Environment

Cliveden Village has a very strong environmental agenda, both in terms of the materials chosen for construction and in the actual design of the homes. Wherever possible and viable, the homes are built using materials that are renewable, sustainable or recyclable, and carefully designed drainage across the development ensures that all rainwater is returned into the ground rather than burdening the public system.

As many properties as possible have been oriented to maximise the amount of heat that they can gain from the sun, and renewable energy is provided to a selection of properties in the form of solar hot water installations. Every home is equipped with a 'mechanical heat recovery system', which continuously circulates fresh air throughout the property whilst extracting heat from the recycled air, to help reduce energy costs.

Residents have access to a range of recycling facilities, including a green waste regime run in association with the National Trust at Cliveden. Homes are equipped with low energy external lighting, dual flush toilets and bicycle storage, and houses have water butts for garden irrigation.

Countryside Properties look to reduce their environmental and social impacts by using the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method known as EcoHomes.

EcoHomes is an authoritative rating for new homes. It sets out a series of best practice criteria, against­ which the environmental aspects of building design and operation can be assessed. EcoHomes offers the benefits of reduced running costs through greater energy and water efficiency, and reduced maintenance, as well as healthy, comfortable and flexible internal environments.

Countryside Properties are working to ensure that Cliveden Village is awarded an EcoHomes rating of Very Good (2005 criteria).

Cliveden Village features a number of environmentally friendly benefits:

• Wherever possible or viable, materials used in construction are from renewable, sustainable or recyclable sources. Accreditation for timber products is sought where appropriate from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
• Materials are sourced locally where available or commercially feasible
• No ozone depleting CFCs or HCFCs in any products used
• Every home is equipped with a ''mechanical heat recovery system'', which continuously circulates fresh air throughout the property whilst extracting heat from the recycled air, to help reduce energy costs
• Solar hot water installations on selected properties
• Cycle storage provided: 1 cycle space for 2 bedroom properties; 2 cycle spaces to 3 bed properties in dedicated store. Apartment cycle spaces in covered storage area or dedicated area within basement car park
• 'A' rated kitchen appliances
• Dual flush toilets
• Recycling boxes supplied to kitchens
• External recycling storage provided - purpose built garden store to houses, and separate basement or external store for apartments
• Green waste regime run in association with the National Trust
• Water butts to all houses for garden irrigation