Berkeley’s exemplar approach to sustainability at Woodberry Down in Hackney has been awarded two Green Apple Environment Awards.
The cross-sector awards recognise the best sustainability projects and initiatives, with Woodberry Down scooping two prizes in the Regeneration category: Gold for Environmental Best Practice, and Silver for Sustainable Development.
The community-led regeneration at Woodberry Down is reviving a failing postwar housing estate, and is on course to deliver 5,500 mixed-tenure homes.
Together, Woodberry Down Community Organisation, Hackney Council, Manor House Development Trust, Notting Hill Genesis and Berkeley are delivering a sustainable neighbourhood with a 15-acre network of public parkland, nature trails and wildlife habitats.
The first two phases of the development have already secured a 142% Biodiversity Net Gain on site, thanks to features like blue and green roofs and native planting.
Two reservoirs stand on the site, one of which has been transformed into the Woodberry Wetlands Nature Reserve, in partnership with London Wildlife Trust and Thames Water.
Low Carbon technologies have been incorporated throughout the Woodberry Down masterplan, including electric car charging, solar-panels, air-source heat pumps and an on-site district heating energy centre that is set to power the new homes.
Trevor Hughes, Berkeley Development Director at Woodberry Down, said: “We’re thrilled to have scooped two awards for sustainable regeneration at Woodberry Down. The estate regeneration is bringing forward thousands of well-connected, sustainable new homes, with acres of biodiverse green space for the whole community to enjoy. Wins like this wouldn’t be possible without the support and vision of our partners; Hackney Council, Woodberry Down Community Organisation, Manor House Development Trust and Notting Hill Genesis.”
Successful brownfield regeneration offers a unique opportunity to meet net-zero targets and deliver sustainable homes at scale. Berkeley is the only large UK homebuilder prioritising brownfield land, and is bringing forward 32 of the country’s most challenging regeneration projects.
During 2022-23, 86% of Berkeley Group’s homes were delivered on brownfield land. These well-connected sites support low-carbon living and are bringing nature back to urban areas.
Discover more about Berkeley’s approach to brownfield regeneration here.