why sustainability matters
We don't hug trees in our office, but we care about the environment more than most.
We promote sustainability in housebuilding for a number of reasons:
- 1. Building is a resource intensive activity, and the housing sector must show leadership in reducing its environmental impact
- 2. Customers are starting to demand 'green' houses, and this trend will continue
- 3. Sustainability and energy efficiency go hand-in-hand, and energy efficiency means cost saving. So an energy efficient house is not only better for the environment, it is better for its owner
We are also finding that in consultations with landowners and local communities, a developer with strong eco credentials is more respected and more likely to garner support. If we care enough to go beyond the call of duty in terms of sustainability, we will probably go the extra mile in terms of all aspects of delivery of a development.
The draft National Planning Policy Framework has a "presumption in favour of sustainable development". However that is defined (and it isn't), being a sustainable developer in the first place can only help!