A new Salford-based housing project by Seddon has adapted to Passivhaus design standards to create fuel efficient and affordable housing in light of Salford being named an ‘energy crisis hotspot’ by Grassroots organisation
The housing project has adapted construction methods to achieve affordable Passivhaus design standards, at the same time as new research names Salford as an ‘energy crisis hotspot’.
Construction has been completed on the first of five sites across Salford that will total 235 new homes to Passivhaus standard.
Seddon has taken lead on the project and has turned the proposed multi-million-pound project into affordable scalable housing.
‘Making Greater Manchester carbon-free by 2038’
Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett commented: “It is fantastic news that these new affordable homes are being made to such a high energy efficient standard.
“This is something that all developers should be aiming to do and it goes towards the aim of making Greater Manchester carbon-free by 2038.”
Salford has been identified as one of the greatest energy crisis hotspots
Research published by Friends of the Earth identified ‘energy crisis hotspots’ across England and Wales, with Salford placed at number 68 of 332.
Energy crisis hotspots are neighbourhoods where energy use is high and typical household income is below the national average. This is often due to poor insulation causing residents to use more energy to remain warm.
According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, 15.3% of Salford households are ‘fuel poor’, with average energy bills in the area set to increase in October from £2,187 to £3,198.
The new energy cap will force even more households into further poverty
Dennett continued: “We are in the middle of a cost of living crisis and on top of which we have the news that the energy cap is set to increase dramatically. This will force even more households into further poverty and put them under even more stress, wondering how they can make ends meet. It is a very difficult time for people to live through.
“Thankfully due to these homes being energy efficient, it means the people who move into them will not have to spend as much money on their energy bills, which will be greatly welcomed. We need more homes like this in our great city.”
Brassington Avenue adapted Passivhaus design standards at a reduced budget without compromising on energy efficiency
Passivhaus is a design standard used to create highly energy-efficient homes that maintain an almost constant temperature.
Typically costing around 10% more to construct than a conventional home, Passivhaus has not always been a viable design option for affordable housing. The Brassington Avenue site saw Seddon adapt the standard rules of Passivhaus to build at a reduced budget, without compromising on energy efficiency.
Delivering an innovative approach to sustainable design
Seddon managing director, Peter Jackson added: “We are passionate about helping our client tackle climate change and the energy crisis. Not only are we providing the city of Salford with affordable, low-energy housing, but we’ve also delivered an innovative approach to sustainable design that can be replicated across our whole country’s built environment.”
The method of design resulted in significant reductions in energy costs and almost eradicates fuel bills which are a cause for concern among 79% of adults in Britain today.
Jackson continued: “Fuel poverty should be a key consideration to any efforts in achieving net zero. With the ongoing rise in energy bills, removing the need for traditional heating systems in affordable housing provides an ideal solution to helping those that need it the most.”
