MILTON KEYNES a SUSTAINABLE FUTURE a Low Carbon Prospectus

MILTON A SUSTAINABLE KEYNES

A Low Carbon FUTURE Prospectus Milton Keynes: A Sustainable Future A Low Carbon Prospectus

Commissioning Partners

Milton Keynes Council Working to deliver the best possible future for Milton Civic Offices Tel: 01908 691691 Keynes by creating sustainable communities and 1 Saxon Gate East Email: [email protected] opportunities for all. Central Milton Keynes www.milton-keynes.gov.uk MK9 3EJ

Milton Keynes Partnership Working through collaborative partnerships to deliver Central Business Exchange II Tel: 01908 353636 the vision for the city and act as a bridge to government 414-428 Midsummer Boulevard Email: [email protected] resources that can help turn vision into reality. Milton Keynes www.miltonkeynespartnership.info MK9 2EA

NHBC Foundation Facilitating research, technology and knowledge sharing, NHBC House Tel: 01908 746738 and the capture of industry best practice to help builders, Davy Avenue Email: [email protected] developers and the industry respond to the UK’s wider Milton Keynes housing needs. MK5 8FP www.nhbcfoundation.org

Zero Carbon Hub A public/private partnership established to facilitate the NHBC House Tel: 0845 888 7620 mainstream delivery of low and zero carbon homes from Davy Avenue E-mail: [email protected] 2016. Milton Keynes www.zerocarbonhub.org MK5 8FP

Researched and designed by PRP Architects on behalf of the Commissioning Partners. Project Partner Published by the NHBC Foundation October 2010 PRP Architects Our commitment to sustainability lies at the heart of our 10 Lindsey Street Tel: 0207 6531200 © NHBC Foundation 2010 policy, which encompasses the promotion of sustainable Smithfield Email: [email protected] design practices and extends to reducing our own London Parts of this document may be reproduced carbon footprint. EC1A 9HP by permission of the Publisher. Please www.prparchitects.co.uk contact the NHBC Foundation if you would like a large print version of this document.

FOREWORD

As well as being one of the fastest growing and most We are in a strong position to deliver this goal, with our successful commercial centres in the UK, Milton Keynes flexible outlook, a growing population, dynamic economic is known as ‘the city within the country’. It’s little wonder growth, and a series of well co-ordinated low carbon with 40 per cent green space, more than 22 million trees, programmes featuring cutting edge technologies and 4,500 acres of lakes and parkland, and Europe’s cleanest pioneering partners. urban air quality. We have an outstanding rural and urban environment which is proving to be a model for other cities Developing Milton Keynes as a showcase low carbon city is around the world. a collective piece of work. It involves the public and private sectors, voluntary groups, academics, and of course the But being green is much more than having a pleasant people who live and work in Milton Keynes. This prospectus landscape. From its very beginning, Milton Keynes was helps to set a vision in which all groups will be working designed to be a sustainable community making the most together, so we can best respond to the challenge of climate effective use of its resources. Alongside our many other change and reduce Milton Keynes’ carbon footprint as we ‘firsts’, our Borough has proudly led the way on a number of grow. green initiatives during the past forty years. The introduction of the UK’s first solar powered house in 1972, the first to adopt energy standards in buildings, and the UK’s first kerbside recycling collection in 1992 are just three of many.

In producing this Low Carbon Prospectus we take a look Councillor Debbie Brock back at green initiatives of the past, we mark the importance Mayor of Milton Keynes of some of Milton Keynes’ current projects as diverse as Combined Heat and Power supply, low carbon homes, and electric vehicles, and we look to the future and our goal to be a showcase low carbon city.

CONTENTS

Foreword

Introduction ��2

Milton Keynes – what kind of city? ��4

Document overview ��8

Your Part in the Future Engaging the community and local initiatives ��10

A Low Carbon City Reducing the environmental impact of buildings and transport ��14

Technology Improving the present and protecting the future ��18

Direction Clear and informed strategies, policies and masterplanning �� 22

Future Forum Ideas, opinions and perspectives �� 26

Acknowledgements and credits �� 28

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 1 INTRODUCTION Thinking differently, embracing evolution and championing change

Milton Keynes was planned and built with future growth The Council aims to promote careful, environmentally in mind, to be a sustainable community long before we sensitive masterplanning to provide a green, clean and understood the principles that defined sustainability. It is safe environment. An integrated approach to the provision grounded in the spirit of a balanced lifestyle, providing of new, energy efficient homes, community facilities, nature on your doorstep, and communities that have soul, sustainable infrastructure and a ‘smart’ energy supply energy and dynamism. will benefit both existing and new residents as well as companies attracted to the quality of life and vibrancy Over the years Milton Keynes has developed a reputation offered by Milton Keynes. as a national leader for innovation in low energy buildings. Collaborations with The Open University in the mid 1970s Produced by a partnership between MKC, MKP, the Zero led to pioneering low energy housing developments. Carbon Hub and the NHBC Foundation, this ‘Low Carbon Supported by research and monitoring, these projects Prospectus’ for Milton Keynes has been developed to helped to provide a better understanding of how to document the visionary approach, projects and initiatives minimise heat losses from buildings. At that time, quality of which have taken place in the city since its inception in life and lower energy bills were the drivers for change rather 1967. It brings together four themes; people, buildings, than concern over climate change. This early work informed technology and direction, which contribute to ensuring that national policy, leading to higher building standards, and the continuing growth of Milton Keynes will be sustainable the creation of a method for calculating energy demand in and will provide an environment where low carbon living is housing, which would later become the national approved part of everyday life. standard we use today. Since then, our awareness of the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the built This vision for a low carbon society includes: environment has grown, and Milton Keynes Council has • A sustainable approach to housing, education, energy, responded by introducing policies requiring developments water and transport; to take responsibility for their contribution to climate change, • Electrification of transport, low carbon housing through the D4 policy and carbon offset fund. development, retrofitting insulation in older properties, ‘smart’ power grids, local green power generation and Today, the city and Borough of Milton Keynes continues new waste reduction and treatment facilities; to grow, applying many of the same principles that have • Engaging local communities and partners, drawing on contributed to its past success, such as having 40% of land local expertise and capacity, including the local centres retained as open green space, managed and maintained of academic excellence; using the successful Parks Trust model. Milton Keynes • Achieving economic advantage for the Borough and Council (MKC) and Milton Keynes Partnership (MKP) have supporting the development of the ‘green’ economy and made a commitment to continue to build on their reputation jobs; as a national leader for innovation in low energy buildings, • An integrated approach to the Borough’s rural and research and environmental policy, and to demonstrate its urban areas. international leadership in low carbon living.

2 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 3 CARBON FOOTPRINT of a typical

Water & MK resident Energy Use Materials Sanitation Maintenance YOUR HOME (in tCO /person/year) 3.00 0.59 0.35 0.14 4.08 2

Buses MILTON KEYNES - WHAT KIND OF CITY? Private Car Air Water Infrastructure Rail & Taxis YOUR TRAVEL 2.55 0.76 0.20 0.18 0.17 0.13 3.98

Carbon footprint Telecoms Health Social Financial Recreation & Postal Land & SHARED SERVICES tonnes of CO per person per year Governance Services Education Services Services & Culture Services Buildings 2 0.81 0.60 0.25 0.21 0.19 0.18 0.09 0.53 2.87

CARBON FOOTPRINT of a typical Catering Fruit Equipment Water & Meat MK residen& Veg Dairy Beveragest Bread Fish Sweets & Facilities YOUR FOOD & DRINK Energy Use Materials Sanitation Maintenance YOUR HOME 0.82 0.53(in tCO /person/year)0.31 0.26 0.21 0.17 0.050.09 0.14 2.58 3.00 0.59 0.35 0.14 4.08 2

Buses Clothing & Personal Home Home Recreation Private Car Air Water Infrastructure Rail & Taxis YOUR TRAVEL Footwear Care Appliances Furnishings & Leisure YOUR CONSUMER ITEMS 2.55 0.76 0.20 0.18 0.17 0.13 3.98 0.45 0.33 0.30 0.29 0.17 1.77

Telecoms Health Social Financial Recreation & Postal Land & Governance Services Education Services Services & Culture Services Buildings SHARED SERVICES Accommodation Holidays YOUR HOLIDAYS Abroad 0.81 0.60 0.25 0.21 0.19 0.18 0.09 0.53 2.87 0.81 0.15 0.67

Based on data from the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) REAP Programme, 2006 YOUR INDIVIDUAL This graphic shows the components of the carbon footprint of a typical Milton Keynes resident. OTHER CARBON FOOTPRINT 16.91 tonnes of CO The biggest carbon footprint from the six main categories comes from our homes, followed by 0.81 2 Catering Fruit Equipment per person per year transport.Meat The use of& energy Veg Dairy forBeverages lighting,Bread heatingFish and Sweets appliances& Facilities accounts forYOUR 18% ofFOOD our total& DRINK footprint,0.82 and 0.53driving 0.31around 0.26 in a 0.21car accounts0.17 for 15%.0.050.09 The0.14 size of each icon is proportional2.58 to

the amount of CO2 emitted, and looking at it this way does reveal some interesting patterns - through carbon goggles, cars in Milton Keynes are much bigger than buses or trains. The Parks Trust estimate that they are managing over 22 million trees in Milton Keynes - this is a staggering number of trees (almost a hundred trees per person!) Milton Keynes has a well-founded reputation for its open spaces, which are jointly maintained by the Milton Keynes Council and the Parks Trust, Clothing & Personal Home Home Recreation Footwear Care Appliances Furnishings & Leisure YOUR CONSUMER ITEMS comprising around 3,000 ha of open space, 565 play areas, 550 km trails 0.45 0.33 0.30 0.29 0.17 1.77 and pathways, 250 ha of woodland, 60 km rivers and streams, 900 ha of 4 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus grass, 210 km of hedges, and 21 km of canals and towpaths.

Accommodation Holidays YOUR HOLIDAYS Abroad 0.81 0.15 0.67

YOUR INDIVIDUAL OTHER CARBON FOOTPRINT tonnes of CO 0.81 16.91 2 per person per year Milton Keynes today is made up of a young and A Low carbon lifestyle Population dynamic demographic that has given the city its How do we compare? 2006 vs 2026: an evolving demographic energy and vibrancy. But what will the population be like in 2026? The general trend predicted for Milton South East Keynes as well as the rest of the country, is one Compared to the rest of towards a more mature population - by 2026, the Milton Keynes the Southeast, a Milton current generation will turn into an older population Age 6.5Keynes resident has a with very different needs and lifestyles. With fuel Argentina Group smaller carbon footprint,28.6 2026 prices predicted to increase, will we have designed 17.7 16.9 16.2 90+ 2026 although at 16.9 tonnes of 2006 Yesterday’s yuppies: today’s homes so that heating will be affordable 85-59 An aging population emerges - CO2 per person per year, for the elderly? Will we have provided enough 80-84 how will we address their needs? 3.1still slightly higher than the infrastructure and community amenities that will UK Chinaaverage, roughly five 75-79 support the needs of an older population? We need 70-74 1.1 and-a-half times that of a to future-proof our city so that it can meet the needs typical Chinese resident, 65-69 of present and future communities. Uganda 60-64 South East UK and fifteen timesUSA that of someone living in Uganda! 55-59 50-54 Milton Keynes 2006 6.5 45-49 Milton Keynes is generally Argentina 40-44 28.6 composed of a youthful 17.7 16.9 16.2 35-39 population: young professionals, 30-34 families with young children 25-29 3.1 China 20-24 15-19 1.1 10-14 Uganda 5-9 UK USA 0-4

Sources of Data: 0 2 4 6 8 UK data from the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) REAP Programme, 2006 % of Population International data from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Carbon Footprint for Nations Programme

New York Milton Keynes 5.2 million trees (0.27 trees per person) 22 million trees (that’s 95 trees per person!)

