STEAMhouse saw an excellent turnout for the presentation of the Project 80 Eco Drive Interim Report which details learnings and outcomes from the very first ‘at-scale’ demonstrator of the Future Homes Standard.
Eco Drive is a groundbreaking sustainable development of 12 properties in Handsworth, Birmingham. Constructed by Bromsgrove-based construction firm Tricas, the homes have been occupied by tenants of Midland Heart Housing association for the last 12 months.
The project represents a highly effective partnership between BCU, housing providers, housebuilders, suppliers and residents, whilst generating a plethora of recommendations for policymakers and industry.
Professor Nasser Sherkat, Head of BCU’s Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment opened the event with a welcome address.
Joe Reeves and Tony Hopkins from Midland Heart Housing Association then described the sustainability concepts behind the pioneering Eco Drive housing development, which has delivered beautiful properties specifically designed to produce at least 70% fewer CO2 emissions in line with the Future Homes Standard.
Professor David Boyd and Dr Monica Mateo Garcia presented a brilliantly informative session on Project 80’s learnings and outcomes. Fascinating (and occasionally unexpected) occupier lifestyle insights have been revealed through real-time monitoring of energy usage and air quality, together with feedback from face-to-face tenant interviews.
Visiting BCU Professor and CEO of Building Alliance Mike Leonard then shared an overview of the impressively wide-ranging portfolio of other programs currently being undertaken by the Centre for Future Homes.
For the final session of a thoroughly enjoyable event, the speakers convened for a lively audience Q & A.
For those who couldn’t make it to the Eco Drive presentation but would be interested in the Interim Report’s findings, you can download the entire document here.
