Homes have been handed over at an innovative Net Zero pilot housing scheme in Manchester, providing residents with sustainable homes fit for the future.
Jigsaw Homes Group has delivered its first Net Zero development consisting of six two and three-bedroom homes at Lathbury Road in Harpurhey – as part of Manchester City Council’s Project 500.
Working with developer John Southworth, the homes have been built to a Regulated Energy Net Zero standard. They are fitted with solar panels, Air Source Heat Pumps and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) to improve air tightness, bringing the homes to the highest rating of EPC Level A.
The pilot scheme, part funded by GMCA Brownfield Fund and Homes England, aims to lower energy usage and reduce carbon emissions in the homes, while also improving affordability for residents.
The homes are capped at the Manchester Living Rent – an affordable level of rent, making sure the homes are as affordable as possible to as many people as possible.
Residents moving into the new homes have been given enhanced Home User Guides (HUGs), as well as receiving tailored demonstrations and online help videos to help them understand how to get the best out of their homes and the equipment installed.
One of those is Lauren, who got the keys to her new home in July. She said: “I was so excited to move in with my daughter. I was previously living with my parents and have been waiting for a home for eight years. As I have a baby boy due in November, I’m very happy to finally have a place to live with my family.
“I’m not sure how the energy efficient features will impact my bills just yet but I’m hoping I’ll notice a difference over the next few months.”
Jigsaw will monitor the energy performance now residents have moved in to better understand how they use their homes and how lifestyles can influence energy use.
The pilot scheme will compare the energy performance of these homes against one of Jigsaw’s standard EPC Level B developments to further determine how Net Zero homes perform in day-to-day use and inform future decisions as the Group moves towards low-carbon, energy-efficient homes at scale.
Garnet Fazackerley, Operations Director of Development at Jigsaw Homes Group, said: “Our priority is to provide residents with homes that are safe, warm and comfortable, while helping to keep energy costs as affordable as possible. Working with John Southworth, Manchester City Council and our funding partners, the Lathbury Road pilot project allows us to explore how Net Zero homes perform in everyday life, giving customers the benefits of high-quality, energy-efficient homes alongside the support they need to get the most from new technologies.
“By monitoring performance and working closely with residents, we’ll build a clearer picture of how these homes operate in practice, helping us make informed decisions about future developments and ensuring we continue to improve the homes and services we provide for our residents.”
Cllr Gavin White, Manchester City Council’s executive member for housing and regeneration, said: “This is another great scheme for north Manchester, delivering genuinely affordable homes for local people through our Project 500 programme. This innovative approach shows the massive impact of our partnership working with the city’s housing providers by using Council-owned land to build the quality, sustainable and energy efficient homes our residents need.”
