Benchmark Study on Green Buildings - Royal Architectural Institute ...

Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED):
The Beddington Zero Energy Development (also known as BedZED) is the UK’s largest
carbon-neutral eco-community – the first of its kind in the country. BedZED was
developed by the Peabody Trust in partnership with Bill Dunster Architects and
environmental consultants from the BioRegional Development Group. Beginning in 2000
and completed in 2002, BedZED is a mixed-use, mixed-tenure development that
incorporates innovative approaches to energy conservation and environmental
sustainability. It is built on reclaimed land owned by the London Borough of Sutton, sold
to the Peabody Trust at below market value due to the planned environmental initiatives.
The BedZED design concept was driven by the desire to create a net ‘zero fossil fuel
energy development,’ one that will produce at least as much energy from renewable
sources as it consumes. Only energy from renewable sources is used to meet the energy
needs of the development. BedZED is therefore a carbon neutral development, resulting
in no net addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The design is to a very high
standard and incorporates numerous green building practices such as roof gardens and
green roofs, sunlight management, solar energy generation, reduction of energy
consumption, and waste water recycling. The development is comprised of 82 homes of
varying sizes and also includes buildings for commercial use, an exhibition centre, a
children’s nursery, and a show flat so that visitors may see what it is like to live at
BedZED. The buildings are well-insulated and are arranged in south facing terraces to
maximize heat gain from the sun, known as passive solar gain/heating. Each unit is
backed by north facing offices, where minimal solar gain reduces the tendency to
overheat and the need for high-energy air conditioners. Other key green features of the
BedZED community include the use of renewable and locally-sourced building materials
whenever possible, minimal use of space heating due to the development’s orientation
and design, use of low energy lighting and energy efficient appliances, triple glazed
windows, smart energy meters mounted in a central place in each unit, use of
photovoltaic generators and solar water heaters, and wood (biomass) heat and energy
generators (wood is considered to be a carbon-neutral fuel as the amount of carbon
dioxide released when the wood is burned is equal to the amount absorbed by the tree as
it grew).
There is also a green transportation plan in place at BedZED to minimize the use of
private vehicles and the carbon dioxide released. This plan promotes walking, cycling
and the use of public transit, and includes the opportunity for residents to sign-up for a
local car-pool system. BedZED is perfectly situated to make its green transportation plan
work because of the site’s good public transport links, which include two railway stations,
two bus routes and a tramlink. The community also has a vehicle-sharing plan available
to its residents. Parking areas for private vehicles exist at BedZED, but residents with this
convenience must pay a monthly fee to maintain their space. Additionally, the speed limit
on BedZED roads is ‘walking speed,’ which increases street safety and reduces the use of
the interior roads and the resulting noise from traffic. Peabody and BioRegional are
monitoring the performance of BedZED’s features as well as resident satisfaction with
the development. The surrounding community was consulted during the development
process and the new sustainable community has integrated well. New BedZED residents
are proud of where they live, have developed a strong sense of community, and consider
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