Sustainability

The growth of Baldock must not only deliver sustainable new homes but also help secure a sustainable future for the wider town.

Energy and Carbon

Sustainability is a core principle across every theme of the development, with a strong focus on reducing carbon emissions and energy demand. Key commitments include:

  • The development will be all-electric, taking advantage of the ongoing decarbonisation of the national grid.
  • All buildings will be net zero in operational carbon.
  • Carbon emissions will be lower than the Future Homes Standard requirements once implemented.
  • Homes and buildings will be highly energy efficient, incorporating renewable sources for heating and electricity.
  • A carbon offset fund will be created to support off-site investment in local energy-efficiency projects.

Net zero in operation

Net Zero in operation diagram

Water

Working closely with Affinity Water and RevIvel, we are developing a water strategy that aims to reduce water use and manage rainwater more sustainably.

Key elements include:

  • Low-flow water features in new homes to drive down demand.
  • Information campaigns to help residents use water more efficiently.
  • Exploration of water harvesting and recycling methods to further reduce consumption.

This sits alongside a wider sustainable drainage strategy, designed to capture rainwater run-off and direct it effectively into the aquifer.

Water cycle

Water cycle illustration
Image
Growing Baldock's Vision for Nature has shaped the whole development

Economy and Skills

Growing Baldock is about more than just housing. It will include 16 hectares of employment land, creating opportunities for local businesses to grow and for new employers to locate in Baldock.

In addition:

  • A Construction Skills Action Plan will be delivered to support training, apprenticeships and job opportunities for local people during the 15–20 year build.
  • A Jobs and Skills Brokerage will be established to help people access employment opportunities linked to the development.
  • We will work with local schools and colleges to promote careers in the built environment, construction and landscape sectors.
Construction workers
Girls working round a table
In the Outline Application, detailed information about these plans will be provided in the following documents:
Key document What it will show
Parameter Plan Location of energy and waste infrastructure
Sustainability Statement Approach to delivering sustainable development
Environmental Statement
(climate change)		 Climate change impacts and mitigation
Drainage Strategy How site drainage will be designed
Employment Strategy Approach to employment development
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Bringing it together