29/10/2009 : BHP's first green estate
Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) has begun work on a sustainable energy programme on the Brentfield Estate off the North Circular Road in Neasden, Brent.
BHP is installing an external insulation cladding system to 114 homes with 84 of them being fitted with Solarcentury photovoltaic (PV) solar electric tiles. This makes up a total of one third of properties on the estate. Other energy efficiency measures include loft insulation, aluminium double glazed windows and doors and using water butts to conserve water. New roofs are also being installed using a Marley Ecologic Roof Tile that removes nitrogen oxide pollutants from the air and are also made from recycled material. The first priority for the work will be non-traditional concrete constructed homes which are poorly insulated and more likely to suffer from damp related issues. The whole project will aim to be completed by January 2010.
BHP is working with contractors Solarcentury and Lakehouse on this green project. It is BHP's first green estate and will provide a host of financial benefits for residents as well as being environmentally friendly.
BHP is working together with Lakehouse on the campaign 'breathe new life' into the Brentfield Estate. Further information can be found on
Around one quarter of the UK's greenhouse emissions come from heating, lighting and powering electrical appliances in homes. It is part of the government's agenda to cut carbon dioxide emission by 80% by the year 2050. BHP is doing its part in helping Brent Council to lower its carbon emissions and achieving their government targets.
The sustainability work on the Brentfield Estate will decrease energy bills for residents. In terms of the solar energy will have the opportunity to sell excess electricity back to the Grid. According to the Energy Savings Trust, residents can reduce1tonne of carbon emissions and save up to £200 a year off their electricity bill.
Shaun Gillam, Head of Major Works at BHP said: "We are very excited about the sustainability programme on the Brentfield estate, and are keen to follow this up with other projects within Brent. It is a great way of investing in the future of Brent tenants and making a positive impact on the environment. It is a means for us to reduce our residents' expenditure on energy and meet energy efficiency targets. With over 13,000 BHP managed homes in Brent, we're able to make a real difference to the quality of our tenants' lives."