Housing Development - Energy Efficiency
New Environmentally Friendly Homes in Alton 
Drum Housing Association in partnership with EHDC have recently taken handover of two new semi-detached houses in Alton, that have achieved level 4 under the Code for Sustainable Homes. The properties are almost 50% more energy efficient than building regulation standards and produce an estimated 9% saving on energy bills*.
The energy efficient properties include:
• Photovoltaic Panels; 
• Proprietary timber framed system with high levels of insulation and air tightness;
• Mechanical ventilation throughout with heat recovery;
• Improved window, floor and roof insulation;
• 100% low-energy lighting;
• Ultra low polluting condensing boiler;
• Rainwater harvesting system.
* Compared to a 2006 Building Regulations compliant house.
Renewable Energy Technology in Whitehill
Three homes in Whitehill are paving the way for energy efficient developments using renewable energy technology. The development, from Drum Housing Association in conjunction with the development consortium Wayfarer, attracted funding from the Housing Corporation ( now the Homes and Communities Agency)
The homes are called ‘Way of the Sun’ and use ‘Sunergy’ solar thermal heating. This is only the second use of the technology in the World, the first being 
the ‘Evergreens’ development, also in Whitehill, which won awards for the best integration of a renewable energy technology in a South East Community Development in 2005. The ‘Sunergy’ technology looks like a normal roof but is actually a large solar panel, which provides thermal heating for space heating and hot water.
The houses also have solar electric photovoltaics which generate free electricity. These renewable energy technologies will not only mean a decrease in utility bills but also a reduction in carbon emissions.
Energy Efficiency Improvements in Kingsley
A Number of projects have been undertaken by Drum Housing Association in Kingsley.
Ground Source Heat Pumps have been installed for 19 existing homes in Schoolfields, Kingsley. This project was undertaken between October 2006 and January 2007, the first of its kind in Hampshire for domestic properties. Ground Source Heat Pumps use the heat from 2m below ground, where there is a stable temperature of around 9 degrees celsius. For more information on this particular project please see the document attached entitled 'Schoolfields, Kingsley'.
Drum Housing Association carried out another project in Kingsley at Woodfield, between November and December 2006, to improve the energy efficiency of six existing properties. Ground Source Heat Pumps, Photovoltaics and Waste Water Heat Recovery Units were installed to make carbon savings of around 40 tonnes pa. For more information on this project please see the document attached entitled 'Woodfield, Kingsley'.
Fuel Poverty
Escalating energy prices and environmental considerations are rising in the concerns of homeowners – not least for those requiring or living in affordable housing. Fuel poverty and a lack of affordable warmth is an increasing threat for those with limited income.
High Peak Borough Council, a Beacon Authority in Sustainable Energy and East Hampshire District Council, a Beacon Authority in Affordable Housing, have collaborated to produce an affordable warmth best practice guide for Local Authorities, Housing Associations and Private Developers.
Click on the Affordable Warmth attachment to read more about how fuel poverty affects everyone.
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