Growing Baldock sustainably
Sustainable development is crucial for the responsible growth of Baldock.
This includes the strategies for water and power, the plans for transport and movement and delivering a net gain for nature.
The development will support low impact and low carbon living, based upon our understanding of future climate challenges – from rising temperatures and water shortages to flood events – and building on the strong traditions of active communities within the town and surrounding villages.
Mapping sustainability ambitions
Harmonising our collective approach
At the moment we are working with partners to understand how growing Baldock fits into the wider aspirations of the District and County Councils and their sustainability targets, and from there we will be looking to set stretching and achievable targets for the new development.
| Theme | North Herts Council Priority | HCC Priority | U&C Priority | Baldock Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Zero | North Herts Council 2030, District 2040 | HCC 2030, County 2050 | Scopes 1&2 by 2030, Scopes 3 2040 | Net Zero infrastructure and non-residential buildings by 2040 |
| Carbon | Exceed Building Regs and minimise embodied | Exceed Building Regs and support NZ buildings | RIBA 2030 carbon targets for all Master Developer delivered buildings | FHS 2025 for homes and RIBA 2030 carbon targets for all Master Developer delivered buildings |
| Climate Resilience | Resilient district | Designed into new communities | Water consumption target exceeding Building Regs and optimise SUDS provision | Water consumption target exceeding Building Regs and optimise SUDS provision |
| Biodiversity Net Gain | 10% BNG | 20% by 2050 | 25% onsite BNG | 25% onsite BNG |
| Health & Wellbeing | Promote healthy communities | Natural Health Strategy, clean air | Promote and integrate U&C healthy living principles | Health Impact Assessment, active play spaces, fitness trails, health facilities |
| 20-minute neighbourhood | 20-minute neighbourhoods | LTP4 and Accessibility Strategy | 15- and 20-minute neighbourhoods> | Community focused local facilities and recreational spaces within walking distance |
| Local economy | Vibrant economy | Clean growth | Accessible employment opportunities and support for local businesses | Employment of local contractors and initiatives to promote local economic growth |
Future Homes Standard necessitates much higher energy performance on all new dwellings from 2025 onwards
