Sustainability

Creating a Scottish Sustainable Community

“Creating sustainable and green neighbourhoods is all about finding solutions that will stand the test of time – not about gimmicks or quick fixes”.

Hank Dittmar, Chief Executive, The Prince’s Foundation For the Built Environment.

Sustainability is the capacity to endure. Those involved in designing Knockroon have taken the long-term view.

The new community has many sustainable aspects.

Development-wide features include:

A mix of residential, retail, business and community uses to allow the neighbourhood to adapt over the years
A resident population mixed in terms of income groups and occupation to help prevent decline
Architecture that suits the local climate and encourages residents to value and look after their homes
Good connections to public transport to reduce car dependency
Design of streets to encourage walking and cycling and promote social interaction that fosters a strong and lasting sense of community
Reduction of the need for street signs and speed bumps that require maintenance and renewal
Healthy and beautiful homes promote a sense of well-being

Homes are closer together and have more storeys (like traditional local architecture) to help with heat retention. The denser population also helps to support local shops and businesses
Opportunity for home working or having a workplace within easy walking distance
Links to a comprehensive path network to encourage walking, cycling and a healthy lifestyle
Preservation and management of existing woodlands
Creation of native species-rich hedgerows
Open spaces to promote outdoor activities and play that are landscaped with native plants and trees that will last
A sustainable urban drainage system to deal with surface water runoff from the development

Sustainability measures within individual homes, gardens and commercial spaces include:

A woodburning stove in most homes
Enhanced building envelope insulation
Good natural daylighting and ventilation
Dedicated low energy lighting installed throughout
Highly efficient condensing gas boiler, hall stat, thermostatic valves and two heat zones
Display energy meter
Water butts to collect rainwater for garden irrigation
Aerated showers and taps
Dual flush toilets
Timber compost bin in each garden
Recycling bins in kitchens

Cycle racks
Natural materials
Landscaping to include planting of native species to encourage biodiversity and improve the ecology
Home user guide – a document to explain the management of the home (especially the sustainability features) and surroundings to purchasers

Options include a socket suitable for electric vehicle charging and sheep's wool insulation