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 5

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requirements. in excessoftheBuildingRegulations to energyspecificationswhicharewell All newhomesinMiltonKeynesarebuilt lower energyuse! normally resultsinhigherratherthan more affluentthantheUKaverage,which that MiltonKeynesresidentsaregenerally UK housein2006-thisdespitethefact gas energy per dwelling than the average Milton Keyneshousesused6to10%less of 4.3/10. 10/10, comparedtothenationalaverage must haveanenergyefficiencyratingof that allnewhousesbuiltinMiltonKeynes In 1999,EnglishPartnershipsannounced UK average. Milton Keyneshousesislowerthanthe actual energyconsumptionforheatingin addition, thereissomeevidencethatthe Building Regulationsofthetime.In levels ofefficiencythantherequired built after1970wasdesignedtobetter developments, allMiltonKeyneshousing innovative energy-efficientestatesand Not onlydoesMiltonKeyneshave Dwelling ageandgasconsumption Housing TON KEYNES–WHAT KINDOFCITY?

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MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

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healthy lifestyle. greater cycleuseaspartofasustainable, An excellentinfrastructuretoencourage 225 footpaths andcycleways,including Milton Keyneshasover550kmof American person! and twiceasmanybikesatypical on average than a typical Chinese person, Milton Keynesresidentownsmorebikes Curious MiltonKeynesfactoid:atypical 5

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A Low Carbon Prospectus 7 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW

The Milton Keynes Low Carbon Prospectus sets out the city’s YOUR PART IN THE FUTURE A LOW CARBON CITY sustainable development under four main themes. The four Engaging the community and local initiatives Reducing the environmental impact of buildings boxes on this page explain each of these themes and why and transport they are significant. In the following pages, each theme This theme is about people and their important contribution to is developed in more detail, with an illustrated timeline Milton Keynes in relation to low carbon living. It documents how In the UK almost half of our carbon emissions come from the and milestones, followed by a set of selected projects the community has been engaged throughout the development use of buildings (27 per cent from homes and 17 per cent from and initiatives. This provides unique insights into what has of Milton Keynes. It identifies the key organisations which non-domestic buildings). Milton Keynes has explored low energy shaped the city, what is going on today and a view of what is have been established to provide information and support for design since the 70’s and this theme documents some of the planned for the future. residents and businesses, and also some of the great initiatives innovative building projects which set out to exceed national which have come out of the local communities themselves. targets and inform legislation in the rest of the UK. The final section of the Prospectus, the ‘Future Forum’, The 1960’s saw a dramatic increase in car use so Milton Keynes captures views from a cross section of people who work or was designed with a grid system to minimise future congestion. live in Milton Keynes, showing how the city has supported Today, road transport accounts for 10% of our carbon footprint, them in taking forward their own ideas on sustainability or therefore initiatives which have taken place and are planned stimulated their interest in a greener future. to reduce the impact of transport and encourage non-polluting forms of transport in Milton Keynes are also included.

TECHNOLOGY DIRECTION Improving the present and protecting the future Clear and informed strategies, policies and masterplanning The generation of energy accounts for 25% of all emissions, and is the largest single contributor to global warming. The third This theme illustrates the careful, environmentally-sensitive theme therefore looks at what has been done in Milton Keynes master planning which has contributed to Milton Keynes’ to understand and apply technologies which reduce this impact, success over the past 30 years. A green, clean and safe and the plans to deliver an energy strategy which is smarter and environment has been the key incentive for inward investment, sustainable for the long term. company relocation and a thriving community. This is demonstrated through clear and informed strategic leadership, The application of technology to reduce the impact of waste policy development and a co-ordinated approach to the delivery in Milton Keynes is also documented, from the introduction of of growth which ensures that low carbon homes, infrastructure, mixed recycling schemes, garden and kitchen waste collection, jobs and community facilities are provided as part of a joined up waste treatment and new innovations to generate renewable approach. energy from our waste.

8 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 1 Theme 1 The theme to which the events correspond is highlighted in YOUR PART IN THE FUTURE THE FUTURE 6 the title bar and by an icon for Engaging the community and local initiatives easy reference. 5

MK Low Carbon Living Think Again about Saving Energy 2 Timeline Events start from the inception of Milton Keynes when it The Low Carbon Living Programme was designated a new town in 1967, and runs through 3 to present day. Where the programme is known for future projects these have

also been included. 000 320 690 000 750 370 Resident Engagement and Learning (Hearts and Minds) 60 65 111 300 171 205 235 257 000 570 600 40 000 4 000 250 370 198 219 45 91 143 169 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010 2010 and beyond 2016 3 2 Event 1967 1976 The projects and initiatives included are a small selection from a wide range of initiatives which have taken MK Sustainable Community Strategy place in Milton Keynes over the duration of the timeline.

4 Key Data 10 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 11 Icons along the timeline include information such as population, showing how this has changed over time as Milton Keynes has developed.

5 Images YOUR PART IN THE FUTURE Some of the key projects are Highlighting community projects from Milton Keynes illustrated by images at the

Urb Farm National Energy NATIONAL Bright Green Youth & top of the pages. ENERGY 8 Foundation FOUNDATION GEMK 6 Future Vision Looking at the major planned initiatives to ensure CityAims strategy continuation of sustainable Carbon programme green city growth across Milton Keynes. Efﬁciency Waste to Energy Sustainable Infrastructure Protecting the future 7 Word Cloud Community7programme Carbon Electric Vehicles energy projects sustainable efﬁciency Transition Wolverton 8 Case Studies Photovoltaics Meeting national targets Highlighting Milton Keynes waste Ideas engagement Parkland Produce projects that contribute to the Anaerobic Digester support low carbon agenda.

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 9 YOUR PART IN THE FUTURE 1 Engaging the community and local initiatives

The Milton Keynes Master Plan envisaged “a community of active citizens, participating in the provision of its own services and able to take up the opportunities presented by the new city”. It recognised the need for a close knit web of community services at all levels and aimed for a network of opportunities which must be available to, and be understood by the residents of Milton Keynes. 1969 The Open University 1981 Home World Exhibition 1992 Future World

1967 1972 1981 1987 1995 2005 Population of the designated new town Master Plan adopted as the way Home World exhibition showcasing The City Discovery Centre is an South Midlands Renewable Energy A strategy for future sustainable area is 40,000 (60,000 MK Borough). forward. Public awareness and innovation in energy efficient homes amalgamation of two earlier bodies: Advice Centre set up to offer expert growth is developed by MKP through participation is one of six goals. Milton is seen by more than 140,000 people. the Milton Keynes Urban Studies Centre advice and information on energy widespread public engagement in the 1969 Keynes Development Corporation The homes will be occupied and form (focused upon urban environmental saving, domestic renewables, personal planning process. Open University moves into Walton Hall. (MKDC) believe that by stimulating active part of the city. Over 95% of the houses education, including history and transport, water and waste. It will evenutally work closely with Milton interest and encouraging people to get have better insulation than required by geography) and the Bradwell Abbey Working Together: A Compact for Keynes Development Corporation on involved, the community as a whole will Building Regulations at the time, and Field Centre Trust (focused upon 2002 Milton Keynes provides a framework to many groundbreaking energy-related benefit. fuel conservation measures are seen by history, archaeology and the natural Commonwealth Common Waste facilitate interaction between statutory projects in Milton Keynes. Today, it is developers as advantageous in selling environment). The charitable company student conference held in Council organisations, voluntary and community the largest academic institution in the the homes. informs and educates visitors about Chamber - 150 children explore aspects groups in order to achieve common UK, and one of the largest universities urban geography, new city planning, of waste minimisation around the aims and aspirations for the ultimate in the world. and the historical and natural heritage Commonwealth as well as in Milton benefit of local people. of Milton Keynes. Keynes. Statements from the event Population of Milton Keynes Borough Population of the designated new town area are included in the next version of the Council’s waste plan. 000 60 65 000 111 300 171 750 000 40 45 000 91 000 143 250 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 1967 1976 Milton Keynes formally Around 40,000 trees and shrubs designated a New Town. have been planted in the new city.

1970 1976 1984 1992 2003 2005 Public exhibition of the new Milton Buy Insulation Cheap Campaign by The Living Archive Project established Future World Exhibition provides the Milton Keynes Sustainable Community ‘Food Train’ community enterprise works Keynes Master Plan. Milton Keynes MKDC helps existing householders buy to collect and document the cause and public with a glimpse of the way homes Strategy aims to ensure active to create sustainable local alternatives will be a ‘city of trees’ with no building loft insulation, draught stripping and effect of change on local residents. might operate in the 21st century. involvement of Milton Keynes citizens in to the current food system in ways that higher than the tallest tree and 40% set insulation jackets for hot water cylinders shaping the future of the Borough. improve human health, environmental aside for green spaces. at half the normal price. Estimates 1985 The Parks Trust is established to provide, quality and animal welfare, stimulate showed the cost of the materials could Residents get involved in energy maintain and equip parks, gardens, Olney Farmers Market is established. enterprise and create community. be recouped through lower fuel bills management of their homes at landscaped areas, woodlands, open within, on average, a year. Shenley Lodge, a demonstration project spaces, playing fields, playgrounds Sustainable Schools pilot scheme set 2006 for Energy World, an international and recreational amenity space for the up by GEMK, an educational resource Wolverton Farmers Market starts ‘Food 1977 showcase of energy efficient housing. benefit of the inhabitants and visitors to centre working to increase awareness Train’. Energy Research Group produce an the area. and understanding of sustainability and ‘Energy in the Home’ course for OU, development issues. Food Train receive funding from Natural aimed at teaching householders England to look at food economy in more about the practical problems of Milton Keynes, and ways of supplying domestic energy conservation. more locally produced food.

