Salford, a city in Greater Manchester, England, is celebrating a major achievement in sustainable and affordable housing with the completion of Greenhaus. This landmark development is not just the largest Passivhaus Classic Certified development in the North West, but it also brings 96 high-quality, eco-friendly homes to Chapel Street, directly benefiting the local community.
Passivhaus is a rigorous building standard known for its focus on energy efficiency. Greenhaus homes are built to this standard, resulting in exceptional thermal comfort and improved air quality. Residents can expect significantly lower energy bills, with heating and hot water costs projected to be less than half that of a similar-sized new build with a traditional gas boiler system.
Greenhaus is a product of a successful collaboration between multiple entities. The English Cities Fund (ECF), a joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General, and Muse, partnered with Salix Homes, a Salford housing association, with the support of Salford City Council. This teamwork ensured not just the project’s completion but also its commitment to affordability. Greenhaus offers a mix of tenures, including social rent, affordable rent, and Rent to Buy options, making these sustainable homes accessible to a wider range of residents.
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The impact of Greenhaus goes beyond energy efficiency and affordability. Residents like Harriette Matthews, a student with special needs, are experiencing a significant improvement in their quality of life. The development also boasts electric vehicle charging points and a landscaped public square, fostering a sense of community. |
Greenhaus isn’t just about creating a comfortable living space; it’s about environmental responsibility. The building’s design incorporates features like triple glazing, air source heat pumps, and top-notch insulation, all contributing to a significant reduction in energy consumption.
Salix Homes plans to monitor air quality and energy usage to not only benefit current residents but also gather valuable data for future sustainable developments.
Greener homes for Salford serve as a model for future housing projects. From the collaboration between public and private entities to the focus on affordability and sustainability, this development offers valuable lessons. With the rising cost of living, a shortage of affordable housing, and the pressing climate crisis, Greenhaus demonstrates a path forward.
This innovative project isn’t just providing Salford residents with cleaner, greener, and more affordable homes; it’s setting a standard for the future of sustainable housing across the region.
