This project is being carried out in public private partnership with the East Midlands Regional Assembly Promoting Sustainable Development Group through the Climate Change sub group. Members of the sub group include East Midlands Development Agency,...
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Sustainable design and construction in East Midlands

This project aims to help increase the sustainability of new development through design and construction within the region. The project will comprise of a number of phases.


The overall aims and objectives of the whole project are to:

1. To reduce carbon emissions and the East Midlands’ contribution to climate change.

2. To contribute towards the creation of more sustainable communities within the East Midlands by developing healthier and more energy efficient buildings that can function well in the future climate.

3. To build a common vision for all stakeholders in sustainable construction and design.

4. To promote sustainable design and construction at the regional, sub regional and local levels by:

  • Showcasing good practice;
  • Building on the experience within the region;
  • Building capacity through skills and training;
  • Providing guidance to encourage more activity; and
  • Raising awareness of the benefits.

The project is being carried out in public/private partnership with the East Midlands Regional Assembly 'Promoting Sustainable Development Group', through the Climate Change sub-group.  This group includes the Carbon Trust, Environment Agency, local authorities, Gusto Homes, Constructing Excellence and Sherwood Energy Village.

Main outputs and findings 
The main outputs of the project have been a study and audit of sustainable design and construction methods and materials and a Design Competition yielding a winning design for Visitor centre at Sherwood Energy Village.

A number of common design approaches were identified including: recreation/open spaces for occupants; energy from on-site renewable resources; natural ventilation and heat recovery systems; and greywater/rainwater collection for re-use. Regional examples were identified which demonstrate the viability of sustainable design and construction. However, it is only currently undertaken on an ad hoc basis. To become more mainstream, stakeholders will need to be supported and it must be promoted as a viable activity. Also, better management and organisation of information on best practice and research is essential. In addition, it was found that the qualitative sociological and broader environmental benefits of sustainable construction can be difficult to quantify.

The project is likely to lead to the East Midlands Regional Assembly preparing advice on embedding sustainable design and construction in LDFs. This advice will refer to tools and guidance such as Landscape Character Assessment, Concept Statements and Towards a New Vernacular.   The new visitor centre at Sherwood Energy village is expected to be completed by late summer 2006.   The project Steering Group continues to meet and is considering other ways in which further value can be added to the project, such as targeting manufacturers of building materials.