Livv Homes is developing 15 affordable homes in Westvale, Kirkby, which is set to become a pilot to explore the impacts of moving to a net-zero development programme
As the UK works towards meeting net zero targets by 2050, Livv Homes’ new affordable homes in Westvale, Kirkby will comprise a mixture of semi-detached houses and one-bedroom apartments and adopt a ‘fabric first approach’ using a variety of energy efficient systems.
The affordable homes will be developed with three energy efficiency specifications, including the new Part L (Conservation of fuel and power) of the Building Regulations, delivered with and without gas heating systems, as well as delivering to the assumptions attached to the proposed Future Homes Standards using Air Source Heat Pump heating systems.
The affordable homes in Westvale aim to explore the implications of the expected changes to legislation on the road to net zero, and provide a live analysis of the impact and solutions required to deliver future net zero carbon projects.
The housing association will also be working alongside Liverpool John Moores University to support its research.
The new affordable homes development will allow us to understand the likely impact of emerging changes to legislation
Yvonne Westhead-Fyles, director of development at Livv Housing Group, commented: “Housing contributes to about one fifth of all UK emissions therefore we can expect significant changes to building regulations and the services provided, such as the efficiency of heating and hot water technologies, if government targets are to be met.
“By being proactive, the pilot will allow us to understand the likely impact of emerging changes to legislation and what this means to the type of design and technologies that will need to be adopted for future new build developments, in the short to medium term.
“We will also be able to gain insight into the maintenance regimes and costs to service new technologies.
“We will be working very closely with our customers once they’re living in the homes to review their perceptions of comfort, ease of use and control and importantly, the impact of carbon improvements to their fuel bills.
“As we at Livv begin our drive to become a net-zero business, this trial is fundamental for us, and the learned experiences can be used to inform a full net-zero pilot in the future.”
Using new technologies and construction materials to produce homes that are efficient to heat and maintain
Jay Quadrio, director at SEP Construction Services, commented: “SEP Construction Services understands the importance of creating homes that are sustainable for the future and one of the important factors within the sustainability agenda is the use of new technologies and construction materials and methods to produce homes that are efficient to heat and maintain.
“Therefore, we are both excited and privileged to be involved within this important project with Livv and LJMU, which will provide real data on how best to develop efficient homes for the future.”
The construction of Copthorne Walk is now underway, and is due to be completed in Spring 2023. The pilot will run for 12 months.
