The climate crisis demands urgent action, explains Philippa Hoy of sustainability consultant Bioregional. She gives the case for the One Planet Living concept, and looks at how embracing sustainable design and low-carbon solutions can meet developers’ imperatives as well as creating resilient, future-proofed communities.
The climate and ecological emergency demands urgent action from every sector, and housebuilding is no exception. As we are all too painfully aware, the built environment accounts for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, so all developers have a crucial role to play in reversing this trajectory.
The good news is that sustainable, low-carbon development is not just increasingly a regulatory requirement, it’s an opportunity to build homes and communities that are more desirable, more resilient, and more financially viable in the long term.
But how prepared are housebuilders to seize this opportunity?
The Future Homes Standard & the UK Net Zero Carbon Standard
The UK Government’s Future Homes Standard, set to take effect in 2025, will require all new homes to produce 75-80% fewer carbon emissions than those built under current Building Regulations. This is a significant step forward, but it’s just the baseline. Many developers are already looking beyond compliance toward true net-zero carbon, a goal supported by the voluntary UK Net Zero Carbon Standard which is currently being piloted.
This standard will provide a consistent methodology for measuring and reducing whole-life carbon emissions in new developments. Developers that move early to adopt the Net Zero Standard will not only future-proof their projects but also position themselves as leaders in the transition to a sustainable built environment.
The business case for sustainable development
Sustainability is often seen as a challenge, but in reality, it presents a significant business opportunity. Homes built to higher environmental standards not only reduce long-term operational costs but also attract buyers and tenants more quickly. Research shows that energy-efficient homes sell faster and at higher prices. At the same time, investors are increasingly prioritising developments with strong sustainability credentials, aligning with growing government and market expectations. Mortgage lenders are also recognising the financial benefits of low-carbon homes, with some, such as HSBC and NatWest, now offering preferential rates or increased borrowing capacity for energy-efficient properties.
Another key indicator of this shift is the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), which assesses the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of real estate portfolios worldwide. Investors are increasingly using GRESB scores to guide their decisions, favouring developments that demonstrate strong sustainability credentials.
One Planet Living: A holistic approach to sustainable development
While cutting carbon is essential, sustainability in housing development goes beyond emissions reduction. To champion the creation of truly sustainable communities, Bioregional created the One Planet Living framework back in 2004, based on the approach we took with forward-thinking stakeholders to create the award-winning BedZED eco-village in south London. The One Planet Living framework, freely available for all to use, provides a holistic approach, covering ten principles that address every aspect of sustainable community design – from health and happiness to local food production and equity.
One Planet Living has been used in real estate projects globally, helping 1.4 million people worldwide live happier, healthier lives within the Earth’s natural limits. Truly outstanding sustainable developments can apply to us to be reviewed and recognised as a Leader in One Planet Living. In Canada, Zibi is a pioneering waterfront development that has earned Global Leader status in One Planet Living. This 34-acre mixed-use development in Ottawa-Gatineau integrates indigenous land stewardship principles, district energy systems powered by waste heat, and an ambitious waste reduction strategy. Zibi is setting a new standard for regenerative urban development.
Closer to home, One Brighton developed by Crest and Bioregional Quintain is a mixed-use residential development that follows One Planet Living principles, incorporating green roofs, car-free living, and communal
food-growing spaces. It has been recognised for its innovative approach to sustainability and community building.
A2 Dominion’s award-winning Elmsbrook eco-town in Bicester, Oxfordshire is a prime example of a One Planet Living Leader, demonstrating the viability of sustainable housing at scale. Designed from the ground up with sustainability at its core, it features highly energy-efficient homes, solar panels on every roof and rainwater harvesting. Elmsbrook has 40% green space and a strong emphasis on community wellbeing. It proves that sustainable development is not only achievable but can also enhance the quality of life for residents.
Greencore Homes has two developments on Oxfordshire that are Leaders in One Planet Living, Kings Farm and Springfield Meadows (the latter achieving Global Leader status). Jon Di-Stefano, CEO of Greencore Homes, highlights the advantages of the One Planet Living approach: “It allows us to set ambitious, site-specific goals while addressing every aspect of sustainability – not just carbon reduction – in a truly holistic way.”
A developer ‘TO-DO’ LIST
To rise to the climate challenge and meet the expectations set by evolving regulations and voluntary standards, developers must take decisive action. Here are the five key steps to take:
Adopt a whole-life carbon approach: The industry is moving beyond operational carbon (emissions from heating and powering homes) to address embodied carbon – the emissions associated with construction materials and processes. Using low-carbon materials like mass timber, recycled steel, and bio-based materials (such as hempcrete or mycelium bricks) is key. Developers should also explore modular construction and circular economy principles, ensuring materials can be reused at the end of a building’s life.
Move beyond net zero to ‘net positive’: Don’t just minimise impact – regenerate our environment. Design developments that generate more energy than they use, actively sequester carbon, and restore ecosystems with rewilding, urban forests, and biodiversity corridors. Emerging technologies such as algae facades (which absorb CO2 and generate biofuel) and living walls that improve air quality can take developments to the next level.
Leverage smart technology for radical efficiency: AI-driven energy management, enabling local energy trading (where residents sell excess solar power to neighbours), and demand-responsive district heating could transform how developments function. Smart grids and home battery storage could make communities more self-sufficient and resilient.
Design for a changing climate, not just net zero: With rising temperatures and extreme weather, homes need to be future-proofed. Passive cooling design can reduce overheating risk without relying on air conditioning. Flood resilience strategies, such as ‘sponge’ cities that absorb excess rainwater through permeable surfaces and natural drainage, should also be part of the toolkit.
Design for people, not just buildings: Sustainable developments should enhance health, wellbeing, and social connectivity. Think 15-minute neighbourhoods built in the right locations, where essential services
are within walking or cycling distance, car-free developments that prioritise active travel, and shared community assets like tool libraries, communal gardens, and workspaces. Creating spaces that promote social cohesion is as vital as reducing carbon.
To support developers to take these steps, Bioregional recently launched ‘One Planet Living – Goals and guidance for new-build communities in the UK’. This free guide offers a clear, practical path to creating thriving, climate-positive communities.
Be part of the solution!
The climate challenge is upon us. But with the right tools, strategies, and commitment, the housebuilding industry can be a key part of the solution – combatting climate change while also creating places where people and nature thrive.
Philippa Hoy is One Planet Living lead at Bioregional