Keepmoat is working with Birmingham City University to measure how residents of a Future Homes Standard-ready development in Nottinghamshire use energy and sustainable technologies.
The study aims to understand the impact of these technologies and how people will live in their homes in the future.
Gedling Green is a net-zero-ready development with 33 houses built to the Future Homes Standard – the building regulations that will come into force in 2025 requiring new homes to produce 75-80% lower CO2 than those built to current standards.
All homes at Gedling Green have air source heat pumps, solar PV panels, increased insulation levels and electric vehicle charging points. There are also smart hot water cylinders, which use artificial intelligence to understand how much hot water people are using on average, to reduce waste.
Keepmoat says Gedling Green is the first large-scale development in the country built to the Future Homes Standard. Homes are designed to last at least 150 years and to deliver at least 75% fewer carbon emissions than houses built to previous standards.
Gathering data to inform policymakers
In the study, researchers at BCU’s Centre for Future Homes are assessing energy usage at Gedling Green over two years. The research aims to discover how, when used to their full potential, Keepmoat’s FHS homes can help their owners use an estimated 51% less energy, compared with the 2013 building regulation standards.
Mike Leonard, visiting professor from the Centre for Future Homes, said: “Our aim is to provide the data and insights which will allow policymakers to make evidence-based decisions, avoid unintended consequences and learn the lessons that will support the industry to deliver the Future Homes Standard at scale.
“Our research explores the design, construction, commissioning, sales, financing, occupation and maintenance of these net-zero-ready homes and seeks to put the home occupier at the heart of this critical transition.”
