Sustainable building design at Clifton
At NCHA, we understand the importance of sustainability. That's why we have Chris, our Head of Sustainability, to ensure that all our services and future plans have a positive impact on our customers, colleagues, and the planet. Recently, we had the opportunity to sit down with Chris and discuss the build at Farnborough Road.
One of the major initiatives that Chris has launched is our Environmental Sustainability Strategy. This strategy ensures that all our services and plans are in line with our goal of delivering real and meaningful sustainable results. When asked about his sustainable highlights at Clifton, Chris had a lot to share.
“While the green roofs, vehicle charge points, and beautiful landscaping are definitely exciting additions to the development, the top sustainability highlight for me is something that no one will even notice - the thermal efficiency of the buildings. By minimising drafts and heat loss, our buildings will have excellent thermal efficiency. This has allowed us to use fully electric heating systems with solar panels. As a result, the development will be almost zero carbon - a feat that not many businesses, in any sector, can boast about.
“I’m also excited about the new workspaces being built to Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) excellent standards. This demonstrates our commitment to developing sustainably and ensuring that our buildings have a minimal impact on the environment. We believe that by setting such high standards, we can encourage others to do the same and create a more sustainable future for all.”
When asked about the importance of sustainable building design, Chris responded with a resounding answer: “The world is changing at a rapid pace, and that includes our homes. We understand that there are changes we need to make to protect people from the worst impacts of climate change, such as high energy costs, flooding, and overheating. But more than that, we want to make improvements that support our customers in leading happy and fulfilled lives.
“At NCHA, we recognise that the sustainability of the home environment can greatly impact people's lives - whether it's providing outdoor spaces to play, ensuring indoor air quality, or creating adaptable spaces that can cater to changing needs. A sustainable home is not only efficient and affordable, but also a joy to live in. That's why sustainable building design is crucial to us - it allows us to create homes that are not only environmentally friendly, but also enhance the lives of our customers.”