BedZED

BedZED, short for Beddington Zero Energy Development, is an environmentally friendly housing development in Hackbridge, London, England. Completed in 2002, it was designed to create a sustainable community with zero net energy consumption from fossil fuels. The project was a joint venture between the Peabody Trust, Bill Dunster Architects, and BioRegional Development Group.

Key features of BedZED include:

• Energy Efficiency: Homes are designed to maximize solar gain, and use high levels of insulation to reduce heat loss.
• Renewable Energy: On-site renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and a wood-fueled combined heat and power (CHP) plant (subsequently decommissioned), were incorporated to generate electricity and heat.
• Water Conservation: Features like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling are implemented to reduce water consumption.
• Waste Management: A comprehensive waste management system encourages recycling and composting.
• Sustainable Materials: Building materials were selected based on their environmental impact, favoring locally sourced and recycled materials.
• Green Transport: The development promotes walking, cycling, and public transport. It also includes electric car charging points.

BedZED served as a demonstration project for sustainable development, showcasing how environmentally conscious design and technology can be integrated into residential housing. While the CHP plant proved challenging to maintain in practice, the development continues to be studied for its energy efficiency strategies and community-focused design. It has influenced sustainable building practices worldwide. The development consists of 99 homes, office space, and community facilities.