Building Sustainably
Our commitment to the environment
At Gold, we want to make living in your new home a comfortable and fulfilling experience.
This includes being energy efficient and environmentally responsible.
As demands and expectations around sustainable living increase, we already offer many positive solutions in our operations and our homes.
And the good news is, we plan to do more.
"An approach that larger developers should follow if we are to meet our collective desire to limit climate change."
WhatHouse? Commenting on Fairbrook Grove, Faversham
Planning
Prior to construction, we work with the planning authorities on issues specific to the local area.
Protection for the surrounding area and its wildlife. Protection of trees. Measures to improve local air quality. We employ ecologists and specialist contractors to survey the area and advise us on the best way to address each need.
Only when we have identified how we will meet these objectives, will our development begin.
Building Control
All our homes adhere strictly to Building Control Regulations.
Recent changes in the regulations include improvements to ventilation, steps to conserve fuel and power, strategies to mitigate risks of potential overheating; and provisions for electric vehicle charging.
Our new homes now produce 31% less carbon emissions than before.
At Gold, we welcome these new regulations.
They raise the bar for the industry and drive improvements in our collective environmental impact.
Design & Specification
At the design stage, where possible, we specify products with the lowest environmental impact and the highest potential for recycling.
For example, we install taps with aerators to reduce the waterflow, and dual-flush systems in WC cisterns to reduce water consumption when flushing.
LED lightbulbs are used in new plots to save on electricity consumption.
`A` energy rating appliances are installed in the kitchens wherever possible.
Permeable road surface materials are used to improve surface water drainage schemes
And electric car charging points are installed to encourage use of electric cars.
Construction
During construction, demolition and excavation waste is recycled throughout the project. e.g., for use in foundations and retaining walls.
If any asbestos or contaminated land is discovered, it is removed by a specialist contractor.
As we work, we take steps to minimise noise pollution and vehicle movements, and we conduct regular onsite training on environmental improvements.
Everyone, from our management board to our labourers are committed to our goal of quality homes on a greener planet.
We use 100% renewable electricity on our sites supplied by E.ON.
Successful Planning
We recently secured planning permission for 0.63 hectares in Guildford.
The previous developer's proposal for 10 dwellings had been refused in 2015, and again on appeal.
Our proposal, consisting of 4 semi-detached dwellings, was approved due to its use of passive house elements, good design, and sensitivity to the site.
Our design focuses on a net increase in biodiversity, habitat creation, and ecology, with new trees, hedges, and native species for sustainable integration.
This makes it appropriate for the greenbelt, greenfield site, and won't harm the environment.
Electricity supplied to our Coombe Farm Saltdean site is 100% renewable
Electricity supplied to our office is 100% Zero Carbon
Gold Award Winner
Best Sustainable Development
Our Fairbrook Grove development in Faversham, Kent, won Gold at the WhatHouse Awards in 2021, with judges describing it as “exemplary for a number of reasons”.
Our forward-looking approach to sustainability included using heat pumps in advance of new regulations banning new gas connections.
WhatHouse? Described Fairbrook Grove as “one that larger developers should follow if we are to meet our collective desire to limit climate change.”
And there's more to come...
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we’re not resting on our laurels. Planned improvements include:
The introduction of water butts to reduce the amount of water used to water gardens
Landscape led projects to allow for creating natural environments, enhanced biodiversity and the creation of nature friendly communities
Bee gardens to decrease the need for strimming and high maintenance of the grounds
Drought resistant plants to decrease the need for irrigation on communal areas
Supply of seeds and herb garden kits to owners of our new homes
The use of energy suppliers that fund carbon zero emissions
Charitable support for wildlife, ecology, and research organisations.