and an energy centre.

The research project, in which SSE is investing over £3.5m, is testing a wide range of solutions and will provide much needed evidence of the real life benefits of living in zero carbon homes. Zero carbon homes are now becoming much more affordable and Bramall Construction is already building Code 6, zero carbon homes for less than £130,000.

The Slough site features rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling, triple glazed windows, enhanced insulation and its very own renewable heat hub. Installed are four different renewable heating sources including air- and ground-source heat pumps, a biomass boiler and solar thermal panels.

Renewable electricity is supplied by the integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) tiles which entirely cover the homes' roofs, with excess power being sold back to the grid.

John Walsh, Managing Director for the East of England at Bramall Construction said: "It's great to see the new homes at Greenwatt Way completed and ready for residents to move into.

"We are excited to see how the technology implemented in the homes will benefit the new residents. We hope that the homes will play a large part in the way that communities are created in the future and are proud that Bramall have had the opportunity to play our part in reducing carbon emissions of UK housing."

Speaking at the launch event, Chris Huhne MP, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, said: "Slough's project is a glimpse into the future of how we could all be living in years to come.

"Homes in the UK account for more than a quarter of the UK's carbon dioxide emissions so saving energy makes sense for the planet as well as the householders. With feed-in-tariffs, the micro-generation strategy, smart meters and the "green deal", sustainable living will transform our community, create green jobs, cut emissions and fuel bills."

Also this month, the Manvers firm has made the shortlist in the Builder & Engineer Awards 2010 for the Main Contractor of the Year category. Winners will be announced at an event in Manchester on October 7.

Bramall Construction website
SSE website

Images: DECC / flickr