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Three main areas of construction best practice were used at Langholm Close:
Sustainable timber
Timber is the name for wood used in construction. Timber is one of the oldest and most versatile building materials. It is extremely durable and potentially it is infinitely renewable. But the forests that supply this timber need to be properly managed if we are to avoid losing them forever. Unfortunately, much of the timber that is used in construction may have been logged illegally.
At Langholm Close, FSC timber was specified. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council. The FSC are an independent body that have created a system to certify timber that is truly sustainable.
For more information visit www.fsc-uk.info
Recycled insulation
Insulation helps to keep you warm. It stops heat escaping from your home. Who would have thought it could be made from the paper we recycle? At Langholm Close, Lambeth Housing has used precisely that. Currently, energy use in buildings accounts for 50% of the UK's dangerous CO2 emissions. Minimising heat loss from our homes helps to reduce this, and the cost of heating. It can also provide a healthier and more comfortable environment.
Lots more energy efficiency advice at www.saveenergy.co.uk
Solar photovoltaics (PV)
Solar PV cells are used to generate electricity from sunlight or daylight. PV cells are usually located on the roof of a building, with the pitch of the roof orientated towards the south, or sometimes on the façade of a building. The electricity can be used in the building, and any surplus can be exported to the national grid. With the cost of electricity on the increase, generating our own is becoming an increasingly attractive option.
Learn about solar PV from Solar Century at www.solarcentury.co.uk