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Our Homes and Technologies
How we are making Cala homes and developments more sustainable
Just like our customers and prospective customers, we are making a conscious effort to take steps towards sustainability as we can, to make a difference.
Designed with respect for people and the planet
Cala is committed to helping our customers live in a way that respects the needs of our planet.
As part of our strategy, not only must we strive to build homes that are more sustainable, but we must also give our customers the tools and technology they need to operate their homes with zero emissions and live more sustainably. Examples of this are ensuring measures like air source heat pumps are as user-friendly as possible, installing smart heating controls and providing EV charging capabilities.
Not content with waiting for government target dates, we have acted early and already meet RIBA 2030 Best Practice, a framework that improves energy efficiency, the carbon emissions used in construction and reduces water usage.
Going beyond carbon, our Urban Wildlife Strategy and Biodiversity policy have been prepared in collaboration with experts to ensure that habitats are provided for native insects, mammals, plants and trees.
We're proud of what we have achieved, but continue to innovate and trial new technologies and strategies to ensure continual improvement.
What does this mean for our customers?
Our interactive home helps you understand some of the technology we are exploring and what a Cala home could look like in the future. Whilst these technologies are undoubtedly better for the planet, they could also help our customers to save money on their bills in the long run too.
Enlarge Interactive Home
Sustainable Technologies
We're exploring new and pioneering technologies such as solar PV with battery storage and air source heat pumps to make an active contribution to the fight against climate change. We're also looking at the fabric of the homes we build and how we can enhance the biodiversity around them.
Some of these solutions are already available on a selection of our homes, but these are plot and development specific. Speak to your Sales Consultant to find out more.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Solar PV Panels
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
Timber Frame Construction
Water Efficiency Measures
Underfloor Heating
Exhaust Air Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are fully electric and extract heat from the surrounding environment, operating efficiently even in low temperatures to provide both hot water and heating throughout the home. They use the same kind of technology that keeps a fridge or freezer cool – but in reverse.
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A ground source heat pump is an energy efficient way to keep your home warm. It draws renewable thermal energy stored in underground pipes and transfers it into hot water for your house - providing warmth for radiators, underfloor heating, hot water cylinders and even taps.
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Photovoltaic (PV) panels, which generate electricity, can be found on homes across many of our developments, allowing customers to reduce their energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.
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We believe that not only must we strive to build homes that are more sustainable, we must also give our customers the tools and technology they need to operate their homes with lower emissions. Cala will build all homes with EV charging stations, where infrastructure allows, helping our customers who want to buy an electric vehicle to reduce their carbon footprint, and even their fuel costs too.
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As well as adopting measures to help our homes run more sustainably, their very fabric is becoming more sustainable. Timber frame construction has less embodied carbon than traditional building methods and is already being used on around 40 per cent of the homes we build each year. We are significantly increasing this proportion as part of our sustainability strategy.
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Water supplies across the UK are becoming less predictable and due to the processes involved, every litre of water from our taps has its own carbon footprint, so the need to reduce personal water consumption across the country is becoming ever more important. To allow our customers to increase their water efficiency and help play their part in the fight against climate change, Cala has introduced high-efficiency shower heads, and flow-controlled aerators to taps to help reduce water wastage, and potentially water bills for customers in England.
Underfloor heating is an attractive heating option for your home, with two main forms; electric systems and water-based systems. Electric underfloor heating uses cables to produce gentle warmth that radiates upwards, while water systems use pipes set in the floor which circulates heated liquid throughout - making it ideal as either supplementary or a primary heat source.
An exhaust air heat pump (EAHP) is a highly efficient system for heating your home. It uses the warm, stale air that the mechanical ventilation heat recovery component draws out, to generate energy and bring it around the home via ducting. This eliminates the need for costly, wet central heating such as radiators or underfloor heating. In addition, an EAHP can be used to provide hot water through storage in a cylinder connected directly with taps, showers and baths.
Building a greener future
At Cala, we believe that your home should be a sanctuary that's both comfortable and sustainable. That's why we're committed to building homes that not only meet your lifestyle needs but also contribute to a greener future.
Most Cala homes achieve an energy performance rating of B or above - a standard that far surpasses the average UK home. This can mean lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Where possible, we incorporate the latest sustainable technologies into our homes, such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, to maximise energy efficiency. These systems work together to create a harmonious living environment that is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Plus, with electric vehicle charging points available in many of our homes, we're helping to pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future.
Join Cala on a journey towards a greener lifestyle.
