The Gloucester-based housebuilder has started work on its inaugural scheme of zero carbon houses in North Somerset.

Newland Homes said it had spent the last two years finessing the blueprint of its homes to achieve zero carbon, which will play a key role in meeting the UK's climate goals.

By jettisoning gas boilers in favour of air source heat pumps, increasing the quality and specification of solar panels, and upping the insulation levels, the firm said it has achieved a home which creates as much prime energy* as it needs at zero cost to the homeowner.

The 32 highly efficient, detached three, four and five bedroom homes in Tickenham, between the towns of Clevedon and Nailsea, will utilise Vaillant's air source heat pumps (ASHP), the aroTHERM. They are said to be highly efficient and can extract thermal energy when outside air temperatures are as low as -25 degrees.

The ASHPs supply heat to an underfloor heating system on the ground floor and radiators on the first floor, keeping the house at an optimised constant temperature by utilising the ground floor very much like a large radiator.

Depending on the orientation of the roof, between 12 and 20 high-performance solar panels by Viridian Solar will also be installed to each property to generate electricity.

Jeremy Drew, developments director at Newland Homes, said: "We are making a clear and tangible investment in the future by decarbonising our homes well ahead of the Government's timeframe for lowering carbon emissions in new builds.

"We took the decision to accelerate the transition to zero-carbon and remove the barriers to adoption for our homeowners a number of years ago, as we feel that having a green mindset should mean more than simply doing what you're obligated to do.

"As an industry we have a duty to be at the forefront of change and we're committed to moving at pace to ensure our homes continue to have a positive impact."

Newland Homes celebrates its thirtieth year in operation this year, and Tickenham is one of two locations in the South West where the company intends to plant an 'anniversary woodland'. At Tickenham, a large wildflower meadow with natural outdoor play equipment will be created along with the anniversary woodland, and hedgehog highways will be a feature of the landscaping.

As with other developments built by the housebuilder, car charging points for hybrid or fully electric cars will also be pre-wired within the new homes.

Stuart Elmes, CEO of Viridian Solar, said: "Viridian Solar have been working with Newland Homes since 2015, agreeing a national supply agreement in May 2020. We have been impressed by the company's innovative approach to sustainability.

"We are extremely pleased that Clearline fusion roof integrated solar is part of this first carbon-neutral development."

Steve Cipriano, commercial director at Vaillant, added: "We are delighted to be supporting Newland Homes with its ambitious plans to exceed current building standards, pushing for net zero homes on their Tickenham site. Newland Homes' commitment to decarbonisation through tangible investment is a shining example of where the housing industry is heading in preparation for the legislation changes coming into effect in 2025.

"We are extremely proud to be able to deliver a low carbon solution with our award-winning heat pump, which has a global warming potential of just three, contributing to their carbon targets."

According to energy assessments prepared by Briary Energy for Newland Homes, heating and powering a standard four-bed home constructed in 1995 creates 3.5 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. This costs the homeowner around £785 a year for prime energy to heat and power. However, on this and other forthcoming Newland zero carbon schemes, the corresponding carbon emission and cost is zero.

All new homes at Tickenham will be automatically enrolled on a zero carbon renewable energy tariff through British Gas.

It is anticipated that the first homes will be ready for occupation in early 2022.

For further information on the forthcoming development please visit www.newlandhomes.co.uk/tickenham or call 01452 623000.