10 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus THE FUTURE Engaging the community and local initiatives

The Milton Keynes Low Carbon Living Programme is

a city-wide range of projects that collectively will help MK Low Carbon Living Think Again about Saving Energy MKC deliver a reduction in the overall carbon footprint of the city. 2008 Sustainable Schools Conference 2002 Commonwealth Common Waste 2005 Food Train Urban Farm 2008 Wolverton 2008 MK Low Carbon Living Energy Roadshow 2010 Wolverton A Key Stage 3 Citizenship Resource 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 The Low Carbon Living Programme Written by Rosemary Clarke and Sue Carroll th Milton Keynes withcelebrates support from Clare Walton its 40 Wolverton Community Orchard Downs Barn Community Orchard MK Energy Day is the first annual Greenfest Mark II planned (subject to Milton Keynes Council is developing a Low Carbon Living Programme to re-establish the city as and all participating schools birthday. established. is established. event focused on the contribution of funding) following the success of the Designed by Dylan Jeavons a place where new ideas can be tested, and innovation incorporated into daily living. A range of individuals to reducing Milton Keynes’ 2010 seminar. Up to 1,000 young people projects are proposed to support and encourage residents to embrace the low carbon agenda Gulliver’s Eco-Park opens at Newlands, Wolverton Urban Farm grows fresh Milton Keynes based charity Sustainable carbon footprint. Events included the to attend and investigate sustainability Europe’s first environmental theme park. produce for local consumption using Energy Academy win Ashden Awards launch of an online Milton Keynes at the OU. and offer a business environment which welcomes companies working in the ‘green’ economy. innovative, environmentally sensitive Charity and Community Category carbon footprint calculator, promotion Newport PagnellGlobal Farmers Education Milton Keynes Market growing methods. for Sustainable Energy for their ‘Old of energy efficient driving techniques, The programme aims to demonstrate, test and evaluate how reductions in carbon emissions opens. Home Superhome’ programme which an energy monitor borrowing scheme, 14 schools have signed up to GEMK spreads awareness of the ways in business energy efficiency event and can be delivered in an integrated and meaningful way, focusing on substantial, longer term Sustainable Schools project. This involves various energy related activities in which household CO2 emissions can goals which local people can own and pursue. a wide-ranging annual audit linking be reduced by 60-80%, and inspires schools across the Borough. sustainability to school improvements, people to make similar changes to their Milton Keynes aims to become a beacon of international best practice for low carbon living. As a the curriculum, the environment and the own homes. There is now a network community. of homes across the UK that have major employer, owner of 12,000 housing units and the highway authority, actions taken by MKC

achieved over 60% CO2 reductions and will have a real impact on the low carbon agenda. 320 690 205 370 are open for the public to visit. 235 257 570 600 169 370 198 219 Resident Engagement and Learning (Hearts and Minds) 2000s 2010 2010 and beyond 2016 Projects within the Low Carbon Living Programme will contribute towards a fund supporting a programme of resident engagement as part of a city wide initiative to promote energy efficiency and education. The following ideas are being considered:

• Home demonstrator and retrofit projects. 2008 2008 2009 2010 2012 • Education and engagement on smart grid technology and application. The site is cleared for the Urban Farm in Shenley Church End is chosen as one Four young people attend international Greenfest two day Sustainability Sustainability Celebration planned Wolverton, the new home for Growing of only six areas across the country Bright Green Youth Camp in Denmark, Conference at the OU for seventy-five (subject to funding) - 20,000 young • A visitor facility within University Centre Milton Keynes. People initiative, a horticultural social for a pioneering new project aimed at sponsored by OU. This previewed the 11-14 year olds to come up with solutions people to share their learning at • Enhanced recycling and consumer engagement on energy reduction. enterprise project for young people. drastically cutting rubbish. Two Zero Climate Change summit in December for sustainability problems. the stadium:mk with a spectacular • New learning materials and engagement with schools, colleges and the University Centre. Waste promoters are appointed and 2009. presentation of ideas in an Olympic- Transition Wolverton is a growing visit homes, businesses and schools, Milton Keynes Sustainable Cities event. style opening ceremony. • An online demonstration of live carbon usage data. collective of local people who want to and a Zero Waste Day is held which The Council resolve to become a leader see a community wide response to includes pond clearance, home in low carbon living. A Low Carbon Living Milton Keynes International Festival takes climate change and peak oil. composting and a real nappy event. Strategy & Action Plan will be developed place from 16 to 25 July 2010. Milton Keynes Sustainable Community Strategy which builds on existing and emerging As a new city, Milton Keynes with its green space and young property stock should find MK Community Enterprise formally initiatives in Milton Keynes and engages sustainability easier to achieve than older cities in the UK and Europe. The Council will monitor established, providing advice and local communities. support on social enterprise business the city’s carbon footprint. Transport, waste, energy and food will be measured on a regular planning and funding, such as the basis, and the results used to update the Sustainable Community Strategy as required. Scrapstore at MK Play Association which promotes reuse of waste materials from business for community use. MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 11 YOUR PART IN THE FUTURE Highlighting community projects from Milton Keynes

Urb Farm

‘Growing People’ is all about growing food, growing people and growing community. This group runs a market garden that supplies fresh produce all year round to ‘Think Food’, a project that promotes healthy eating, raises awarenesss of the social, economic and environmental impact of food production, and supplying food for individuals and local restaurants. strategy City The focus of the Urb Farm is the development Aims of food growth and healthy eating in an urban Carbon programme environment. It was developed from a partnership green city with Food Train, another local charity which is working to create sustainable local alternatives Efficiency Waste to Energy to the current supply chain. The focus is on Sustainable Infrastructure Protecting “food yards” instead of “food miles” and the the future activities range from running the Wolverton Farmers Market, community learning and health Community programme improvement initiatives and engaging young people and the community in the food growing Carbon Electric Vehicles energy process. projects sustainable efficiency Transition Wolverton www.mkchristianfoundation.co.uk www.foodtrain.org Photovoltaics Meeting national targets Transition Wolverton is a small group of very In 2010 Transition Wolverton organised the enthusiastic volunteers aiming to start a town- Wolverton and Greenleys Energy Roadshow in waste wide community response to the challenges of collaboration with the Energy Saving Trust. This engagement Ideas climate change and peak oil. The main aim of the successful event featured stalls from suppliers and Parkland Produce support Anaerobic Digester group is to bring together Wolverton’s collective organisations that offered advice and products Parkland Produce is a new venture set up by skills and creativity to create a Community Energy ranging from draught proofing windows to wood the Parks Trust, providing meat from sheep and Transition Plan, which will set out a roadmap for stoves, to renewable technologies. Wolverton cattle which have been reared on Parks Trust Wolverton’s low carbon sustainable future. residents who had made energy saving changes land. The Trust’s grazing animals have been used to their homes were also on hand to share their to sensitively manage its meadows in order to So far the group have organised a number of experiences. encourage a greater diversity of wildflowers and events designed to get people thinking and talking wildlife. about this roadmap and what they can do. These They also organised an ‘Open House’ which activities include film screenings, talks, exhibitions was an open invitation to all residents to visit a All the profits get invested back into maintaining and workshops focusing on the themes of climate number of homes in Wolverton and see a range the city’s beautiful parks and landscapes, change and the reduction of our dependence on of energy-saving installations at work, including including the creation of new parks, planting trees fossil fuels for heating our homes, travelling to smart meters and energy monitors, sash window and shrubs, maintaining footpaths, providing work and producing and distributing our food. The renovations, wood burning stoves, and pellet community events and teaching schoolchildren Transition Towns Wolverton webpage provides heating. about farming, nature and the environment. a venue for exchanging information - from interesting books to energy case studies, to a www.transitiontowns.org/wolverton/ www.parklandproduce.co.uk calendar of events.

12 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus National Energy NATIONAL Bright Green Youth & ENERGY Foundation FOUNDATION GEMK

The National Energy Foundation (NEF) has worked Other activites related to the carbon reduction Bright Green Youth’s vision is to pool the creative powers with Milton Keynes Council since Autumn 2008 to campaign include evolving the website into the and diverse experiences of visionary young people to develop and implement a long term community ‘MK Low Carbon Living’ website, providing training produce ambitious yet practical solutions. In August wide carbon reduction campaign aimed at days for local businesses on energy management 2009, 500 of the world’s most talented, engaged and engaging individuals, communities, businesses in the workplace, and developing, marketing creative youths gathered in Denmark for four days of and organisations in addressing the issues and delivering a number of events and activities workshops and fast-paced, dynamic problem solving. of climate change, specifically to reduce CO2 during ‘MK Energy Day’, a key part of the Council’s emissions. commitment to the EU Covenant of Mayors Four young people from MK took part in this workshop, initiative, and as a means of profiling the work joining others from around the world to consider the As part of the campaign, a website of local and done to date and maintaining public interest in the questions facing world leaders at the Climate Change national carbon reduction initiatives that were campaign and momentum in CO2 reduction. Summit in December 2009, and to devise innovative available to support people in Milton Keynes solutions to make our world more sustainable. was developed. The ThimkAgain! website was The MK Low Carbon Living website also features launched during Energy Saving Week in October an on-line business carbon calculator alongside Global Education Milton Keynes (GEMK), an educational 2008, showcasing energy in Milton Keynes, past, the domestic carbon calculator. resource centre working to increase awareness and present and future; climate change impacts an understanding of sustainability and development, both global and local, and a carbon calculator www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/mklowcarbonliving/ organised a follow-up workshop called Greenquest, for households to assess their carbon impact. building on the experiences from Bright Green Youth in Local stakeholders and community partners have Denmark and opening the forum to Key Stage 3 students subsequently supported the campaign through from all 12 Milton Keynes secondary schools. their websites and actions of carbon reduction. Other sustainability initiatives by the GEMK include:

• Sustainable Schools - a programme for assisting schools in attaining ‘Sustainable School’ status through baseline audits, recommendations and staff training programmes. • Who Am I - a programme for primary school children to increase their awareness of local heritage. • Global Dimension and Local 4 Global - two programmes for encouraging schools to give ‘global citizenship’ more of a central role in the life of their school and to increase children’s awareness of global issues. • Commonwealth Common Waste - investigates the issues of waste minimisation and recycling in the local area.

www.gemk.org.uk

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 13 A LOW CARBON CITY Reducing the environmental impact of buildings and transport

Thanks to the visionary planning in its early days Milton Keynes stands up well against modern measures of sustainability, allowing city growth to proceed while retaining open spaces and maintaining an uncongested transport infrastructure. In the 1970s, architects were attracted to Milton Keynes as a city where it was possible to test innovative ideas for low energy and sustainable homes. Early experiments focused on gaining free energy from the sun - including homes designed to actively capture the sun’s warmth to heat water and the rooms inside. Some homes also included much higher levels of insulation than were normal in Britain at the time. 1979 Solar Court, Linford Ideal Home 1981 Home World 1982 Milton Keynes Central Station

