SOUTHERN HOUSING GROUP CELEBRATES AWARD FOR BUILDING 1076 SOCIAL HOMES TO CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES STANDARD

Southern Housing Group has scooped BRE’s award for the housing association that has developed and constructed the highest number of social homes through BRE since the Code for Sustainable Homes became operational in March 2007, with a total of 1076 homes certified at post construction.

BRE runs the scheme on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government, and presented the award to Dale Meredith, Southern Housing Group’s Development Director, and Environmental Sustainability Officer, Will Routh, at a ceremony on Monday 3 June 2013.

Dale says: “The Code for Sustainable Homes has really driven the development of environmentally sustainable housing over the last six years. It has helped Southern Housing Group to focus on the fabric of the building as well as trying out new technologies.

“By using CSH, Southern Housing Group is reducing carbon emissions while providing warm homes that are affordable for our residents to live in.”

The objectives of our Environmental Sustainability Strategy include, “Delivering affordable warmth and reducing fuel poverty”. Central to this is constructing new homes to CSH level three and above, employing a fabric-first approach to ensure that the homes are well insulated and airtight.

Leanna Twell, BREEAMS Domestic Sector Manager from BRE says: “Southern Housing Group’s achievement in the social housing sector shows that sustainability can be achieved cost effectively at volume. The Group should be proud of all it has achieved so far.

“BRE is pleased to recognise Southern Housing Group’s significant efforts within the social housing sector over the past six years as they would have had to overcome many challenges in order to deliver their homes to the Code for Sustainable Homes standard.”

Sustainable homes case study: Vega, Hove
Southern Housing Group has completed (May 13) the construction of 40 apartments for rent in Hove, East Sussex. The striking new ‘Vega’ building on Kingsway, echoes thirties architecture and includes a light feature linked to the changing tide.

The development achieved CSH Level 4, with high levels of natural light and a highly efficient centralised heating system that includes two micro CHP units. Photovoltaic panels provide power to communal areas, including lighting for the columns at the front of the building.

The flats are a mix of affordable rent, intermediate market rent and open market rent. One-to-one car parking is provided in a secure basement. Four of the apartments are designed as wheelchair accessible.