EQUANS, the division for ENGIE’s services-led activities, has started work on the ‘largest’ gas free housing development in Wakefield
Stonewater appointed EQUANS for the £17m housing development, which will transform a former quarry into a low carbon scheme of 140 gas-free affordable homes in Flanshaw, Wakefield.
The gas free housing development has been supported with Homes England funding – awarded to the long-term strategic partners Stonewater and Guinness to build 4,500 homes by 2025.
Each home will have solar electricity panels installed, in addition to being heated with an ASHP.
ASHPs are a low carbon alternative to gas boilers, that use heat from outside to power heating and hot water systems, helping to further reduce household bills and supporting the UK’s bid to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The pumps run on electricity and are around three times more efficient than a standard boiler, resulting in lower carbon emissions.
The Flanshaw development includes a combination of houses, flats, and bungalows, ranging from one to four bedrooms.
The completed development will comprise of 75 homes for affordable rent, as well as 45 shared ownership homes and 20 available through a rent-to-buy scheme.
‘Renewable technologies to help create sustainable communities’
Nathan Brough, regional director at EQUANS, commented: “We’re delighted to have been chosen to lead on this exciting project, which gives us the perfect opportunity to combine our zero carbon and regeneration expertise to create much-needed affordable family housing.
“Heat accounts for around a third of all CO2 emissions in UK homes, so it’s never been more important to look to renewable technologies to help create sustainable communities, and we’re really proud to be doing just that here in Wakefield.”
‘Tackle the challenges presented by the climate crisis’
Chris Montague, director of development at Stonewater, said: “We’re pleased to be working with our partner EQUANS and to be delivering a low carbon, new homes project of this size and scale – designed to tackle the challenges presented by the climate crisis.
“In addition to supporting us to reduce carbon emissions, the installation of ASHP is essential to helping us alleviate more households out of fuel poverty. This low carbon heating will enable us to provide efficient and comfortable homes that in turn are more cost-effective for our customers – particularly important following the latest announcement about the increase to energy prices.”
Work on the development is expected to complete in May 2024.
