Our aim is to deliver a ‘zero carbon’ eco-town in line with the Government’s requirements.  We will achieve this by reducing the overall demand for electricity and heating associated with the town’s buildings, for example, by ensuring they are better insulated.

All houses will be built to the highest possible eco standards; high efficiency water appliances will be used, along with community wind power and heating systems, geothermal power, as well as the use of biomass to produce the community’s energy needs.  In short – Marston Vale will be self-sufficient in its energy needs.

The settlement will also be water neutral, by reducing consumption substantially and then offsetting any residual use by working with communities to improve water efficiency through measures that will include low flush WCs and showers, and other water efficient appliances such as water butts.

We are investigating locally appropriate solutions to generate energy for the eco-town.  It is likely that this will come from a variety of sources including wind, biomass and energy from waste.

On a community and individual home level, we will promote the use of bio fuel combined heat and power plants as well as the adoption of wood burning stoves and boilers.

At the heart of our strategy to minimise waste of resources, will be the provision of local recycling schemes, as well as investigating automated collection systems.  New designs for on-street collection will encourage recycling, yet maintain an attractive streetscape.

Biodegradable waste will be reduced through the use of home/community composting for garden waste.