Sustainable Development

Crafting Eco-Friendly Spaces for Vibrant Communities and a Greener Future

Operational Energy: Pioneering Efficiency

At Eastwood, we stand at the forefront of operational energy efficiency, envisioning a future where our buildings set the standard for sustainability. Committed to delivering and operating energy-efficient structures, we meticulously target an annual operational energy consumption of 35kWh/m²/year, excluding contributions from renewable energy sources. Our innovative approach involves a Fabric First design philosophy, emphasising high insulation levels, optimised window designs, and strategic measures to reduce thermal bridges. By adopting a holistic strategy that includes natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery, and efficient heating systems, we pave the way for buildings that not only meet but exceed energy efficiency expectations.

Circular Economy: Redefining Construction

In our pursuit of sustainable development, Eastwood embraces the principles of the circular economy, redefining the construction landscape. We understand that responsible construction extends beyond the completed structure, encompassing the entire lifecycle of a building. Our commitment to minimising environmental impact begins with quantifying embodied carbon emissions at various stages of construction. We set ambitious targets for upfront carbon emissions, encouraging the use of low-carbon materials, and emphasising locally sourced, eco-friendly alternatives. By designing for disassembly, promoting material reuse, and reducing waste through modular design, we contribute to a circular construction model that aligns with our vision for a sustainable future.

Glossary: Navigating Sustainability

Embark on a journey of sustainability literacy with our comprehensive glossary, designed to demystify key terminologies. From air tightness to embodied carbon, we empower our stakeholders to navigate the intricacies of sustainable development. Stay informed about industry standards, net-zero goals, and emerging initiatives that shape the discourse around sustainable practices.

At Eastwood Investment Group, we believe that informed choices are the building blocks of a greener, more sustainable future.

Join us in our commitment to responsible construction and responsible choices, where every decision contributes to a healthier planet and a better tomorrow.

Air tightness

The resistance of the building envelope to infiltration. Air permeability is used to measure the airtightness of a building.

Daylight factor

A measure of daylight availability that arrives at a particular position in a room compared to the amount of daylight outside.

District heat networks

The distribution of heating from a central source which is delivered to different buildings to avoid the need of individual heat generators inside in the building

Embodied carbon

The carbon emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the building lifecycle. It includes the extraction, processing, transportation of materials and the construction, as well as the 'in-use' stage and 'end of life' stage.

Energy Use Intensity (EUI)

A measure of annual total energy consumed in a building. It is a normalised figure which can be used to compare building performance of buildings.

G-value

A coefficient used to measure the solar energy transmittance of windows.

Low Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI)

LETI is a network of professionals in the built environment set up to transform the UK's path to net zero.

Mechanical Ventilation and Heat Recovery (MVHR)

A system that uses a heat exchanger to recover heat from extract air that would otherwise be rejected to the outside and uses this heat to pre-heat the 'fresh' supply air.

Net Zero Carbon

The balance between the amount of produced Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) and the amount of GHG emissions removed from the atmosphere.

Operational energy

The energy associated with the in use operation of the building. This usually includes energy associated with heating, hot water, cooling, ventilation, lighting, cooking, equipment, and lifts.

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

RICS is a professional body which enforces international standards in the built environment.

Royal institute of British Architects (RIBA)

RI BA is a professional body for architects in the UK.

Thermal bridge

When the building has a direct connection between the interior and the exterior through an uninsulated building element. Balconies are common examples for thermal bridges.

UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)

UKGBC is an industry network set up to improve the sustainability of the built environment.

Urban Greening Factor (UGF)

A measure used to evaluate the amount and quality of green spaces in urban areas, taking into account factors such as vegetation cover, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

U-value

The rate of transfer of heat through a component divided by the difference in temperature across that structure. The units of measurement are W/m2K.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Compounds that are emitted into the atmosphere from products or processes that have health effects.