UK’s energy supplier Octopus Energy and sustainable housebuilder gs8 have teamed up to develop the UK’s largest ‘Zero Bills’ development in Thornwood, Epping.
Building on the success of their first ‘Zero Bills’ site in Walthamstow, Octopus and gs8 have partnered to develop the 113-home site – the housebuilder’s largest to date – alongside a microgrid design.
The scheme will feature centralised battery storage, allowing solar power to be seamlessly shared between properties.
The Octopus-accredited site will be developed in line with gs8’s ‘Planet Positive Framework’, meaning it will follow zero waste principles, and store more carbon in the homes than is needed to build and maintain them.
Launched in 2022, Octopus’ ‘Zero Bills’ tariff enables customers to move into homes that are fully kitted out with green tech, including a heat pump, a battery and solar panels, with no energy bills guaranteed for 5-10 years.
The Thornwood development will feature 35 homes available through affordable rent, with the first properties to be launched in April this year.
The plans are shaped by and tailored to the needs of the local community and will introduce several new public spaces with homes bordering a nature reserve.
Octopus Energy aims to deliver 100,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes by 2030, and has already rolled out the initiative in Germany and New Zealand, as well as the UK.
Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director, Octopus Energy, said:
“Zero Bills’ is not just about eliminating energy bills – it’s about creating a sustainable future.
“Our partnership with gs8 to deliver a microgrid community is all about delivering a truly transformative solution that sets a new standard for affordable, eco-friendly living.”
Josh Gordon, Co-Founder, gs8, said:
“This is a landmark development for us as a business, building on the groundbreaking regenerative housing approach we’ve been committed to for the past six plus years.
“We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Octopus Energy, a pioneering business which shares our vision and values, and seeking to create homes built for the future and developments that bring positive lasting impacts to local communities.”
Image courtesy of Octopus Energy
