BedZed

Every aspect of this unique and exciting project, which is the UK's first large-scale 'carbon neutral' (not adding to the atmosphere's carbon dioxide) community, incorporates up-to-the minute thinking on sustainable development. BedZed demonstrates the technical possibility and economic feasibility of building without degrading the environment, and even improving and enhancing it in the process, and this truly inspirational project is receiving much well-deserved attention.

The project's motivation comes from environmental development organisation BioRegional, which also plans to develop the adjacent landfill site into a working landscape to showcase sustainable land-based industries, such as urban forestry and lavender cultivation, and provide public green space and wildlife habitat.

BedZed addresses a multitude of physical issues, among them the maximising of water re-use, reduction of waste and decrease in energy consumption, and offers a myriad of energy saving measures to residents. Integrated social provisions include a nursery, after school clubs, a medical centre, an organic café, bar, shops, internet access and workspaces.

BedZed's colourful and contemporary style make it a landmark development both visually and in terms of its social and environmental sustainability credentials, and its 'pedestrian priority' streets, utilisation of electric vehicles, generous covered bicycle storage and provision of balconies and gardens for every home are features which take the garden city ideal into the 21st century.