1967 1974-79 1980 1982 1985 1986 Milton Keynes formally designated a Key local facilities, commercial and Rainbow Cooperative explores thermal Central Milton Keynes Railway Station Insulation standards for Building Energy World Exhibition opens. An New Town. municipal buildings crucial to the upgrading of Victorian terraced housing. opens. Since its opening, the number Regulations are increased, following international showcase of energy success of the city centre are built. of trains calling at the station has findings from Pennyland and Gifford efficient housing, where houses must Late 1960’s 1981 increased, providing access to a wide Park projects. be built to a new energy standard, and perform at least 30% better Work begins on developing the Master 1976 Home World is the first housing range of destinations and encouraging than required by the 1985 Building Plan which sought to align closely Milton Keynes Development Corporation exhibition in the city showcasing more train use, particularly for longer- The Energy Research Group publishes Regulations. It is a significant milestone the decisions on transport and demonstrates real financial benefits innovation in energy efficient homes. distance journeys. findings of Pennyland and Linford for progress in design and construction the arrangement of land use. Key of energy efficiency measures in their Three homes in particular were seen as energy use monitoring, identifying key of low-energy housing, and in the structuring principles include the grid own offices: £2,000 of energy efficiency being groundbreaking: messages for British designers. development of energy efficiency system, linear parks and establishment measures save approximately £3,600 in 1983 evaluation tools. of Redways. fuel bills the following year. The Ideal Home - The entire south Central Milton Keynes Bus Station opens Four timber framed houses at Two facing wall of this house was triple and continues to be used by over Mile Ash feature extremely low 1994 Studies begin on low energy housing glazed, forming in effect a double height 500,000 passengers per year. space heating energy consumption, Future World Exhibition demonstrates design, something relatively new in the conservatory. comparable to standards anticipated for how homes might operate in the 21st UK at the time. The project generates zero carbon homes. Savings in energy century, with an emphasis on energy house designs for two estates: Linford costs mean that owners see financial efficiency and the environment. and Pennyland. benefits within just two years.

1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 1972 1995 2000 Masterplan is launched 50,000 homes Over 150 miles of Redways & leisure routes 1970 1979 The Autarkic House - A timber frame, 1983 1986 1999 First section of the new city grid road Solar Court demonstrates extreme energy efficient house, designed to be A total of 177 low energy homes are The Milton Keynes Energy Cost Index The Energy Centre Phase 1 building system is constructed. Designed passive solar design, incorporating easy to build and extend. completed at Pennyland, an entire (MKECI) is developed. This computer demonstrates how a 1,000 m2 low to avoid rush hour congestion, it is double glazing and much more development designed to showcase a programme later evolves into the UK’s energy office can be heated by a successfully expanded to accommodate insulation than is required by current The Futurehome 2000 project low energy layout using passive solar first national energy efficiency rating domestic-scale condensing boiler. the city’s growth and maintain free Building Regulations. incorporated a conservatory from which design, with the aim of producing scheme for buildings in 1990, the flowing traffic, reducing pollution and warm air was vented into the house by a cost-effective mass-market low National Home Energy Rating (NHER). 2000 inefficient use of fuel. National Bowl re-uses sub-soil small fans. It was televised by the BBC’s energy house and informing national Standards introduced (at least 30% Development at Broughton & Atterbury excavated from the many new Money Programme. thinking on the benefits of passive solar higher than the Building Regulations in begins. The Homes and Communities 1972 developments to fill in the former clay pit measures. force at the time). These become the Agency (HCA) establish a number of key Open University Alternative Technology Bradville Solar House is first in the UK and form the amphitheatre. norm for all new Milton Keynes housing principles for the area which underpin Group develop a car sharing meter to to incorporate active solar heating 1984 developments. the creation of an integrated sustainable promote the shared ownership of cars. as well as solar heated hot water. It 36 flats and houses at Gifford Park community which will be applied to demonstrates that it is difficult to get demonstrate 60% reduction in space town extensions elsewhere. active solar heating to work, and leads heating fuel for no more than £500 to a stronger focus on passive solar additional construction cost. Dwellings design. incorporate 75% south facing glazing to living spaces, gravity fed solar panels and conservatories. 14 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus THE FUTURE Reducing the environmental impact of buildings and transport

The City will base its low carbon programme on the benchmark set by the other leading cities of the world.

1983 Pennyland 1984 Giffard Park 2000 Broughton and Atterbury 2009 Ashlands Park 2009 Wolverton 2011 Nissan Leaf Electric Car The Low Carbon Living Programme From the outset Milton Keynes was designed to make the most effective use of resources both in 2002 2006 2007 2009 2010 2012 its development and its long-term future - as a sustainable community. Projects have included a MK Car Share, the most successful car Parklands development (former Nampak Mercedes-Benz install wind turbine The Pinnacle is the first BREEAM Bletchley Leisure Centre achieves National Centre for Network Rail due real focus on energy efficiency in homes, commercial premises and innovative public transport share scheme in the UK starts. Today, site) in Woburn Sands incorporates solar ‘Excellent’ rated office development in BREEAM ‘Excellent’. Hot water and space to open. Plans for the building include and three charging points for electric solutions. over 10% of Central Milton Keynes water heating on all houses and flats vehicles. Electricity generated in one the city and was winner of the Office heating demand is met by a biomass recycling rainwater to flush WCs, using employees are members and benefit with an estimated combined total output year is enough to power an electric Development Awards for Sustainable boiler. The building utilises natural reclaimed materials from the demolition from discounted travel and free parking. of almost 250,000 kWh per year. It is smart car for 30,000 miles. Achievement. The building has an ‘A’ ventilation for cooling in the bowls and of the National Hockey Stadium and The Low Carbon Living Programme has grown out of this Milton Keynes experience, driven one of the first developments to comply rated Energy Performance Certificate sports hall areas. The atrium is also sourcing materials locally to reduce CO2 with the new D4 policy. forward by a desire to capitalise on what the city has achieved, a commitment to mitigating 2005 2008 and has heat and electricity supplied cooled with natural ventilation and a emissions from their transportation. The by the Central Milton Keynes Combined thermal wheel uses heat from extract air building will have living ‘green’ roofs, the risks of climate change, and to exceed targets set by Government. Below are some of the Measures to improve public transport Industrial units in Bletchley are each Places for People’s flagship mixed- Heat and Power system. to warm the fresh air intake. Rain water natural ventilation and incorporate start in the city, which will include further supplied with electricity from their own projects which will be delivered by the programme. tenure development at Broughton harvesting is used to supply the majority renewable energy technology. bus lanes, introduction of bus priority wind turbines. Feedback is positive Atterbury, is one of the largest in the UK Ashlands regeneration scheme, one of of the WCs. signals, and real time passenger and the turbines are seen as a real to be rated EcoHomes ‘Excellent’. The the first brownfield sites redeveloped ELVIS is a project to bring electric vehicles to the city. It aims to have 1,000 electric vehicles on the information providing passengers with bonus, not only reducing running costs homes incorporate Electrisave meters for housing, includes 376 homes and a streets by 2014. Two successful bids have been made for funding to support this initiative. up to the minute information on bus but improving company credentials by arrivals at bus stops, on the internet and which tell people how much energy they local centre. reducing their CO2 emissions. through mobile phone text messaging. are using in financial terms and how MK Smart Green Development housing demonstrator project will monitor 50 new homes over much CO they are emitting, a first for Building Regulations Part L updated: Building Regulations Part L updated: 2 25% improvement compared to 2006 44% improvement compared to 2006 the social housing sector. a two year period to test the technologies and attitudes of people. The project will also help in 2010 2013 understanding how the new homes perform with Smart Grid and Electric Vehicle technology.

2000s 2010 and beyond MK Smart Brown Development will provide funding, advice and resources to improve the 2005 2009 2016 energy efficiency and carbon footprint of existing housing stock in Milton Keynes. Additional Local Plan D4 policy 100,000 homes Building Regulations Part L updated: projects being considered include: adopted Zero Carbon 2005 2007 2008 2009 New coach station and Park & Ride 2017 • An enhanced focus on cycling and use of Redway infrastructure. Oakgrove Phase 1 is the first secondary New 7,000m2 Makita warehouse Vizion development in Central Milton The Milton Keynes Academy in facility opens to aid the promotion of Oakgrove is being developed as one • A city wide energy measuring and usage project looking at older housing. school to be built to the highest national extension incorporates recycled Keynes demonstrates best practice and Woughton is a landmark building sustainable movement in Milton Keynes, of seven Millennium Communities environmental assessment method wood pellet fired heating boiler and innovation in high density, mixed-use providing an inspiring state-of-the-art and offer people an alternative to using across the country. The 1,000 homes • Help for hard-to-treat homes, e.g. solid wall insulation. standard at the time, BREEAM ‘Excellent’. movement sensor control of lighting development with advanced energy environment. It is constructed using their cars. will be heated and powered by a • Participation at the EV10 Event at Millbrook to demonstrate the city’s approach to the Low

The building uses green materials to reduce CO2 emisions and achieve performance. off-site prefabrication and multi-service district CHP system and the focus Carbon Agenda. and sustainably sourced timber, and the 10% renewable energy target for modules. It features controlled natural 2011 will be on minimising the ecological incorporates rainwater harvesting. Policy D4. 2009 ventilation, biomass heat generation The new chapel at Crownhill footprint by reducing the need to travel, Energy is supplied by thirteen 15kW wind Wolverton Park, an award winning and daylight heating controls. Crematorium incorporates several while encouraging biodiversity and Core Strategy turbines, photovoltaics, solar thermal Oxley Woods responds to the features to enhance sustainability, green infrastructure. It will promote sustainable regeneration project, Core strategy objectives to mitigate the Borough’s impact on climate change and reduce CO panels and a ground source heat pump. Government’s demands for affordable, includes the listed Royal Train Shed shell, 2010 such as intelligently-controlled natural best practice in information and 2 sustainable housing through the within which elegant townhouses have More than 3,000 existing homes have ventilation, and a ground source heat communication technology as part of emissions include: Design for Manufacture Competition. been constructed, with triple-height been retrofitted with insulation, funded pump for water heating. the Digital Infrastructure Strategy for IKEA store incorporates innovative The houses are built at low cost using windows and ribbon glazing in the roof by contributions to the D4 carbon offset Milton Keynes. • Implementing higher than national requirements for sustainable homes and buildings. operational and environmental solutions factory-manufactured panels and which provide lots of natural daylight. fund. Nissan LEAF zero emission electric car including rainwater harvesting and 90% feature passive solar air warming, goes on sale. • Sustainable transport initiatives. recycling. cooling and ventilation.

