The Community Land Trust Network has published research that reflects the superior ambitions most CLT and other community led housing groups have for their projects in terms of building more sustainably. An analysis of a random selection of plans demonstrated – albeit cautiously – that the projects built more sustainable homes than the average minimum energy standards for the UK.
Using funding from Power to Change, the CLT Network worked with sustainability experts HoyleDean, which reviewed a random set of planning documents and drawings for a range of Community Land Trust projects with planning permission, to assess their planned energy performance.
The projects were selected randomly, with the findings compared to local and national building standards for sustainability, finding that these community led groups lead the way in building with higher standards, setting an example for how building can approach the issue of reaching Net Zero.
The CLT Network singled out Cornwall CLT, which was one of those selected for review, which has a charter that ensures all of its homes incorporate high standards of energy-efficiency and ecology. To date, the group has delivered 230 affordable homes, with another 50 in the pipeline.
The report created, Leading to Net Zero has some interesting findings, not least that 57% was the highest reduction in CO2, with 4.8kg of CO2 emissions savings in one household, and another household had an estimated £698 savings in energy bill, based on an Everest 2020 Ltd study that equates average energy costs per Energy Performance Rating (EPC).
Tom Chance, Chief Executive of the Community Land Trust Network said, “We know that communities want to tackle the climate crisis, and now we have evidence that they are taking a lead when building new homes.
“They are even managing to go for high standards with challenging affordable housing projects, in a market that is tough for new entrants. Give communities control and they will prioritise quality and sustainability.
“Communities can help the Government to drive higher standards, building skills and supply chains to hit net zero. But they need the Government to extend the Community Housing Fund, helping new entrants develop projects to the point where they can access mainstream grants and lending.”
Read the Report: Leading To Net Zero
