20 new affordable Passivhaus homes opened in Halton

Each home is Passivhaus accredited, a gold standard for energy efficiency that reduces the buildings ecological footprint. Each home is built to rigorous design and construction standards according to principles developed by the Passivhaus Institute in Germany. On average they need 90% less energy for heating and hot water than standard buildings, reducing the running costs of the property.

Charles Ainger, chair of Lune Valley Community Land Trust said:

"It’s really important to pay attention to the most vulnerable in our society. Providing affordable, low energy, community homes is a win-win, good for people, the planet and the housing provider. Passivhaus homes are good for health and people don’t get in rent arrears. We see this as a demonstration project. It is the only way to build houses fit for the 21st century."

Professor Mike Berners-Lee from Lancaster University said:

"We urgently need to build more energy efficient housing less dependent on the car if we are to tackle the many environmental crises facing the world. It is so important to get housing right, this is such a positive development. I would love to be living in a place like this...you can get low energy housing, be able to swim every morning in the river, cycle into your city and have infrastructure on your doorstep."

Ian Munro, chair of South Lakes Housing added:

"South Lakes Housing have learnt a huge amount from being involved in the scheme and are now keen to build more Passivhaus homes. As a housing association, South Lakes Housing are committed to delivering high quality sustainable homes."

Philip Helm from R P Tyson Construction said:

"It was one of those projects which ignites the imagination, within a month of winning the project we felt like we were doing a Passivhaus PHD."

They have now secured their second Passivhaus project with Wigan Council.

Councillor Caroline Jackson, cabinet member for housing on Lancaster City Council said:

"This scheme is evidence of the amazing power of local partnerships. Lancaster City Council has been delighted to provide direct support to Lune Walk, our first local community led housing scheme providing 20 new affordable homes in the Lancaster district. The Passivhaus standard achieved completely aligns with the council’s actions on climate change and in tackling fuel poverty. Given the unprecedented demand for social and affordable housing locally the new homes have provided much needed housing for local residents in housing need."