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 15 A LOW CARBON CITY Highlighting low-carbon projects from Milton Keynes

Completed in 2009, the new three-storey extension Oakgrove School at Oakgrove School incorporates high standards of energy-efficiency and low environmental impact. It achieved a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating. Vizion Vizion is a high quality mixed use development by Abbeygate Developments Ltd completed in April 2009. It includes a large Sainsbury’s store of approximately 1,100 square metres, additional commercial and retail units and 441 apartments and townhouses. Energy FOCUS Generation HOMES The English Partnerships competition- use winning design by q2 Architects is a vibrant high density mixed-use development sustainable development, which not only creates a landmark for Central Milton Keynes but Efficiency also addresses the city’s sustainable Waste to Energy development objectives. It was the Infrastructure Protecting the future first scheme to respond to the new cycling Development Framework for Central Milton Keynes which aims to create a strategy DESIGN homes new urban environment. Buildings gradually step up in height Carbon housing Recycling from 4 to 12 storeys, providing active Greening the Grid Technology frontages to the existing streets, smart increasing connectivity to adjacent Vehicles Meeting national targets areas and providing non-obtrusive Reducing security by maximising sightlines to the Emissions Smart main footpath routes. Innovation Grids Sustainable design. Extensive use of recycled Oakgrove School incorporates one of the biggest materials include rubber from used bus and ground source heat pump installations in Europe, Residential units have large balconies Anaerobic Digester lorry tyres to make the floor matting in corridors, extracting heat from the ground and pumping it which also provide solar shading, low energy and insulation made from old newspapers to fill into the building to provide very low cost space and a pleasant open streetscape is cavities in the walls. All timber used on the project heating. maintained by providing two levels is FSC-accredited, which means that it comes from of basement parking below the main managed forests where new trees are planted as The estimated cost savings on the school’s buildings. High quality landscaped existing ones are cut down and used. utility bills could be as much as 80% on gas courtyards are a major feature of consumption, 30% for water, and 30% for Vizion, with the large “green roof” to Rain water is harvested to flush the toilets, electricity. This could amount to as much as the Sainsbury’s store creating a park for reducing water consumption, and the building is £15,000 a year and possibly £375,000 saving residents. naturally ventilated, with solar shading to keep over the life of the building. the building naturally cool. An ‘intelligent’ Building All buildings are designed to meet Management System (BMS) monitors energy The eco-friendly features are often used as BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and EcoHomes use which is displayed on plasma screens in teaching aids, and an eco orienteering game has ‘Very Good’ ratings with electricity and the reception area, and internal lighting controls been developed for the students. heating supplied by the Central Milton operate on movement and daylight sensors. Keynes district-wide CHP system.

16 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus Tattenhoe Park

A new neighbourhood of approximately 1,300 new homes, with shops and community facilities, allotment gardens and public open space is planned for Tattenhoe Park, south-west of Milton Keynes. A new primary school, ‘Priory Rise’ has already been completed. Low Carbon Housing Demonstrator The objective is to develop Tattenhoe Park in a sustainable way and deliver an attractive, well- The development proposes to bring together designed place to live, with strong connections to a number of national low carbon initiatives in surrounding neighbourhoods and the wider city. a single, replicable neighbourhood, including Much of the open space has been landscaped electric vehicles, the Code for Sustainable Homes, and the primary infrastructure (roads and services) Smart Grids, demand management tariffing, feed constructed. To manage surface water run-off, there in tariffs, new technology, low carbon learning/ is a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) promotion and the accessibility of lower carbon consisting of a series of waterways and ponds. living.

It is intended to explore ways to deliver smart It is proposed to build approximately 50 of the metering technology across the site which, together homes to test the technologies available and with other planned smart grid applications, will the attitudes of the occupiers to their application provide an early test bed for reducing the future in a real world environment. At the end of the carbon impact of the grid. two year monitoring period we will have a clear understanding of how these elements work together.

In order to achieve a significant reduction in personal impacts, residents will need to adopt and maintain lifestyle changes, ranging from use of sustainable transport to near zero waste, while still enjoying the benefits of living in Milton Keynes. Support will be provided by a specially trained carbon coach, and social monitoring will be led by The Open University.

The project, still in its early stage, would if successful demonstrate how we can make efficient use of land, energy and materials whilst achieving a significant reduction in carbon production within the home and the community at large. It will also help establish replicable methods and an advanced understanding of cost and skills involved in successful low carbon construction.

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 17 TECHNOLOGY Improving the present and protecting the future

Milton Keynes has always been a city that thinks differently, embraces evolution and champions change. Back in the 1960s, no-one had even heard about climate change, but even then, people were asking questions about how the new city should be powered. Could the city be all-electric, using the output from the then newly-built nuclear power stations? Or should everyone have their own gas central heating system? Today, with the low carbon vision, delivered through a continuation of the ‘test bed UK’ philosophy championed by the city since its inception, the city can achieve a truly sustainable living environment. 1986 Energy World 1986 ‘Cogeneration’ demonstration project Foundation Energy National 1988

1967 1972 1976 1979 1979 1985 Milton Keynes formally designated a Master Plan is launched. Early proposals The Open University’s Energy Research Network for Alternative Technology East Flank Study looks at how local Pennyland and Linford is the largest New Town. for heating and cooling include district Group commissioned by the Transport and Technology Assessment (NATTA) planning could take energy saving monitoring exercise undertaken to date, heating as well as individual systems. and Road Research Laboratory to established at the OU, offering the latest further by using solar orientation, providing a transparent understanding Late 1960’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP), a study the long term availability of fuels information on low-impact renewable concentrating higher densities along of energy uses in houses and energy developments and policy. Work begins on developing the new ‘total energy scheme’ is considered, for transport, subsequently including defined routes for public transport, demonstrating that the biggest savings Milton Keynes Master Plan. It is an era with an option for incorporating refuse studies of the potential for electric incorporating CHP and providing come from insulation and efficient Solar Court in Great Linford tests of low fuel prices, therefore energy is incineration. It is concluded that a vehicles. allotments. energy systems. innovative heating systems using solar not considered in the design. The low full district solution would not prove collectors, a heat pump and waste density layout adopted, with its own economically viable, but that smaller- The Alternative Technology Group 1981 1986 water heat recovery on three homes. advantages, does however impact on scale systems might be viable for is set up. Research projects include Home World demonstrates the latest Energy World Exhibition opens. EU Other houses have a conventional some future options. This includes the specific areas. the Car Sharing Scheme, Rainbow ideas in housing design and technology. funding allows early Zero Carbon heating system and form a control ease of incorporation of community heat Greenhouse, food production efficiency Futurehome 2000 had three alternative study to assess if all energy needs can group. The houses are monitored and power and the future reliance on of smallholdings, and community-scale heating systems; a gas boiler, a coal be provided by installation of a wind extensively over the next 3 years, funded the car for transport. waste paper recycling. boiler and a FIAT ‘Totem’, a car engine turbine (one of the first in a city) and by the Department of Energy. converted to use gas instead of petrol photovoltaics on the site to serve 5-6 - probably the first example of a micro- homes. CHP installation in the UK.

1960s 1970s 1980s

Early 1970’s 1976 1977 1979 1982 1986 Energy projections indicate that by the Energy efficient design becomes a Gas fired heat pump prototype is Housing Layout Study by ECU explores Energy Consultative Unit publishes The Open University Energy and time Milton Keynes is scheduled to be key development objective following designed by The Open University’s the implications of passive solar second progress report for projects Environment Research Unit (EERU) finished in the 1990’s, there could be a monitoring and improvements to MKDC Energy Research Group in collaboration design on layouts, using computer undertaken 1976-81. The report includes established to undertake and co- UK energy shortage. Inhabitants could offices. with Lucas Aerospace. It uses a single modelling to examine orientation and a number of significant conclusions: ordinate research on sustainable expect to enter the 21st Century faced cylinder motor boat engine converted to overshadowing. ‘Shadow prints’ drawn 1. Energy saving measures can be cost energy technologies and to support the with large heating bills and expensive MKDC (Energy Consultative Unit) and run on gas and is capable of providing up for single houses and terraces of effective within short periods; development of environmentally sound and scarce fuels for transport. Open University (Energy Research 15 kW heat output, enough to heat two varying heights and orientations are 2. Immediate energy saving can be approaches to the generation and use Group) collaboration starts. Working or three houses. Another project with used to lay out Pennyland. Housing made by simply improving the levels of energy. 1972 with members of the Development the Rutherfield Laboratories looks at a density is also analysed by the Martin of insulation and heating control Central London Polytechnic and MKDC Corporation, the group’s first report chemical heat pump energy storage Centre at Cambridge. They conclude systems in existing buildings; and 1988 collaborate to incorporate and monitor describes eight projects underway in system. that passive solar systems could be 3. Active solar heating systems are The National Energy Foundation (NEF) active solar heating in the UK’s first Milton Keynes which are achieving used for housing densities of up to 44 not cost effective, although technical established by MKDC to preserve for Solar House in Bradville, one of the few between them fuel bill savings of dwellings per hectare. advances and further increases in fuel the future benefit of the UK public some projects exploring alternative energy £150,000 per annum costs suggest potential for the future. of the energy initiatives previously sources to oil. . COMTEK community technology undertaken within the new city and to festival takes place, organised by the encourage more sustainable use and Alternative Energy Group at the OU. generation of energy. 18 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus THE FUTURE Improving the present and protecting the future

Milton Keynes will actively strive towards the goal of being self-sustaining in energy generation as part of its transition from non-renewable to renewable energy sources. 2007 Central Milton Keynes CHP 1993 MRF 1994 Futureworld 2007 IKEA Biomass 2008 Vizion 2008 The Pinnacle

