UK modular developer Etopia Homes delivers zero-carbon housing

Modular developer and housing and technology company, Etopia Group, backed by the second wealthiest family in the UK, the Rueben brothers, recently became the world’s first housebuilder to achieve both the Carbon Neutral International Standard(EDGE Zero Carbon) and join the United Nations Climate Neutral Now Initiative.

See: unfccc.int/climate-action/climate-neutral-now

The certification recognises homes that achieve a 100% reduction in operational emissions using low-carbon technologies such as air source heat pumps and sourcing power from renewable energy.

It’s known as the EDGE Zero Carbon certification has only been awarded to three other developments in the world, all of which were office buildings overseas.

As a signatory of the UN Climate Neutral Now initiative, the modular developer calculated and disclosed the current carbon footprint of the company, including international air travel, and have demonstrated a clear pathway to reducing it year-on-year.

The EDGE certification process took place at Etopia Homes’ development in Wilburton, Cambridgeshire. Branded Juniper Place, the scheme is delivering 30 ‘zero-carbon’ homes on the site in Cambridge, 21 of which will be for private sale and 9 for affordable.

As part of the project, Etopia Homes will install sensors on each floor of the 30 homes. The technology will collect data on the energy usage of each home and help residents automatically optimise performance.

The modular developer’s commitment to achieving the EDGE Zero Carbon certification is the first step in a three-part process.

Watch Etopia’s panelised build system here:

The commitment will require Etopia Homes to:

• Achieve EDGE Advanced certification, and prove that homes are zero-carbon ready and at least 40% more efficient compared to a local baseline.

• Collect data from the homes once they are occupied for a period of 12-months

• provide the data to demonstrate that the homes achieve the EDGE Zero Carbon certification

Optimising zero-carbon homes methods

Joseph Daniels, CEO and Founder of Etopia Group, said: “The UK is in the midst of a dual crisis: climate change and a shortage of homes.

“Our commitment to achieving the EDGE Zero Carbon certification at Juniper Place is just the beginning of our journey to revolutionising the delivery of green homes across the UK.

“Our data-led, technology-driven approach will ensure that we’re able to meet the certification’s stringent criteria, optimise our methods of delivering zero-carbon homes, and actively offer a ready-to-go solution to the UK’s climate change and housing crises.”

See: www.projectetopia.com