Our Difference
We build homes that are Better Than Net Zero. Most housebuilders define net zero only in terms of operational carbon and energy efficiency.
Our method of construction and the materials we use guarantees the structure of each home achieves better than zero embodied carbon.
Our developments are designed to achieve ultra-low embodied carbon overall and a net zero energy balance in occupation.
A Typical
Greencore Home
- Roof-Mounted Solar PV We target 100% of energy from renewables
- Air Tightness Homes are built to be very airtight reducing heat loss
- Well-Insulated Building Envelope Low U-Values for floors, roof and walls, External biond wall panel, Triple-glazed windows
- Mechanical Ventilation & Heat Recovery Homes are ventilated and the air is filtered. Heat is recovered from the expelled air
- Air Source Heat Pump and/or Electric Heating Efficient, low-carbon heating solution using no fossil fuels
- Post Occupancy Evaluation Sensors installed to evauate energy in use
- Optimised Orientation & Window Proportions Balance between energy efficiency, overheating and daylight
- Optimised Building Form Simplified building shape to reduce heat loss areas and complex junctions
Targets
Better Than Net Zero
Biond panels lock up carbon
Timber frame construction
Target LETI 2030 whole life embodied carbon
Structure < net zero embodied carbon
Use of natural materials
Built to passivhaus thermal performance standards
Commitment to biodiversity
Target space heating demand <15 kWh/m2
Target space use intensity <35 kWh/m2
Target 100% of energy from renewables
EPC rating of A
Our Biond Panel System
Our Biond panel is an innovative closed timber frame panel insulated with hemp, lime and natural wood fibre. The panels form the structure of our homes. All of the timber is sourced from sustainable forests. A typical external wall panel locks up over 30kg of CO2e per square metre. Our Panels are BOPAS (Build Offsite Property Assurance Scheme) accredited.
- Timber Headbinder
- Waterproof Breather Membrane
- OSB End Cap
- Hemp Lime Insulation
- Woodfibre Insulation
- Airtightness Membrane
- Timber Batten
- External Timber Stud
- Timber Batten
- Structural Timber Stud
- Racking Board
- Services
- Plasterboard
Embodied Carbon
We are setting a new standard for low carbon living and aim to deliver the following targets across each of our developments:
| EMBODIED CARBON | TARGET | GUIDELINE |
|---|---|---|
| The superstructure of our homes | Whole Life Embodied Carbon – Better Than Zero (<0kg/CO2e/ sqm inc sequestration) | RICS 2017 |
| Whole Home | Upfront Embodied Carbon <300kgCO2e/ sqm (exc sequestration) | LETI 2030 |
| Whole Home | Upfront Embodied Carbon <200kgCO2e/ sqm (inc sequestration) | LETI 2030 |
Energy Use
We build well insulated, air tight and energy efficient structures with triple glazed windows and heat recovery ventilation to ensure a low energy demand.
| ENERGY USE | CURRENT TARGET/ DESIGN STANDARD | GUIDELINE |
|---|---|---|
| Energy in Use Intensity (EUI) | 35kWh per m2 of GIA per year or less | LETI |
| Space Heating Demand | 15kWh per m2 per year or less | LETI |
| Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) | EPC A | |
| Rating Renewable Energy Source | 100% of energy required by our homes | LETI |
One Planet Living®
We create places where people can live low carbon, healthy and active lives.
We use Bioregional’s One Planet Living Framework when designing each of our developments. This incorporates all of the following elements.
Culture & Community
Nurturing local identity and heritage, empowering communities and promoting a culture of sustainable living
Health & Happiness
Encouraging active, social, meaningful lives to promote good health and wellbeing
Sustainable Water
Using water efficiently, protecting local water resources and reducing flooding and drought
Local & Sustainable Food
Promoting sustainable, humane farming and healthy diets high in local, seasonal organic food and vegetable protein
Equity & Local Economy
Creating safe, equitable places to live and work which support local prosperity and international fair trade
Materials & Products
Using materials from sustainable sources and promoting products that help people reduce consumption
Zero Carbon Energy
Making buildings and manufacturing energy-efficient and supplying all energy with renewables
Land & Nature
Protecting and restoring land for the benefit of people and wildlife
Zero Waste
Reducing consumption, reusing and recycling to achieve zero waste and zero pollution
Travel & Transport
Reducing the need to travel, encouraging walking, cycling and low carbon transport
The ethos of Greencore Homes is to focus on caring for those around us and the world we live in. Our priorities are to run a sustainable company, build sustainable homes, ensure good governance and look after everyone we interact with.
