A recently completed residential scheme at the gateway to Eastside has been the first in the city to switch to a new green energy supply.
Hive, the second building at Masshouse in Eastside, has plugged into the new supply which is generated from the Jennens Road Energy Centre on Aston University campus.
The power is supplied by the Birmingham District Energy Company (BDEC) from two Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engines which reduce emissions by 90 per cent and can reduce utility bills by up to 30 per cent.
The hot water provided by the system also means that all 167 properties at the scheme are centrally heated and are so efficient that it takes less electrical energy to power each apartment’s heat exchange unit for domestic hot water than to boil a standard electric kettle.
Developer Nikal’s managing director Nick Payne said: “Hive has been designed to bring a new concept in city living to Birmingham, delivering contemporary new homes that offer a combination of economic, social and environmental benefits that people will aspire to live in for years to come.
“Key to this was our commitment to harnessing BDEC’s state-of-the-art energy supply for the benefit of the residential community, providing Hive purchasers with financial savings from day one.
“Occupants also benefit from innovative computer controlled heating systems including wet radiators that are installed in every apartment, ensuring highly efficient homes that make significantly less impact on the environment and utility bills.
“It is a fantastic first for Birmingham and one we hope other residential developers will also explore in helping deliver sustainable new homes that meet both the expectations of today’s home owners and Birmingham’s ambitions as a sustainable city for the future.”
Leader of Birmingham City Council Mike Whitby added: “I am delighted to see Nikal pioneering the delivery of Birmingham’s green energy supply to residential properties in the city centre.
“This developer has had the foresight to recognise what a unique asset BDEC is to the city and the many benefits which incorporating it within Hive will bring to both residents and the wider environment.
“As a city we are already ahead of the 2026 CO2 target to reduce emissions by 60 per cent and, with businesses in the city such as Nikal actively supporting innovative practices designed to help lower our carbon footprint, Birmingham’s reputation as a sustainable and environmentally focussed city will continue to grow within the national and international arena.”
