County Down housing scheme among UK’s top eco-friendly
An ultra-energy efficient Choice Housing scheme in County Down has been named on a shortlist of the UK’s most environmentally friendly developments.
Killynure Green in Carryduff, which is classed as ‘zero carbon’, impressed a slew of international judges to secure a rare nomination at the prestigious Green Apple Environment Awards in August 2016. Established in 1994, the annual awards recognise, reward and promote environmental best practice.
Completed last year, the 40-unit social housing development utilises a range of cutting-edge renewable technologies that recycle water and solar power and help tenants reduce costly energy usage. The ground-breaking scheme was the first in Northern Ireland to achieved the highest grading possible for sustainable homes – meeting strict targets for CO2 emissions, water usage, ecology and waste – and remains one of the largest of its kind in the UK.
Michael McDonnell, Chief Executive of Choice said: “It’s hugely rewarding to be told by anyone that you are among the best, but it means more when you’re judged against peers and by experts who understand exceptional quality and the challenges of achieving excellence. Killynure Green is a unique development in Northern Ireland and has been designed to show how we can set and achieve the highest possible standards for customers."