ZEDHomes and green transport

At ZEDHomes we will dramatically cut our reliance on gas-guzzling cars. We will locate and build our developments close to existing public transport networks and actively encourage their use. We have established a green transport policy that is core to all our developments. Our target is a 50% reduction in fossil-fuel consumption by private car use over the next ten years, compared with a conventional development.

The ZEDHomes three-point transport strategy aims to:

Reduce the need to travel
Promote public transport
Offer alternatives to using private cars.

With fewer cars, ZEDHomes can offer its residents less noise, less pollution and a safer environment.

Reducing the need to travel

Workspaces will give some residents the opportunity to work on site, so cutting down on commuting. Further on-site facilities - which could include a shop, cafe and a healthy living centre with childcare facilities - will further cut down the need to travel.

Providing an alternative to the car

ZEDHomes will encourage alternatives to car use by including:

Generous bike storage and the development of local cycle networks
A 'pedestrian first' policy - with good lighting, drop kerbs for prams and wheelchairs and a road layout that keeps vehicles to walking speed.
On-site charging points for electric cars. ZEDHomes target is to produce enough electricity from photovoltaic panels (which convert sunlight into energy) to power each site's electric scooters, cars and trucks.

The fear of theft is one of the biggest deterrents to the growth of cycling. Secure cycle units will be provided at appropriate points on each site. The storage facilities will have either lockable doors or be enclosed by a security cage. A key, swipe card or keycode can be issued to those wishing to use the storage space. Even in a lockable room, cyclists usually prefer to lock their bikes themselves, for additional security, and the design will allow for this.

Cycle storage within residential units is also given careful consideration. Storage should be located near access points in order that cycles are not wheeled through or into habitable rooms. The spaces should provide adequate room for the safe storage of (and easy access to) cycles without compromising other uses or activities.

Short stay cycle parking will be provided for visitors to residents. All cycle parking facilities will be well signed from site entrances to allow visitors to easily locate parking spaces.

Girl Cycling Residents and visitors will be encouraged either to cycle to work or to use electric scooters. Commercial facilities will consequently include showers, changing facilities and lockers to store cycle helmets, bags and clothes during the day.

All of the cycling and electric scooter facilities can be brought together in a Cycle and Electric Scooter Centre as part of a pool club, combining parking with other services including cycle service and hire, showers and changing facilities, and information. The Cycle and Electric Scooter Centre could also serve employers on the site - and possibly the adjacent businesses in the area.