A Breath Of Fresh Air From Oaklee (March 2009)

Fresh for 2009 sees the announcement of 34 new eco-friendly social houses in the Shaftsberry area of Bangor, which promise to be the most energy efficient in the UK and Ireland.

The two bedroom apartments, aimed at the over 55s, have energy saving/green features including solar panels to convert sunlight to electricity, rainwater collection points, recycling facilities and low flow fittings on all showers, toilets and taps to conserve water.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie commenting on the ambitious new development said: "I am really pleased to be here today, to officially cut the first sod to launch the new housing scheme here in Bangor. I would like to congratulate Oaklee and MMM Design and Build Ltd on completion of the scheme in spring 2010 and I look forward to that"

Niall Sheridan, Oaklee Housing Association's director of operations, spoke of the outcome of the use of efficient building fabric with high levels of insulation and highly efficient gas boilers. He said, "The combined effect of this produces a 25% improvement of Co2 emissions over normal building regulation requirements due to the lower consumption of energy required to heat the apartments."

The delivery of highly efficient sustainable public sector housing is essential, given the volatility in energy prices and living costs in the current economic climate. Oaklee are proud to be at the forefront of environmental innovation.