Naturally, sustainable buildings are extremely beneficial to the environment. However, there's much more to them than that. They're also cost efficient to the owners/occupants and - to be a little cynical for a second - they can also assist with a company's corporate image.
Enter the Thames Valley property awards >>
Nowadays there is a strong emphasis on the sustainability credentials of every new property or development, whether it be commercial or residential. From biodiversity to improved energy use, from occupant wellbeing to the positive influence on transportation.
Sustainable innovations enhance energy efficiency, minimise greenhouse gas emissions and have a low environmental impact. And they're the future.
Here's our round-up of four of the best new examples in the Thames Valley…
The old Three building in Maidenhead town centre is being transformed into a super-green multi-occupied office. After a year of waiting, work has begun to transform the 'tired' and 'outdated' office block building into one of the greenest buildings in the Thames Valley region. The four-story structure is currently being renovated into "one of the Thames Valley's greenest, most sustainable, and occupier-focused buildings."
Previously known as Star House, the 129,000 square-foot office building will be renamed 'The Tempo Building' once construction is completed in spring of 2023. A total of 282 solar panels will be put on the roof to cut energy consumption by more than 23%, while heating will be provided by electrically-driven air source heat pumps.
The MK Gateway redevelopment is one of Milton Keynes' most exciting current building projects, one which has sustainability at the forefront of its plans.
The development will include the city's tallest structure, a brand new 33-story apartment complex and a 'green living roof'. The green roof will also be 'biosolar' which means it will be integrated with solar panels to help power the building. And will become one of Britain's tallest biosolar roofs in the process.
The apartment complex will be built with two new structures called The Shed and The Village. Another first for the UK will be 11 vertical gardens totalling 4,500 square feet for residents to share.
The living roof and other eco-friendly solutions being implemented will minimise the demand for air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter, while also enhancing biodiversity, lowering CO2 emissions, capturing carbon and lowering the temperature of the surrounding air.
Springfield Meadows in Oxfordshire is a multi-award winning, Climate Positive development comprising 25 green and sustainable homes.
The houses are all being built to Passivhaus energy standards and are even more energy efficient than zero-carbon, making them - in fact - climate positive. They are also net-zero energy, which means they are extremely comfortable and have particularly low utility bills.
A wildflower meadow, orchard and pond are among the beautiful communal spaces meant to foster a flourishing community and maximise biodiversity in the area.
According to the developers, the houses for sale at the Wolvercote Mill development mix the best of tranquil rural life with the conveniences of city living. The development contains a curated collection of exquisite three and four bedroom detached homes and townhouses. And do so in an environmentally friendly and delightfully sustainable manner.
The plans include double-glazed windows, efficient boilers, water-saving technologies and superior insulation. In order to accommodate future travel plans, the facility is also being developed in such a way that it maximises cycle storage in car parks and ensures that all garages have electric car chargers.
READ MORE: 4 interesting new sustainable developments on the South Coast
READ MORE: Isle of Wight housebuilder pledges to reach net zero in two years
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