Genesis Homes has introduced its EcoGen pilot project. The company is constructing 16 homes fully powered by renewable energy sources and managed by smart technology.
Work on the homes in the Cumbrian village of Calthwaite as part of the Pennine View development is close to completion and the first EcoGen homeowners are preparing to move in by the end of October.
Nicky Gordon, managing director of Genesis Homes, said: “Thousands of hours of research, development, meetings and execution have gone into making the EcoGen project a reality. This is not tokenism – this is Genesis Homes going all out to create one of the UK’s most advanced and sustainable net zero living housing developments.”
A group of guests were given a tour of the homes ahead of the first homeowners moving in. During the tour of the EcoGen homes, guests were able to see how the smart technology within the property works and how it is set to help remove the use of carbon emissions around the household.
He added: “We won’t stop here; this is a springboard for future development in this area for Genesis Homes and it was a pleasure to invite our specially selected guests ahead of the first families moving in.
“The first official completion on our EcoGen site comes at a time when energy costs and the climate crisis are front and centre of everyone’s minds. Receiving first-hand feedback about the homes and seeing people’s positive reactions has demonstrated to the entire team that this project will have a wide ranging impact on sustainable housing in the UK.”
Each property includes solar photovoltaic panels on the roof that will obtain energy from daylight to power the home and a solar assisted heat pump which provides hot water storage for the dwelling. Infrared heating panels which convert electricity into radiant heating will be installed in each room.
The homes will also include a small battery unit which will be charged predominantly from the electricity grid. Electric vehicle charging points will also be fitted.
Emico brought together the partners providing the different smart technology components to the home, and said it was thrilled to be part of such a nationally significant project.
John Currie, Emico’s business director for the energy sector, added: “Working with Genesis Homes, this project presented an opportunity to use our expertise in electrical energy fields to reshape the way developers build their houses in a sustainable way and give homeowners a more sustainable way of living without compromising the way they live.
“It has been really refreshing to work with somebody as committed as Genesis Homes to providing energy efficient homes on a larger scale rather than just one or two trial homes as has been more common with housebuilders.
“It has been a really exciting project to work on and the positive reactions from people seeing how this home will work for the first time hasn’t surprised me in the slightest.”
Four of the 16 homes have been designated as affordable housing to help members of the local community get on the property ladder.