Blog: SECBE Awards 2022 finalist - ZED PODS Limited

11 April 2022

Net Zero sponsored by Willmott Dixon

Zero-Carbon Social Housing Scheme by ZED PODS and Bromley Council

Net Zero Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2022 finalist

ZED PODS is an offsite modular housing company delivering zero operational carbon homes. The company has reduced the user carbon emissions from their homes so that they are a net exporter of energy. They have also designed and built London’s first-of-its-kind, ground-breaking, zero-carbon project at Burnt Ash Lane, Bromley, despite the COVID lockdown, materials shortages and price volatility.

The project is a pioneering, environmental and socially focused development, providing 25 beautiful homes for people who are in temporary accommodation. It comprises ten one-bed flats and 15 two-bed flats with latest enhanced energy-efficient measures which includes heat pumps, solar panels, triple glazing so that the residents can enjoy low energy bills.

Energy efficiency and sustainability are at the heart of the ZED PODs high performing system. Specifications for this project is also exemplar for reduced energy usage. For instance, wall build ups feature thick mineral wool insulation and minimised thermal bridging values provide reduced U-Values with dedicated airtightness membranes and taping reducing air loss to 2m3/m2/Yr @ 50Pa.

All space heating and HW systems are electrically based meaning no gas connections are required in this site. Ventilation is provided mechanically by a centralised mechanical ventilation and heat recovery unit in each home reducing heat losses from infiltration by at least 80% and providing year-round filtered fresh air supply.

Over 904 Tonnes of Carbon emissions over 30 years will be saved as compared to standard new build using traditional construction.

All units are also designed from the beginning with a range of water efficiency measures including aerated facets, water saving technologies and energy efficiency appliances to reduce the water consumption below 105L/ Person/ Day.

The ‘Sustainability and Energy Strategy’ for this development has been developed with a key objective to maximise the reductions in CO2 emissions through an economically viable and technically appropriate approach. The development follows the ‘Be Lean, Be Clean, Be Green’ hierarchy of energy efficiency measures.

Key achievements:

• The Project is unique: The modular scheme offers rapid, high-quality, zero-carbon housing on constrained sites, not possible with conventional new build. This retains and regenerates existing car parking spaces whilst providing 100% affordable housing.
• Pioneering zero-carbon development: The scheme has been designed to achieve SAP ratings of over 100. Each house uses solar panels to generate renewable electricity, quiet running heat pumps, controlled ventilation to recover usable heat, triple glazing and LED lighting.
• Full Turnkey Delivery: The team has conceptualised, designed and obtained planning permission. “Hearts and mind” were won by using full-sized demo unit at Bromley Civic Centre. Early process innovations helped to obtain go-ahead for council’s first modular project after 40 years.

• Client: London Borough of Bromley
• Project partner: LB of Bromley Council

Find out who wins at the Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards 2022 Ceremony on Thurs 30th June 2022.

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About the Net Zero Award (sponsored by Willmott Dixon): 

High environmental and climate performance in construction aims to meet present day needs for housing, working environments and infrastructure without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs in times to come. It seeks to limit impact on the natural environment and demonstrate whole life sustainability. It is most effective when organisational culture, high design quality, technical innovation and transferability are abundant. More info

>> Find out more about the other Constructing Excellence SECBE Awards finalists here