Cornerstones

Sustainable Living

North Street Quarter will have the best available affordable low carbon design. This, along with enhanced green spaces for people in Lewes, growing areas, green roofs, photovoltaic panels, recycled grey water and many other carefully thought out features, will ensure that North Street Quarter is one of the most environmentally sustainable developments ever built in the area.

Our approach is based upon three key principles: use less first; multifunctionality; and adaptability.

Use Less First

This is about reducing impact on the environment simply by using less resources.  Initiatives include:

• • Minimising waste in construction and operation
  • Insulating buildings to minimise energy demand and reducing carbon emissions to a level at least 15% lower than standard new construction
  • Installing systems and appliances to reduce water use by around 35% against the national average
  • Reducing the impact of materials by innovation in sourcing and construction
  • Encouraging uptake of electric vehicles with rapid car charging points and a community electric car club
  • Promoting cycling and public transport with live bus information displayed at bus stops and in the health hub

Multifunctional Design

Design solutions and technologies have been chosen because they perform multiple functions.

For example, sustainable drainage systems will not only deal with water run-off, they will also enhance biodiversity, look attractive, support a more comfortable microclimate and enable the development to be adapted for future climate change. Many trees will be planted throughout the site to which will provide privacy and enhance the landscape, but also provide shading, cooling, wind protection and improved air quality, as well as habitats for wildlife.

Adaptability

We can the development more sustainable by ensuring that it is a place that people will want to and be able to live in for as long as they wish. North Street Quarter has been designed to be attractive for people at different stages of their lives, from young first time buyers and renters, families, those of retirement age and even those who require care.

• The buildings will provide flexible and adaptable spaces to meet peoples’ needs as they move through different stages of their lives. All dwellings, for example, will be built to ‘Lifetime Homes’ standards, and the whole development will incorporate the principles of ‘Building for Life.’
• The buildings will be physically comfortable, and have been designed to adapt to a changing climate when we have warmer summers.
• Spaces and buildings have been designed so that they can be managed and maintained affordably.
• There is easy access to cycle routes, river walks and green spaces, which will promote healthy lifestyles and exercise.
• Ensuring higher levels of (green) connectivity
• The design includes education opportunities and climate change adaptation solutions. In addition, each residential property will have a building information system installed, supported by an on-site ‘green concierge’. A wall mounted user interface will be connected to the internet and residents will be able to access information including:
  • Live and historic information on energy and water use and the associated running costs
  • Local, live public transport information
  • Control of the heating system
  • Access to a database of information about the property (including user manuals etc)
  • Access to health services