To what extent are eco-homes in Nelson achieving sustainability objectives

Abstract

The empty homes in the Whitefield area of Nelson have been refurbished to become eco-homes. With the government’s ambitions in 2003 to create high standard buildings, these properties have been introduced through the housing market renewal programme (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, 2008). However by the end of 2007 high house prices have caused the housing market to weaken and concerns over energy efficiency and carbon reduction have also been raised due to climate change (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, 2008). This area previously has remained poor where many poor families have lived. Those people moving away from this area left the area deprived and in a poor condition. However, these new properties have improved the area dramatically and it is no longer a neglected and deprived area. This paper shall analyse these new properties and address their level of sustainability at the social, environmental and economic level.
Within this paper there is a key focus upon the design of these eco-homes and the cultural practices of people living within these new homes. In order to assess these issues, a questionnaire has been carried out with internal and external observations of the area. The purpose of carrying out a questionnaire of this area is to analyse the behaviour of the people in the area. With the internal and external observations of the area the social, environmental and economic conditions are analysed.
Based upon the findings gathered, the eco-homes are socially sustainable but improvements are required at the economic and environmental level. There has been a strong indication that for these homes to function sufficiently their needs to be the integration of cultural practices with the technical improvements made with these homes.