Manchester Landlord creates the UK’s first 100% Carbon Neutral Student Renovation SuperHome

March 22, 2011 - PRLog -- Manchester Landlord Stephen Beech has been developing turn of the century energy-zapping terraces into luxury, eco-friendly student accommodation for the last few years.  His latest venture boasts a 100% Carbon Neutral student renovation which has also been awarded the status of SuperHome.

With over 45,000 students enrolling each year to Manchester’s Universities, accommodation is an essential part of student life.  With rental prices forecast to increase and the stresses of utility bills, finding an energy efficient property can be difficult.  Many Landlords lack the confidence to redevelop their properties into greener, more cost efficient homes and are unaware of the benefits this can bring them.  

This is not the case for Stephen Beech, proprietor and founder of Beech Properties and Beech Solar, who is leading the way in innovation by developing older property into eco-friendly homes of the future. “My ultimate goal is for Beech Properties to be completely Carbon Neutral because that would be good news for everyone: my tenants, the environment and for business.”  

Beech’s newest project is his most ambitious to date, something that the Sustainable Energy Academy has recognised by granting it the status of SuperHome, one of only ninety in the UK. The OldHome SuperHome network is backed by TV’s Grand Designs Great British Refurb campaign and is made up of older homes across the country that have been updated to improve their energy efficiency.

Beech’s property comes with a long list of energy efficient features including high efficiency solar PV panels, air source heat pump for under-floor heating and hot water, heat recovery system and super spec wall and roof insulation, 50% over and above standard building regulations. The heat recovery system costs just an incredible £7 a year to run!

“At the start of our latest project, the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating was ‘G’ for environmental impact.  Now it has taken the huge leap up to an ‘A’, which is 100% carbon neutral. The EPC Engineers said that this was the most remarkable improvement in an energy rating they have ever seen. As far as we know it’s also the first 100% carbon neutral student renovation in the UK.” says Stephen Beech.

“We’ve created a completely sealed unit to make the property as energy efficient as possible. There are no external vents on the walls or even a letterbox to let any heat escape. Not that it needs a letterbox with no energy bills coming through the door!” jests Stephen.

Stephen has now set up Beech Solar to encourage other Landlords and property owners to make more energy efficient choices too. “Many owners of rental properties are reluctant to invest in solar because of the upfront cost. However, the introduction of the government feed-in tariffs and soaring energy prices are encouraging more people to consider the benefits of harnessing free solar power.”

“My latest property has significantly increased in value thanks to the solar panels. And the generous feed-in tariffs mean that for every pound of electricity it generates, we get £4 back, even if the property uses the electricity! A word of warning though as that level of government support – 400% return – is set to change at the end of the year so it’s important that people get their solar applications in now before it’s too late. The good news is that you’ll be locked in to the high rate for 25 years.”

Student Olivia Robinson, who has signed up to the property for September 2011 said “My group viewed a number of properties before this one and from the outside you wouldn’t believe the space beyond the front door.  We were drawn to it mainly because it was a brand new refurb and had all the extras like solar panels and I felt peace of mind having no bills to pay being a student.  We will be doing our bit for the environment too. I am really excited about moving in!”

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Beech Solar is committed to demonstrating that going green is not only good for the environment, it’s good for business too. Landlord Stephen Beech helps people install solar, benefit from green grants and future proof their properties from rising energy prices.