How will energy use be minimised?
Ashton Park aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that new homes will emit – from burning gas in boilers for heating, and cooking and from using electricity for lighting and appliances. This means new homes will need to use less energy (for example – by having better insulation) but also that new homes should source their energy from low and zero carbon sources, such as solar panels. For Ashton Park, one of the most-effective ways to provide this energy is using a district heat and power network. This is where a central energy centre supplies heat to buildings via hot water carried through a network of underground pipes and the energy centre can also provide electricity to homes. The masterplan makes provision for an energy centre and work is currently being undertaken to establish the best way forward to implement this facility.
