Social housing developments adhering to the Passivhaus standard get delivered in Powys for the first time.
The Powys County Council's Affordable Housing Team has recently completed a significant project - the first social housing scheme in Powys to reach the Passivhaus standard. This energy-efficient housing scheme, consisting of seven homes, has provided a boost for the local economy and contributed to the council's aim of delivering 250 new homes by 2025.
The scheme, built by Pave Aways Building Contractors, includes four two-bedroom bungalows, two two-bedroom houses, and one three-bedroom house. Each home is equipped with 4.2 KW of photo voltaic roof panels to generate electricity and heat recovery units to utilize excess heat and lower heating bills.
The project provided 10,500 hours of work on site, with 4,900 hours spent on apprentices and training through employees and the supply chain. This not only supported local sub-contractors and the supply chain but also delivered new skills, training, and support to community groups in Mid Wales.
Steven Owen, Managing Director of Pave Aways, expressed his satisfaction with the project, stating that it had many benefits for the community. He expressed hope that the tenants will be happy in their new homes and stated that this is the way forward for new housing stock and an important step in tackling issues around climate change and fuel poverty.
Final air tests in the bungalows revealed 0.27 air changes per hour, and the houses registered 0.49, both figures are below the maximum of 0.6 air changes per hour required for Passivhaus certification. This ensures that the homes will help cut carbon emissions and ensure lower energy bills for tenants, as mentioned by Nigel Brinn, Corporate Director for Economy and Environment at Powys County Council.
Pave Aways has a track record of delivering sustainable projects in the county. Last year, they completed the new Welshpool Church in Wales School, the county's first ever Passivhaus school for the council.
With more than Β£1.1m spent locally during the Passivhaus housing scheme, this project has not only provided affordable, energy-efficient homes but also supported the local economy. This is a significant step towards the council's Vision 2025, which aims to build 250 new homes by 2025. The council is committed to delivering sustainable, affordable housing that benefits both the community and the environment.