1992 1998 2004 2009 2011 The Low Carbon Living Programme First Borough-wide door-to-door Cranfield University Energy Technology Demonstration energy crops such as 2007 Combined food and garden waste A new state of the art anaerobic Over the past 40 years, a range of projects demonstrates how Milton Keynes is able to turn recycling scheme in the UK starts Centre offers specialist research, short rotation willow are grown on Biomass heat plant installed at IKEA. collections are rolled out in two phases digestion plant will be completed to treat innovation into real development. The aim of the programme is to build upon this experience, in Milton Keynes. It serves 75,000 education and consultancy in renewable part of the new Phase 2 of the National to all properties in the Borough. The the city’s municipal waste and use it to properties and collects paper, energy, biomass conversion and energy Energy Centre site. Mercedes-Benz UK takes the lead in waste is sent to Buckinghamshire CC’s generate renewable energy. and to demonstrate, test and evaluate how the different elements of the drive to reduce carbon cardboard, cans and plastic bottles. from waste. pioneering energy saving technology at High Heavens in-vessel composting emissions can be delivered in an integrated and meaningful way. 2005 its Tongwell site by installing a vertical facility. Most residents are positive about The “Concerto” Project, a European 1993 Milton Keynes Energy Agency is set up MKC has distributed more than 28,000 axis wind turbine. Three charging points the trial, and it has a much greater funded project, aims to deliver low Milton Keynes, with its foundations in low carbon development, provides a unique test bed to UK’s first purpose built Materials with a remit to focus on improving the compost bins and leaflets to date. are installed next to the turbine which uptake than anticipated (85%, 75% carbon, energy efficient infrastructure. Recycling Facility (MRF) built in Milton energy efficiency of homes within the can be used to charge electric vehicles. expected), thereby diverting even more Milton Keynes is one of four European demonstrate how best to achieve the carbon reduction target of 80% by 2050, and demonstrate Keynes. This state-of-the-art facility city. 2005-07 waste from landfill. cities taking part, and has to date collectively how at a city level the range of carbon reducing initiatives from UK Government and uses a range of technologies to sort University College London monitor delivered the Central Milton Keynes Europe work together. recyclables by their physical and 2001 energy use in homes first monitored Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) begins CHP plant that currently provides heat chemical properties; shape, size, First UK Automatic Plastics Sort installed in 1988-92 by MKDC and NEF. After 20 to collect and process new additional and power to the Hub, Pinnacle and weight, magnetism and light absorption. at the MRF, increasing the volume and years the low energy homes continue to materials including aerosols, rigid Vizion developments. Photovoltaics will quality of the material processed. perform well. plastics and waxed cartons. also be installed to provide 165 KWp of MK Smart Business 3 air quality 4 air quality National 25% recycling target set. electricity. Through this programme, an MKP and MKC business investment fund will provide support for monitoring stations monitoring stations local low carbon business innovation. 2000 2000 2002 1990s 2000s 2010 and beyond Research, Data Capture and Learning 1998 2000 A city scale project will measure power usage and local energy generation, to understand the 2 air quality UK target - 10% electricity contribution and demands new homes, retrofit projects, smart grid and electric vehicles will monitoring stations from renewables by 2010. make on UK power distribution and generation. 1994 2002 2006 2008 2010 2014 Future World Exhibition sponsored by Energy Review and Outline Energy Food waste trials begin in Milton Keynes. Vizion mixed-use development on Witan Milton Keynes awarded 1.6 million Euros Joint residual waste project with Additional projects being considered include: the NHBC in 1994. Architects, builders Strategy for Milton Keynes considers Waste from about 1,200 properties Gate connects to the Central Milton for project to clean up bio-gas from food Northamptonshire County Council due and producers of building products how the predicted growth of the city (expanded to cover 2,200 properties in Keynes CHP system. waste to inject back into national supply. to come online. • City wide energy measuring and usage project to compare performance of older housing are invited to demonstrate how homes to 2025 may affect CO2 emissions. 2008) is sent for anaerobic digestion at might operate in the 21st Century. As Recommendations include setting the Bedfordia Bio-gas plant. Four electric vehicles introduced to the Low Carbon Network Funding bid. If 2016 and impact of smart grid applications. with the Home World Exhibition 13 a zero carbon growth target and MKC street cleansing fleet. the bid is successful, the funding will All new homes to be zero carbon from • Participation at the LCV2011 Event at Millbrook to demonstrate the city’s approach to the Low years earlier, the common themes of investigating a local Carbon Offset Fund 2007 support the development of a smart grid 2016. the exhibition are energy efficiency and to help achieve this. New Anglian Water biosolids and The BREEAM Excellent rated Pinnacle to reduce power demand during the Carbon Agenda. conservation of the environment. energy plant provides energy as well as office development connects to the high cost peak usage periods. 2019 • An Open University project for research into low carbon, based on Wolverton. 2003 sludge treatment. Central Milton Keynes CHP system. Air All new buildings to be zero carbon • Biomass CHP. 1997 MKC introduces optional alternate conditioning uses absorption chillers Milton Keynes Wind Farm at Petsoe End from 2019. • Switching off street lights. Kyoto Protocol agreement is the first weekly garden waste collection scheme. 6MW Combined Heat and Power served by the CHP network. operational. Seven turbines erected international treaty to set legally binding The waste is composted on a local farm (CHP) plant generates and supplies in Olney will generate approximately • A large city wind turbine. emissions cuts for industrialised nations. and used as an alternative to chemical heat and electricity to commercial and 38,000,000 kWh of electricity per year, Signed by 178 countries, it came into fertiliser. residential areas in the west end and equivalent to the average annual force in 2005. central business district of Central Milton consumption of 8,085 households. Keynes. MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 19 TECHNOLOGY Highlighting technological innovations from Milton Keynes

Smart Grid Project MK SMART GRID This project is an essential component in reducing Paving the way for Low-Carbon Living Bedford VCP the risk of future power outages due to increasing Wind & solar power demand on the grid, the introduction of electric vehicles and the increasing contribution of Manufacturing renewable power streams. Network Rail HQ

We need to produce more electricity than we do Anaerobic thecentre:mk Low Carbon Energy today but must do so largely without emitting Digestion greenhouse gases which contribute to climate Crematorium Plant Generation kWh Biomass change. These changes need to be supported by (Low Ground Heat Storage) a modernised electricity grid with larger capacity Cathedral Cranfield University Renewables Wind Power and the ability to manage greater fluctuations in demand, while maintaining security of supply. The MK Central Efficiency Waste to Energy smart grid therefore lies at the centre of a vision for a Offices Sustainable Infrastructure Protecting transformed low carbon electricity system. the future y g r Smart Grid Concept e SME’s n XScape E A Smart Grid is an electricity network that can o t

Combined Heat & Power e intelligently integrate the actions of all users t Energy Security s Code level 4* connected to it in order to efficiently deliver a a W and above Carbon Electric Vehicles Recycling sustainable, efficient and secure supply of energy. Greening the Grid Technology SMART Vision Smartening the grid includes steps such as the GRID Photovoltaics Meeting national targets installation of smart meters in residences and Reducing businesses, new methods of power storage, Open University stadium:mk Emissions Smart Grids demand management, and smart sub-station Innovation technology. Code level 6* Homes Anaerobic Digester Demonstration Project Smart Grid Trial Vehicle Charging Central Networks are leading the development of a Posts (VCP) bid for part of the OFGEM £350 million Low Carbon University Centre Network Fund to support electrical distribution Retrofit companies in trialling ‘smarter’ or more efficient Projects Combined Heat & Power (CHP) electrical distribution and supply technology. Electric Cars MKP/MKC & Central Networks have signed a memorandum of understanding in which they agree Aylesbury VCP Electric Buses to work together to develop this bid and trial. Hospital (Back-Up Power Generation) The smart grid trial will go beyond individual Bicester homes looking at both local and on-building power Oxford VCP VCP generation, linking generation to power usage in the home and moderating consumer demand and usage. This technology will also be applied to existing homes particularly on the older estates. Produced by Milton Keynes Partnership for illustrative purposes

20 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus Anaerobic Digestion Plant DomesticDomestic foodfood andand & Gas Scrubber gardengarden wastewaste Domestic food and Food and garden waste is currently separately garden waste collected by the council for in-vessel composting. Next year however, a new state of the art anaerobic digestion plant will be completed to treat the city’s municipal waste, using it to generate renewable energy. The facility will process all of Milton Keynes’ GardenGarden wastewaste binsbins food and garden waste (currently more than 25,000 andand kitchenkitchen caddiescaddies Garden waste bins tonnes each year), and have the capacity to cope and kitchen caddies with future increases (expected to reach 30,000 Combined Heat & Power tonnes) during the next five to seven years. WasteWaste bins andand caddiescaddiesA 6 megawatt Combined Heat and Power Conventional power plants generally use only 40% are collected by the Council The Process Waste bins and are collectedcollected byby thethe CouncilCouncilCouncilplant (CHP) is located near Avebury Boulevard/ of the fuel they burn in producing electricity. This Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a biological process caddies are collected Midsummer Boulevard. can result in 60% of the burnt fuel being rejected that happens naturally when bacteria break down by the Council or ‘wasted’ up the smoke stack. By comparison, organic matter in environments with little or no The CHP system will generate and supply CHP can achieve an efficiency of over 70%. CHP oxygen. It is effectively a controlled and enclosed electricity and heat to new commercial and will be connected to the mains power grid for Waste is taken to the version of the anaerobic breakdown of organic Waste is taken to the Waste is takentaken toto thethe residential areas in the West End and central back-up electricity and the opportunity to sell Anaerobic Digestion AD facility, where Anaerobic DigestionDigestion waste in landfill which releases methane. Anaerobicfacility, where Digestion micro-organismsbusiness district of Central Milton Keynes. It is a excess electricity back to the grid. micro‑organisms break facility,facility, wherewherewhere micro-organismsmicro-organismsmicro-organisms facility,break down where the micro-organisms organicmeans material by which the heat produced during the Renewable gas down the organic material break downdown thethe organicorganicgeneration material materialmaterial of electricity can be put to good use In addition, CHP uses this generated heat to HCA have supported the AD project in Milton Keynes rather than being wasted. CHP systems can lead produce hot water for heating buildings in the by providing a Low Carbon Infrastructure Fund (LCIF) Biogas is produced, a gas to substantial savings in total fuel usage as well surrounding area by a district heating system. Biogas is produced, grant of £1.5 million towards the addition of a gas scrubber enables injection into Biogas is produced, as helping the environment, since less heat and This is most efficient when there is a mix of Biogasa gas scrubber is produced, enables scrubber to the plant that will allow biogas from the mains gas grid fewer carbon dioxide emissions are rejected into uses (residential, retail, schools/colleges and ainjection gasgas scrubberscrubber into the enablesenables mains gas grid the plant to be injected directly into the local gas injectioninjectioninjection intointointo thethethe mainsmainsmainsthe gas gasgasgas atmosphere. grid gridgridgrid businesses), creating a varied need for heat network. This will be the first time that this type of gas Digestate material produced Digestate material produced through the day and night. injection has been installed in the UK and will provide by the facility can be used Digestateby the facility materialmaterial can be producedproduced used as by the facility can be used as a significant increase in the renewable gas available as a biofertiliser bya biofertiliser the facility can be usedused asas a biofertiliserbiofertiliser to Milton Keynes residents. MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 21 DIRECTION Clear and informed strategies, policies and masterplanning

The Master Plan sought to anticipate the forces which create cities and facilitate their healthy development. It recognised the close connection between transport systems and the arrangement of land uses and the need to consider these two basic elements together. The Plan was not intended as a town map or a ‘blueprint’ for the development of the city, rather as a strategic framework with considerable flexibility, capable of responding to changing needs. Helmut Jacoby’s vision for the Helmut Jacoby’s Boulevard of Central Milton Keynes 1972 Milton Keynes: The plan

1967 1972 1974 1992 1997 2002 Milton Keynes Development Corporation The Master Plan is launched and Milton Keynes Borough Council is The Parks Trust is established by MKDC Borough of Milton Keynes becomes The Energy Review and Outline Energy is established to provide the vision outlines the structure of the city and created (as a district of Buckinghamshire to care for 4,500 acres of multi- a unitary authority. MKC is now a Strategy for Milton Keynes considers and execution of a ‘new city’. The city the policies to be followed during the until 1997). MKBC is now responsible for functional green spaces, comprising waste disposal authority in addition how the predicted growth of the city to will not reach maturity until the turn of development period. Great importance local services such as waste collection, parkland, floodplain, ancient woodland, to being a waste collection authority 2025 may affect CO2 emissions under the century therefore must provide the is placed on parks and open space, and highways. scheduled monuments, transport - ‘Project Reduce.’ MKC also becomes 3 scenarios, using a Dynamic Regional kind of environment which will fit wants zoning residential and commercial corridors and parkways. The Trust responsible for transport policy and Energy and Emissions Assessment and needs at that time. Monitoring areas and building a road system that 1976 is endowed with a property and schools which use approximately 40% Model (DREAM). Its recommendations and development of the city must be distributes traffic to avoid rush hour Campbell Park opens, and around investment portfolio. Rents from shops, of our total energy budget. include setting a zero carbon growth fed back into the planning system to congestion. 40,000 trees and shrubs have been offices and workshops pay for the target and investigating a local Carbon improve and change what is being planted in the new city to date. The vital work of nurturing and enhancing Offset Fund to help achieve this. done. 1974 parks and green spaces make an the young landscape. Today, the MKDC produces plans for £100m City important contribution to minimising the management and enhancement of Centre, intended to be a business and impacts of climate change (although Milton Keynes’ green spaces is vital shopping district to supplement the local this was not known at the time), through to ensuring the city is resilient to the centres in most of the grid squares. 22% carbon capture and localised cooling impacts of climate change in the future. of the city centre is green spaces. and shading.

