Barnet Homes set to create borough’s first eco estate

Monday 19th April 2010

Flats in East Barnet will be transformed into the borough’s first low energy eco estate thanks to a major new project by Barnet Homes.

The Eco Flats initiative will see 20 properties in Churchmead Close, EN4, become the first eco estate in the borough, benefitting from A-rated double glazing, high efficiency gas boilers, improved insulation and low energy lighting.

The improvements, which have been demonstrated at a pilot flat before being rolled out to all other properties in Churchmead Close from April, should save tenants and leaseholders up to £245 a year on fuel bills, as well as helping to tackle climate change at a local level.

The work, carried out in partnership with contractor United House, is part of the Barnet Homes’ wider Decent Homes programme, which will ensure council-owned residential properties across the borough meet the government’s agreed quality standard by the end of 2010-11.

The programme has helped cut CO2 emissions from council owned properties by an estimated 1.2 tonnes per property from 2003 to 2007.

The Eco Flats project also seeks to build on the success of an award-winning East Barnet eco home, created in Berkeley Crescent in partnership with Barnet Council and constructors the Apollo Group in 2008.

Barnet Homes’ Deputy Chief Executive, Derek Rust, said: “Around 50 per cent of carbon emissions come from domestic properties, so social landlords like us have a huge role play in the fight against climate change.

“Our eco home has shown us that major energy savings can be achieved through often quite simple measures, and we’re looking forward to translating this to a much larger scale with the Eco Flats project.

“This is a very exciting scheme, which will not only help us reduce carbon emissions from our stock but also save residents large amounts of money on their fuel bills. We hope to roll out similar programmes to more of our homes in the coming years.”

Residents had the chance to look at the pilot eco flat earlier this year and discuss issues with Barnet Homes staff.

Average heating costs for the 20 properties should reduce from just over £300 a year to less than £130; hot water costs from almost £110 to less than £70; and lighting from £35 to £17.

Posted by Rashmi for Barnet Homes