The Queen’s speech today announced that the government is to water down its 2016 zero carbon homes target by excluding small housing sites. With this in mind I decided to look into some of the ways buildings from across the built environment are tackling the idea of sustainable construction.

When it comes to new build Nova Victoria is fast becoming one of London’s leading developments. Nova aims to be sustainable in many ways including providing a sustainable balance of uses. In an effort to avoid becoming another barren new build development the project designed by PLP Architecture, contains offices, retail, apartments – both private and affordable, and a community space/library, along with an extensive new public area described to be ‘an environment people really want to linger in’. To read more about building products that have been chosen to meet the Nova’s sustainable criteria click here.

Create a sustainable design statement
Building new with carbon offsetting isn’t the only way to create a sustainable building. Refurbishing and retrofitting existing structures is an ideal way to reduce waste. Re-purposing a building or material in a creative way not only has a positive environmental impact but can also make a significant design statement.

Manchester’s Soapworks is provides a good example of an environmentally conscious refurbishment project that makes a design impact. The Soapworks regeneration saw the redevelopment of the former Colgate-Palmolive factory at Salford Quays into an innovative commercial hub.

A site that is representative of Manchester’s industrial past has been transformed into an area for the region’s growing creative and technological industries. The re-purposing of this area made a significant design statement by demonstrating that Manchester’s innovation future has a solid foundation in the region’s industrial past. To find out more about sustainability at The Soapworks click here.

Contribute to your environment with sustainable building products
Some may argue that sustainable construction is not just about creating a building that offsets its impact but one that positively contributes to its environment. Green roofs and living w alls are a great way of providing an attractive, useful, environmentally friendly open space in the ever increasing ‘urban jungles’. Green roofs can improve the local environment by providing wildlife habitats. Green roof manufacturer Wallbarn encourages bees and other wildlife with a selection of wildflowers and vegetation. Click to find out more about the additional benefits of green roof systems.

What experiences have you had of sustainable construction? Get in touch with us today and share your story by emailing editor@barbourproductsearch.info.