Unique eco-post to create next generation of eco-homes
Longhurst Group goes green to
unlock the potential to develop the next generation of eco-friendly
affordable homes.
Architect graduate Diane Starkey joined
Longhurst Group’s development team in 2011 to take up a unique
two-year post as sustainability design officer.
Innovative partnership
Her appointment was at the heart
of an innovative partnership with the University of Lincoln,
aimed at devising an accurate method for calculating the
carbon-footprint of future housing developments.
The partnership allows the group to
benefit from the experience and knowledge of both Diane and the
university’s Centre for Sustainable Architecture and Environments
to help develop sustainable homes in a cost-effective way.
Exchanging technology and skills
Diane's appointment is one element of a
project undertaken as part of the national Knowledge
Transfer Partnership initiative, which encourages the exchange of
technology and skills. The project will focus on two
areas:
- How to use design to improve the efficiency and air tightness
of new homes to reduce carbon emissions and energy demands,
therefore limiting the need for complex renewable technologies
- How to create sustainable neighbourhoods that can thrive and
develop by avoiding potential for crime hotspots such as back
alleys and isolated homes.
Andy Patchitt, Longhurst Group’s development
and new business manager, said: “We are really looking forward to
passing on the benefits of easy to manage sustainable homes to our
residents.”
