Eco Homes In Birmingham

• Mar. 19 by Stacey Spencer (1)

The ‘Improvement For Sale Project’ and ‘South Lozells Eco Programme‘ are refurbishing homes into ‘eco homes’ in Handsworth and South Lozells. Its main area being South Lozells.

THE IMPROVEMENT FOR SALE PROJECT

The two year project will see void properties refurbished into eco homes then put up for sale. They will be highly energy efficient, enabling that they are affordable and maintainable. This is to help recent climate change by reducing carbon emissions and the relief of fuel.

Development Officer for Birmingham City Council, Martyn Hammond hopes that the overall project will create an “Eco Village” in the South Lozells area. He stated that it will oversee “3,000″ dwellings turn into these eco homes.

So far nine dwellings have been created and are for sale. A further thirty are being improved for existing low income occupiers.

The project’s estimated at £550,000 for 2008/9. Further funding for the project will be coming from Energy Suppliers (CERT) and Urban Living Pathfinder. This estimates £300,000 for 2009/2010.

SOUTH LOZELLS ECO PROGRAMME

This project is installing solar panels into 23 properties in the South Lozells area. They will also produce and distribute “1500 eco information packs.” This will include two energy efficient light bulbs and an energy saving sheet.

Senior Resident Liaison Officer for The Family Association (Birmingham) Ltd and Co-ordinator for the promotion of this project, Negus Downer, stated; “it aims to raise the awareness of green issues, the environmental benefits of recycling and using sustainable energy.” Also to “educate young children… and their parents.”

Their “Green Dr” home energy efficient advisor will “visit 60 homes” to complete a free survey. Also Employee Local are offering training placements, six locals are currently taking these positions.

It started in November 2008 and will commence to 31st March 2009. Urban Living has provided funding whilst New World Solar (NWS) are the contractors carrying out the work. NWS will be doing extra installation at a subsidised rate. The Family Association also secured funds to complete extra properties, totalling 26 installations. Current negotiations about funding are being looked into. Its estimated cost is £160,000 plus.

WHO IS INVOLVED?

Organisations involved within helping create this project are Birmingham City Housing Department, the Family Housing Association, local building contractors, New World Solar contractors and British Gas Energy Consultants.

RESULTS

The projects look to reduce the cost of energy bills for the residents of South Lozells, and raise resident’s quality of lifestyles and health.

These eco homes look to be promising, as they not only help the environment but also the lives of the resident’s within the areas.