1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s

1967 1974 1983-89 1992 2000-04 2002 Milton Keynes is formally designated Willen Lake (North and South) and Caldecotte and Furzton balancing Government transfers control from MKC takes the environmental standards Central Milton Keynes enters the second a New Town. It is to be the biggest yet, its linear parks are created on the lakes and linear parks, like Willen MKDC to the Commission for New applied to CNT sites a stage further by generation of its development, with the with a target population of 250,000, former flood plains of the River Ouzel, provide sustainable drainage, valuable Towns (CNT). CNT continues to require 2004 developing local plan policies adoption of a new framework for future in an area of 21,850 acres. Located protecting the existing flood plains and habitats for wildlife and an attractive energy standards in excess of national incorporating environmental development over the next 30 years. It is equidistant from London, Birmingham, ensuring that the risks from flooding environment for leisure activities. Building Regulations. requirements to cover all buildings not a major masterplanning exercise which Leicester, Oxford and Cambridge are no greater for the new city following just residential. aims to radically reshape Central Milton it is intended to be self-sustaining, development. This is an innovative Keynes. One of the strategic goals is to eventually becoming a major regional and sustainable approach to flood 2001 a demonstrate sustainability through centre in its own right. management in a time where the typical NHBC, the standard setting body and environmentally sensitive development, solution in other new towns consists leading warranty provider for new improvements to the existing building of oversized pipes and other over- homes, moves its National Operations stock, energy efficiency and reduction engineered solutions. Centre to Milton Keynes. of waste. Plans include a sustainable residential quarter and public transport improvements.

22 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus THE FUTURE Clear and informed strategies, policies and masterplanning

We aim to achieve carbon reduction levels in advance of statutory guidelines ensuring Milton Keynes is one of the low carbon front runners.

1974 Willen Lake 1980 Concrete Cows 1983 Caldecote Lake 1992 The Parks Trust 2001 NHBC 2008 Zero Carbon Hub Council Commitments To support Milton Keynes’ ambition to become an exemplar low energy community, the Council 2003 2005 2008 2009 2010 2013 decided in 2009 to develop a Low Carbon Strategy and Action Plan. It has also: John Prescott announces the Milton Keynes Council Local Plan is The Government passes the Climate Government’s Low Carbon Transition MKC publish the pre-submission Core Building Regulations Part L requires 44% • signed the Nottingham Declaration on Climate Change, Government’s Sustainable Communities adopted, and includes an ambitious Change Act, setting legally binding Plan states that to respond to the Strategy, setting out the vision for the less CO2 emissions than the 2006 target Plan and the next stage of major growth sustainable construction policy (known targets for reducing emissions by 80 % challenge of climate change we need to Borough to the year 2026, and the emission rate. • agreed a carbon reduction target of 12% by 2010 as part of the LSP Local Area Agreement, for MK - 133,000 new homes. as ‘D4’). All new projects over a certain based on 1990 levels by 2050. become a low carbon country. objectives and strategy for future • joined the EU Covenant of Mayors, which required cuts in carbon emissions by at least 20% size must be ‘carbon neutral’ or offset development, including targets for by 2020, and 2004 their emissions elsewhere, incorporate Milton Keynes Carbon Offset Fund is increasing trips by public transport • joined the national 10:10 campaign, which seeks to get individuals and organisations to cut Milton Keynes Partnership Committee is renewable energy technologies to launched, requiring developers to and cycling, and ‘greener’ construction their carbon emissions by 10% by the end of 2010. For the Council this means a CO cut of created by the Government to ensure a deliver a 10% reduction in CO2, feature contribute financially to upgrading the standards for new developments. 2 coordinated approach to the planning water conservation and drainage energy efficiency of older properties about 2,500 tonnes resulting in a reduction in its energy bills by £250k. and delivery of growth and development technologies, use sustainable building in the city. Today, 3,000 homes have MKC to agree Low Carbon Strategy and in Milton Keynes. materials and minimise waste. received improvements paid for from Action Plan. the fund. The Low Carbon Action Plan, which sets out a programme of actions to deliver these commitments, is currently under consideration by the MKC.

Core Strategy The Milton Keynes Core Strategy is a key part of the Local Development Framework that will replace the existing Milton Keynes Local Plan. It sets out the vision for the Borough in the year 2000s 2010 and beyond 2026, provides the objectives and strategy for the future development of the city and identifies the major areas where growth and change will take place. Core Strategy Objectives to mitigate

the Borough’s impact on climate change and reduce CO2 emissions include: • Implementing higher than national requirements for sustainable homes and buildings. • Locating development away from areas of flood risk. 2004-05 2006 2008 2009 2010 2016 Development frameworks for the The Stern report is published. The HM The original Plan for the new city is MKC Interim Climate Change Action Building Regulations Part L (Conservation New dwellings to be Zero Carbon from • Promoting community energy networks and strategic renewable energy developments. Northern, Western and Eastern Treasury report on the economic impact completed. Plan is prepared for 2009/2010, of Fuel and Power) requires 25% less 2016. • Reducing waste generation and increasing amounts of recycling. Expansion Areas set out the broad of climate change finds that the costs incorporating a climate strategy and CO emissions than the 2006 target 2 • Sustainable transport initiatives. planning principles that will guide of inaction far outweighs the costs of The Zero Carbon Hub, a new energy management policy. The plan emission rate. 2019 future development. They provide more action. independent private-public partnership focuses on actions by Milton Keynes All categories of new buildings to be detail on how various aspects of the tasked with taking day-to-day Council that help to reduce greenhouse Zero Carbon from 2019. According to the Strategy, “The scale of growth planned for Milton Keynes will inevitably development should be dealt with e.g. The Strategy for Growth to 2031 (MKP) operational responsibility for co- gas emissions in the local authority increase activity and carbon emissions and put pressure on natural resources.” It is therefore movement and connections, residential provides a long-term growth plan and ordinating the delivery of low and zero area. Its purpose is to set a programme 2020 imperative that new buildings are designed to the highest possible viable standards to minimise densities, landscape and open space strategic policy framework to enable carbon new homes, sets up base in for cutting the Council’s own emissions Milton Keynes carbon emissions to be and sustainability. Milton Keynes to grow in a sustainable Milton Keynes. whilst setting an example to others, cut by at least 20%. their environmental impact. Policies for tackling climate change and building sustainable way beyond 2011. The Strategy helping to communicate the message to communities include: proposes urban intensification and the wider community. • Developing successful neighbourhoods. the development of new sustainable extensions that integrate with the • Ensuring high quality, well designed places. provision of new and enhanced public • Sustainable construction. transport systems and interchanges. • Community energy networks and large scale renewable energy schemes.

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 23 DIRECTION An evolving vision for Milton Keynes 1960s 1970s 1980s NEWPORT NEWPORT NEWPORT PAGNELL PAGNELL PAGNELL

GREAT GREAT GREAT LINFORD LINFORD LINFORD

NEW NEW NEW BRADWELL BRADWELL BRADWELL WILLEN WILLEN PENNYLAND

WOLVERTON WOLVERTON WOLVERTON STONY STONY STONY STRATFORD STRATFORD STRATFORD

Willen Willen Willen BROUGHTON BRADWELL Lake BRADWELL Lake BRADWELL Lake LITTLE LITTLE LITTLE WOOLSTONE WOOLSTONE WOOLSTONE CENTRAL TWO MILE ASH TWO MILE ASH GREAT GREAT GREAT WOOLSTONE WOOLSTONE MILTON WOOLSTONE KEYNES

LOUGHTON WOUGHTON LOUGHTON WOUGHTON LOUGHTON WOUGHTON ON-THE-GREEN ON-THE-GREEN ON-THE-GREEN WAVENDON WALTON WAVENDON WALTON WAVENDON council HALL HALL COFFEE KNOWLHILL COFFEE Carbon SHENLEY SHENLEY HALL SHENLEY HALL CO CHURCH END WALTON CHURCH END WALTON CHURCH END WALTON Energy 2 SIMPSON SHENLEY Generation SIMPSON LODGE SIMPSON Renewables SHENLEY SHENLEY SHENLEY climate BROOK END BROOK END BROOK END

delivery BOW BOW BOW Energy strategic BRICKHILL reduction BRICKHILL BRICKHILL FENNY FENNY FENNY STRATFORD STRATFORD STRATFORD Residential Areas Sustainable buildings Change BLETCHLEY BLETCHLEY BLETCHLEY Commercial/Business Centres emmissionsElectric Vehicles Educational Open Spaces Climate leadership reduce Reserved Sites change reducing community Grid Squares Roads and Cycleways M1 emissions growth masterplanning Major roads were planned using a grid pattern and the The grid roads and roundabout junctions are designed districts between them are known as grid squares. Grid to reduce congestion and deal efficiently with volumes A5 policy development intervals of 1 km were chosen so that people would of traffic. Generous reservations accommodate main always be within walking distance of a bus stop, and services and allow for future upgrading (and future each grid square is a semi-autonomous community, alternative forms of transport), while landscaping making a unique collective of 100 clearly identifiable protects adjacent development from noise, pollution neighbourhoods within the overall urban environment. and the visual intrusion of traffic. Most grid squares have Local Centres (retail hubs) and also community facilities. A separate cycleway network (the ‘Redways’) runs through the grid-squares and sometimes runs alongside the grid-road network. This was designed to segregate slow moving cycle and pedestrian traffic from fast moving motor traffic, and provide safe and easy access to activity centres and other parts of the city via underpass and bridge crossings.

