Innovation in Climate Action Award winners - Bourne Green Project
About the Bourne Green Project
Bourne Green is a low-impact, environmentally conscious housing development that prioritises sustainability and community well-being. The project consists of eight new energy-efficient homes, available for affordable rent to individuals with a local connection to the area, and four sustainable homes for sale at market value. In addition to housing, the site includes a central communal building with shared facilities open to the wider community, fostering collaboration and inclusivity.
We created it to serve as an example of how affordable, eco-friendly housing can benefit both residents and the natural environment. Every aspect of Bourne Green, from materials to design, has been thoughtfully chosen to minimise our carbon footprint and promote biodiversity.
Councillor Andrew Gant and host Shaun Williamson presenting the Innovation in Climate Action Award to Hook Norton Community Land Trust © Joe Barker/Oxford Mail
Sustainable features of Bourne Green
The development includes a range of innovative sustainability measures, designed to reduce environmental impact and enhance community living:
- Renewable energy generation: Bourne Green is equipped with 68kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on the roofs of both terraces, generating clean energy on-site.
- Community battery storage: We’ve installed a 100kWh community battery, allowing us to store surplus renewable energy and make it available when needed, reducing dependency on the grid.
- Smart microgrid: A smart microgrid system shares the locally generated renewable energy, not only from our own solar panels but also from an additional 50kWp solar PV installation on the nearby Sports & Social Club, creating a resilient energy-sharing community.
- Efficient ventilation and heat recovery: The homes are fitted with mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) systems, maintaining indoor air quality and capturing heat that would otherwise be lost, thereby reducing energy consumption.
- Low carbon materials: We used low embodied energy and low CO2 materials in construction, contributing to the project’s sustainability from the ground up.
- Shared growing spaces and greenhouse: Community growing spaces and a greenhouse will support local food production, providing residents with a shared place to grow fresh produce and connect with nature.
- Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points and car club: Bourne Green includes EV charging points and a shared car club with six electric vehicles, offering residents an eco-friendly transport option and reducing the need for individual car ownership.
- Eco-friendly landscaping: Our landscaping features native plants, creating an environment that encourages biodiversity by attracting local wildlife, including pollinators essential to the area’s ecosystem.
- Communal building: A central communal building with a shared spare bedroom, meeting room, and co-working space serves not only Bourne Green residents but also the wider Hook Norton community, providing a hub for connection and collaboration.
© Hook Norton Community Land Trust
What inspired us?
Our vision for Bourne Green stemmed from a desire to address the housing crisis while promoting sustainable living in Oxfordshire. With the climate challenges facing our world today, we wanted to create a model that would go beyond standard eco-builds. The concept of a community-led, climate-focused housing project resonated deeply, and we saw this as an opportunity to demonstrate that sustainable living can be accessible, affordable, and replicable.
Challenges and lessons learned
While the project has been rewarding, it presented some challenges along the way. Navigating planning regulations, securing sustainable materials, and aligning with community expectations required resilience and innovation. Funding also posed difficulties, especially as we remained committed to using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. Each challenge, however, reinforced the importance of a collaborative, community-driven approach to sustainable development, allowing us to deliver a project that aligns with our values and contributes meaningfully to climate action.
Improvements and benefits observed
Since its completion earlier this year, Bourne Green has brought a host of benefits. Residents enjoy lower energy costs and high-quality indoor environments thanks to MVHR systems. The development’s shared green spaces encourage both community connection and biodiversity, as wildlife has started to flourish in the newly introduced native plants. Additionally, the Smart Microgrid and community battery offer a reliable, clean energy source that reduces carbon emissions and improves local resilience.
Together, we can make Oxfordshire a leader in environmental responsibility and resilience.
How to Get Involved
Bourne Green’s success highlights the power of community action, and there are many ways Oxfordshire residents can support or initiate climate-positive projects:
- Join or Support a Community Land Trust (CLT): Community Land Trusts like ours are instrumental in providing sustainable, community-focused housing. Get involved with a local CLT or consider starting one in your area.
- Engage in Shared Growing Spaces and Community Gardens: Following the success of our communal growing spaces, HNCLT is committed to expanding these efforts. Participating in community gardening initiatives is a hands-on way to adopt sustainable practices.
- Advocate for Green Development Policies: Your voice matters in shaping sustainable development. Advocate for green policies in local councils and encourage community discussions on eco-friendly initiatives.
- Share and Educate on Climate Solutions: Talk to neighbours, share insights on sustainable living, and participate in community events. Education and awareness create a ripple effect that can drive county-wide action.
We believe that Bourne Green stands as a beacon of sustainable living and community resilience. This award is a celebration not just for Hook Norton Community Land Trust but for the entire Oxfordshire community working toward a greener future. We encourage everyone to visit the Climate Action Oxfordshire site to explore additional steps you can take to support climate action. Together, we can make Oxfordshire a leader in environmental responsibility and resilience.