Co-operative Bank sponsors groundbreaking green housing initiative

Tackling climate change and providing affordable housing for first time buyers are the biggest challenges facing the British housing market today.

With this is mind; the Co-operative Bank has teamed up with Living Space 21, a new housing developer, to offer homes that are not only eco-friendly but, also within reach of those starting out on the property ladder.

This exciting new partnership directly addresses the Government’s promise to increase the UK’s house-building programme by 20%, which would provide an additional 3 million homes by 2020. Furthermore, with the Housing Green Paper 2007 setting targets to reduce property carbon emissions by 25% by 2010, these new homes, which have inbuilt eco features will be well placed to help meet this objective.

The eco benefits of these homes include timber frames, sourced from sustainable forests, rain water capture and recycling, plus sloped roofs which maximise solar efficiency. However, these features do not in any way comprise the quality or design of the build. The contemporary apartments have been designed by Living Space 21 and their pioneering building techniques enable them to be tailored to almost any location, leaving the lightest environmental footprint possible for the price.

In addition to the green benefits of this joint venture, the housing will also provide an affordable answer for first time buyers stuck in the rent trap. Research, by the Co-operative Bank has revealed that a staggering 92% of potential first time buyers are prevented from getting a footing onto the property ladder due to rising house prices. It also highlights the fact that the majority of people believe that building more affordable housing is the one key solution to solving some of the problems faced by first time buyers (73%).

These affordable new-build studio apartments will be available from just £59,950 excluding land.

Paul Hemingway, Head of Campaign Delivery for the Co-operative Bank says, “As helping to minimise the effects of climate change is a key objective at the Co-operative Bank, we are delighted to sponsor Living Space 21, which shares our organisation’s ethical ethos. We are providing a modern housing option, which is not only affordable to all, but also causes minimal impact to the surrounding environment.”

Ray Bedeman, Director of Living Space 21 adds, “When choosing a partner to come on board, The Co-operative Bank was a natural fit for us, as their strong ethical viewpoint, which is backed up by a range of competitive products ensures we can open up eco-housing to the widest possible range of buyers.”

The Co-operative Bank provides a range of mortgages aimed at first time buyers, which also incorporate an array of green features, including an annual donation to Climate Care and a free home energy report.

2007 marks the 15th Anniversary of the Co-operative Bank’s Ethical Policy. Since its introduction in 1995, the bank has declined loans totalling more than £700m for ethical and ecological reasons.