Climate and Sustainability
How will this scheme address the Climate Emergency?
The development of Pydar is a great opportunity to champion Cornwall’s green credentials, repair the damaged townscape and replace with a sympathetic development that protects and improves existing green spaces and celebrates the links to the river. We will increase biodiversity (net gain of over 50%), include renewable energy sources, design energy efficient buildings, and provide infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and E-bike and E-car clubs. Environmental standards for buildings on the site will include reduced energy consumption, water efficiencies, and use of renewable and low carbon technologies.
Pydar development aspires to be zero carbon in use by 2030, a summary of the energy strategy is below:
60% renewable energy demand produced by on site renewables;
Well-insulated buildings (materials and high level of air tightness);
District heating with efficient heat sources provided through ground source heat pumps or air source heat pumps; and
Roofs to be fitted with PVs and Solar thermal.
You can view more of the key documents by clicking here.
How does the scheme meet environmental targets the Council has committed to?
The Energy Strategy for the scheme is ambitious and to this end we continue to work towards a ‘zero carbon in use’ project. The planned mixed-use development ensures that the residents can work and live in the same area, therefore reducing the need to travel. The scheme will also serve as a location for E-bikes and public transport stops, driving the needed modal shift the Council aims for. It is also integrated into the cycling and walking infrastructure of Truro. This impacts positively in terms of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and connectivity. During construction we will set targets for the contractors to strive for carbon efficiency to minimise the environmental impact of the construction phase.
The project includes enhanced natural areas along the river, terraced gardens, planting of over 100 trees and enhancing the Viaduct area, this would entail a positive land conversion and an expected biodiversity net gain of more than 50%. In terms of energy consumption and generation, the aim of the scheme is to have a zero carbon in use site, with ground source heat pumps being the primary source of heating on the site supported by electricity, which we aim to generate on site.
The site will be constructed to high standards to make the buildings more energy efficient. The local environment will be enhanced and accessible to the community, especially the riverside, not just for future residents but also for existing neighbours such as those in Daubuz Court.
The IPCC Report – ‘Climate Change 2021: The Physics Science Basis’ has just been published and centres around natural climate solutions, town centre design and density, renewable energy and sustainable construction and sustainable transport. The Pydar development is a future proof sustainable development and positively contributes in all of these areas.
Social Value and Sustainability – how will this project contribute?
The project has 12 strategic objectives it aims to achieve which are also in line with targets for zero carbon by 2030.
Integrate community feedback into the design;
Deliver housing for local people of all age and tenure;
Provision of public indoor, outdoor space and streets which are inclusive, suitable for all ages and multiple use for all seasons;
Community with heart;
Creation of training opportunities and apprenticeships for locals;
Provide flexible and adaptable work space for independent and local businesses to provide opportunities and learning hubs;
Provision of community managed and owned renewable energy facilities;
Physical and digital connectivity;
Net gain in biodiversity and creation of new habitats;
Energy efficient buildings;
Infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and E-bike and E-car clubs; and
Creative, innovative and efficient use of water.