Following an international Open Call, ‘Hope Rise’ — a net zero carbon social housing scheme — is among the 17 exemplary sustainable projects selected to feature in Build Better Now, a virtual reality (VR) online exhibition demonstrating the opportunities for tackling the Climate Emergency and limiting the environmental impact of the buildings and cities we inhabit.
Build Better Now will act as a global call for climate action and is supported by a coalition of over 100 partner organisations from the built environment industry.
The first of its kind in the UK, ‘Hope Rise’ is a pioneering net zero carbon, socially focused development of 11 homes for vulnerable young people who are at risk of homelessness. The scheme provides affordable, energy-efficient and cheap to run homes, all of which exceed the statements set out in Bristol City Council’s Climate Emergency Aspirations. The development was erected on stilts above an existing public car park, retaining 100% of the original parking spaces. ZED PODS has worked closely with the Bristol City Council, The Bristol Housing Festival, YMCA – Bristol to bringing this award-winning development to fruition.
The built environment has a central role to play in supporting the world’s transition to a net zero carbon economy. Globally, buildings consume over a third of energy produced, and are responsible for 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions.
In recognition of the importance of the built environment sector in tackling climate change, the UN’s Climate Conference COP26 will feature a dedicated Built Environment Day as part of its presidency programme. Climate change has never been higher on the global public agenda and Build Better Now has been curated to give the sector a strong voice within this internationally significant event.
Following the Open Call, which was launched in June 2021, a rigorous and transparent selection process was undertaken to find projects for the exhibition. A judging panel comprising industry leaders from across the world, with insight into the complexities of built environment sustainability issues on a regional and local level, selected projects that are making an immediate positive impact on the planet and people’s lives. These projects are both scalable and replicable — giving the
potential to deliver far-reaching impacts. Exploring themes such as natural resource use, climate mitigation and adaptation and nature and biodiversity, Build Better Now will showcase some of the most innovative solutions from across the globe.
Julie Hirigoyen, Chief Executive at the UK Green Building Council said: “With COP26 in November, the world is ready to tackle climate change and the built environment has a crucial part to play. We know why we must accelerate climate action and Build Better Now shows how we can get there. Everyone on the planet has a stake in our buildings and cities. I invite everyone to take inspiration from Build Better Now as a global showcase of pioneering solutions to climate change and hope that it supports the industry to create more sustainable buildings, places and cities of the future.”
Tom Northway, Chairman of ZED PODS Limited commented: “We are at the forefront of pushing zero carbon design in the social housing market. We are extremely honoured to showcase our award-winning, first of its kind zero carbon project at such an important world forum. The time to take action on to tackling climate change is now and we have demonstrated its possible to eliminate operational carbon emissions in both a practical and affordable way.
By using our leading British designed and built modular homes we are building homes we need for the future, today. Feedback from residents praises the quality of the build and the super energy efficiency performance of the building. This project also demonstrates how we can develop underutilised land and airspace, protecting greenfield sites and delivering homes that reduce transport miles and the need for car ownership. It’s this forward thinking that is needed to make the changes required to deliver on the UK’s housing commitments.”
Alongside the exhibition, Build Better Now will host an events series comprising a programme of tours and talks, keynotes, panel discussions and other downloadable content, to educate and inspire the built environment industry and public to act now to identify and deliver climate solutions at scale.
The COP26 Built Environment Virtual Pavilion has been designed and developed by the Visualisation and VR team at AECOM in collaboration with exhibition designers Install Archive.
Header image shows the ‘Hope Rise’ scheme in Bristol ©ZED PODS Limited.
