8.2 Sustainability

//08 Sustainability Impact

8.2

A brief description of sustainable property development by the Green Building Council of Australia: “A sustainable property industry will balance environmental, social and economic issues to ensure a viable and valuable industry for future generations. Building green is an opportunity to use resources efficiently while creating healthier buildings that improve occupant health and wellbeing.” (GBCA cited by Wilkinson, Reed and Cadman, 2008, p.9)

As a housing regeneration project, the social and economic benefits previously outlined contribute significantly to the sustainability of the community. The area, previously known as a red light district, attracted crime and antisocial behaviour (UofTDaniels, 2017). The effective use of land has resulted in a re-formed community, eradicating these issues. The measures taken in the major transformation of existing buildings, has helped diffuse a local disparity between the residents of the council estates and new buildings, reinforced with the public realm transformation (Vobster, 2021).

The re-use of a brownfield site with existing amenities can reduce the strain on transport that may be required in suburban developments (Wilkinson, Reed and Cadman, 2008). Two underground stations that connect to the Piccadily line are roughly 1km from the site as accessible means of transport (GLA, 2012).

Increasing density is also required to tackle to housing situation in London. This is addressed with effective use of land, significantly increasing the number of homes with increased story heights of up to 12 stories for the new buildings.

The strategy of refurbishment “can help to maintain a sense of place whilst reducing the creation of waste as well as increasing the period over which embodied carbon is amortised (Wilkinson, Reed and Cadman, 2008).”

To help rectify previous demolition, the approach taken in this project is essential for environmental reasons. “approximately 40% of the UK’s emissions are attributable to the built environment, while construction, demolition, and excavation activities generate approximately 60% of the UK’s waste” (UKGBC, 2021). Every building has inherent emissions which are difficult to offset and should be avoided. The improved efficiency of a new building is often the argument for demolition however roughly 50% of the carbon is emitted during the construction of residential buildings (UKGBC, 2021). This approach sets a strong precedent for future approaches to council development regeneration projects.

But Hackney Council has succeeded where at least three other housing associations failed – it has found a way to regenerate Kings Crescent that is financially viable and socially valuable.

source demonstrates many housing estates that have succombed to gentrification for regeneration such Heygate Estate. The demolition of social housing for privately sold properties is detremental to the existing community. The nature of shared ownerships within a single estate development creates diversity. Legislation also states that there must not be a clear distinction in the physical appearance of the range of properties from privately owned to public such as social rent properties (get source to back up).

The quality of the design is roughly 85% of a passive house proeprty, but on 30% less than it would typically cost. £2400 a meter to build. It’s expensive but made to last.