Get inspired by BedZED
BedZED in Wallington, Surrey is the UK’s biggest carbon-neutral eco-community, producing at least as much energy from renewable sources as it consumes.
Completed in 2002, BedZED – the Beddington Zero Energy Development – was developed by the Peabody Trust in partnership with Bill Dunster Architects and the BioRegional Development Group. It includes 82 homes of various sizes, plus buildings for commercial use, an exhibition centre and a children’s nursery.
Buildings are fitted with low energy lighting and energy efficient appliances and there’s a strong emphasis on roof gardens, sunlight and solar energy, renewable materials, reduction of energy consumption and waste water recycling. BedZED also has a green transport plan which promotes walking, cycling and use of public transport.
Sustainable living is incorporated into every aspect of the BedZED community. If you’re looking for some inspiration for how your own community could get involved in the Big Green Challenge then take a look at this BioRegional article on how BedZED residents have taken a green approach to food, travel and waste.
These are lovely buildings, shame they are in Beddington (or good for Beddington - it could do with many more) when you look across the road to see the noddy houses that will probably fall down in 10 years and don’t look that great now.
I agree the buildings are really striking. There are some good photos on Flickr - take a look at this photoset by telex4.
I haven´t seen those buildings yet but it sounds like a very good initiative for the future, that is the way to go “green energy”