Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council announced last week that work has been completed on seven new council bungalows to help make them more environmentally friendly.
Six of the homes are two-bedroom bungalows, with one being a three-bed, as the council look to use affordable housing to contribute to their carbon reduction goals.
The main features of the bungalows are electric air source heat pumps, which will provide hot water and heating to the homes, whilst high levels of insulation will reduce heat loss. Solar panels will also be used to generate electricity as a battery system stores the electricity produced, until it is needed. This system of using batteries will allow the tenants to minimize their energy use, something that will definitely be of importance in the current climate.
Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, Cllr Robert Frost, said:
“We all have a part to play in helping Barnsley to be net zero carbon by 2045, protecting our borough for future generations.
“Together, we can reduce pollution, minimize waste, and support people to heat and power their homes, cars and businesses with affordable, sustainable energy. These new homes are an example of how we’re doing that and,, also providing high quality homes for tenants which will be more affordable to heat.”
Accessibility has also been considered during the development off the bungalows, with the homes being designed to be accessible for those with mobility issues, or using wheelchairs.
Whilst may of the new features of the homes have begun to contribute to the goal of net zero, they have also been fitted with electric vehicle charge points, as well as cycle storage to help encourage the shift to net zero transport before the government’s 2030 deadline on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales.