24 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus NORTHERN 1990s 2000s 2010 and beyond EXPANSION AREA NEWPORT NEWPORT NEWPORT PAGNELL PAGNELL PAGNELL

GREAT GREAT GREAT LINFORD LINFORD LINFORD

NEW NEW NEW BRADWELL BRADWELL BRADWELL WILLEN PENNYLAND PENNYLAND PENNYLAND WOLVERTON WOLVERTON WOLVERTON STONY STONY STONY STRATFORD STRATFORD STRATFORD

Willen Willen Willen BRADWELL Lake BRADWELL Lake BRADWELL Lake LITTLE LITTLE LITTLE WOOLSTONE WOOLSTONE WOOLSTONE CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL EASTERN TWO MILE ASH TWO MILE ASH TWO MILE ASH MILTON GREAT MILTON GREAT MILTON GREAT EXPANSION WOOLSTONE WOOLSTONE WOOLSTONE AREA KINGSTON KINGSTON KINGSTON KEYNES KEYNES WESTERN KEYNES EXPANSION LOUGHTON WOUGHTON LOUGHTON WOUGHTON AREA LOUGHTON WOUGHTON ON-THE-GREEN ON-THE-GREEN ON-THE-GREEN WAVENDON WALTON WAVENDON WALTON WAVENDON WALTON HALL WAVENDON HALL WAVENDON HALL WAVENDON KNOWLHILL COFFEE GATE KNOWLHILL COFFEE GATE KNOWLHILL COFFEE GATE SHENLEY HALL SHENLEY HALL GRANGE SHENLEY HALL CHURCH END WALTON CHURCH END WALTON FARM CHURCH END WALTON

SHENLEY LODGE SIMPSON SIMPSON SIMPSON

SHENLEY SHENLEY SHENLEY BROOK END BROOK END BROOK END

EMERSON EMERSON EMERSON VALLEY BOW WESTCROFT VALLEY BOW WESTCROFT VALLEY BOW BRICKHILL BRICKHILL BRICKHILL FENNY FENNY FENNY STRATFORD STRATFORD STRATFORD TATTENHOE KINGSMEAD TATTENHOE BLETCHLEY BLETCHLEY BLETCHLEY

Landscape, Parks & Open Space Sustainable Growth Northern Expansion Area Park development principles combine the advantages A long-term vision has been developed to guide the of the town park with those of the country park proposed expansion of Milton Keynes and ensure and provide opportunities for agriculture, sporting, that the implications of growth are firmly rooted in Eastern commercial and other features and activities. Trees and regional plans and strategies. The Strategy for Growth Expansion Area planting, managed and maintained by the Parks Trust, provides a platform for major economic and cultural Central Milton Milton contribute to the overall biodiversity and also play an development and also takes into account the physical Western Keynes Keynes Expansion East important role in carbon sequestration (capturing and infrastructure required to ensure development Area storing carbon from the atmosphere). is sustainable.

Milton A system of linear parks protect the flood plains and The Council’s adopted ‘Core Strategy’ will include Keynes tributaries of the Great Ouse river and incorporate standards and targets for reducing carbon emissions West a number of balancing ponds which help manage from new development and supplying energy from low surface water run-off and mitigate flooding in and and zero carbon sources. Strong leadership from the around Milton Keynes. Council and Milton Keynes Partnership will help ensure Parkland the vision of Milton Keynes as a low carbon city will Woodland Golf Course be fulfilled.

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 25 FUTURE FORUM Ideas, opinions and perspectives

Milton Keynes VOICES

The story of Milton Keynes is not just about the masterplan or the projects. It’s also about its people and how they are living and working towards a better future for themselves and coming generations.

In the Future Forum we capture views Clive Faine is the Managing Director of Milton Keynes and thoughts from a cross section of based Abbeygate Developments. He is also a member of the Milton Keynes Transport Partnership and chairs Rosemary Clarke of Global Education Milton Keynes (GEMK) people, all with strong connections with both the local Sustainable Transport Group and the Milton engages young people in the low carbon agenda and Keynes Cycling Forum. increases awareness and understanding of sustainability Milton Keynes and many who both live and development issues within schools. and work in the city. “Milton Keynes is leading the low carbon agenda compared to many other local “Children are really receptive and care about the It’s all about what inspires them, what authorities with their D4 policy and carbon environment. Through Eco Councils, conferences they care about, and how they think offset fund. The CHP in Central Milton Keynes and other activities they come up with great the city should move forward into a was the first to be installed in a modern ideas, such as rerouting a school Redway so it city centre and the next step is to look for works better. By learning about the impact their low carbon future. These voices and opportunities to roll out CHP with alternative homes and lifestyles have on the environment thoughts present the many faces fuel sources, which do not rely on gas.” they also influence their parents’ actions.” of Milton Keynes: its leadership, Clive Faine Rosemary Clarke community spirit, youth, green lifestyle Managing Director, Abbeygate Developments Co-ordinator,GEMK and spirit of innovation.

26 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus Imtiaz Farookhi is Chief Executive of NHBC, the standard setting body and leading warranty provider for new homes in the UK. NHBC is pivotally involved in the drive to develop low and zero carbon new homes. NHBC funds both the John Walker has worked at the Milton Keynes Zero Carbon Hub and the NHBC Foundation, a research Development Corporation since 1975 and was Planning body which promotes best practice to help industry and the Director between 1980 and 1992, then Chief Executive of the Commission for the New Towns from 1992 to 1999. government respond to the UK’s housing needs in the best David Foster leads The Parks Trust, which cares for a large interests of home owners. proportion of the city’s green space and the richly planted grid road corridors. The Trust, which was established by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation, works to maintain “Milton Keynes has always looked for new ways “We are currently in the process of moving our and protect an intricate interconnected mix of woodland, to improve life for residents and businesses. Low Head Office to Milton Keynes, having established grassland and wetland. energy buildings have been an important part of our National Operations Centre here in 2001. We this pioneering attitude since the 1970s, helping are now a major employer in Milton Keynes. people to live in more comfortable homes that Milton Keynes has a good track record of linking “Here the emphasis is on encouraging biodiversity are cheaper to run and cause less damage to the environment. Aiming high, following through innovation, CO2 reduction and energy efficiency and ensuring that this important part of the city on the one hand and quality of life on the other. delivers something special for its population - the and demonstrating what can be achieved are These aspects are integral to the exciting and chance to experience peaceful and interesting key features of the new city’s character. The low ambitious agenda represented in this prospectus.” landscapes and habitats on their doorsteps.” carbon city is right in line with this tradition.”

Imtiaz Farookhi David Foster John Walker Chief Executive of NHBC Chief Executive, The Parks Trust, Milton Keynes Chairman of the Green Gauge Trust, promoting better delivery of low energy buildings.

Amy, Jasmine and Anais represented Milton Keynes at the first global climate change conference for young people in 2009, the Bright Green Youth Conference. The trip was a project by the OU and local schools to commit to thinking about carbon neutral planning. Pete Winkelman, Chairman of MK Dons FC, is the man responsible for the development of stadium:mk – the “Meeting people from all over the world in Tadj Oreszczyn did his PhD in solar energy at The Open centrepiece of Milton Keynes’ bid for Candidate Host City in Denmark was brilliant and we came back to University in the 1980’s but now directs the UCL Energy England’s 2018 World Cup Milton Keynes with new ideas, things like the Institute, advises government on energy efficient buildings ecogym and ecofriendly homes, and really and supports leading energy efficient organisations located in Milton Keynes such as the National Energy “The Football Club and its Sport and Education enthusiastic about what we could do next.” Julia Upton is Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Community Foundation and the Zero Carbon Hub. Foundation, a charity that funds and supports projects Trust are building Milton Keynes a sporting Amy Bosworth, Jasmine Satchell & Anais Berriman which respond to the needs of the local community, legacy that will sit proudly at the heart of our Bright Green Youth including cultural activities and the promotion of healthy community. A low carbon vision, reached by lifestyles. “Milton Keynes has over the last four decades working together in partnership, shows our city’s been at the forefront of demonstrating low determination to take the initiative and provide energy building technology. It has led the way a framework for modern sustainable living.” “We help people to learn how to live more in the integration of renewable technologies sustainably whether it is how to grow their own in buildings and the control and labelling of Pete Winkelman food or how to cook healthy recipes. We are the energy performance of buildings. Lessons Chairman, MK Dons centrally located so people can get to us by public learnt from Milton Keynes have helped to inform transport but we also go out into the community.” National energy policy and regulations.”

Julia Upton Tadj Oreszczyn Chief Executive, Milton Keynes Community Foundation Director, UCL Energy Institute

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 27 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND CREDITS

Commissioning Partners

Neil Jefferson Zero Carbon Hub/NHBC Foundation Nick Cunningham NHBC Cheryl Montgomery Shenley Church End Parish Council John Lewis Milton Keynes Partnership Neil Cutland Inbuilt Philip Murphy PRP Architects Tim Roxburgh Milton Keynes Partnership Martin Davies Milton Keynes Council Tadj Oreszczyn University College London Grant Seeley Milton Keynes Partnership Ellie Dawkins University of York Rob Pannell Zero Carbon Hub Geoff Snelson Milton Keynes Council Roz Dicks Homes and Communities Agency Dave Parrish Milton Keynes Council Clive Turner Zero Carbon Hub John Doggart Sustainable Energy Academy Graham Perrior NHBC Phil Winsor Milton Keynes Council Ian Duncan Milton Keynes Partnership Lesley Potter Milton Keynes Council Kellie Evans Milton Keynes Council Stephen Potter The Open University The Commissioning Partners are grateful to the following people and Clive Faine Abbeygate Development Peter Rickaby Rickaby Thompson Associates Ltd organisations who shared knowledge and gave their support during the Imtiaz Farookhi NHBC Robin Roy The Open University development of the Prospectus: Nadi Farrell The Parks Trust, Milton Keynes Stuart Sage Homes and Communities Agency David Foster The Parks Trust, Milton Keynes Brian Sandom Milton Keynes Council Nicola Adshead Milton Keynes Council Tracy Galvin PRP Architects Richard Sarraff Bloor Homes Northampton Austin Baggett National Energy Services Melissa Gardner Oakgrove School Jasmine Satchell Bright Green Youth Dave Baker Robust Details Ltd Judy Gibbons Shenley Church End Parish Council Dick Stimpson Arup Guy Barnett Milton Keynes Partnership Matthew Gilbert Milton Keynes Council Tina Surti Milton Keynes Partnership Alison Bartlett Milton Keynes Council Darren Gray Milton Keynes Council Heather Talbot Growing People Mike Bayse Cranfield University David Grindley David Grindley Architects Alan Taylor Renewable Power Systems Jacki Bell Homes and Communities Agency Ian Hamilton UCL Energy Institute Jasmine Taylor Homes and Communities Agency Anais Berriman Bright Green Youth Paul Hammond Homes and Communities Agency Julia Upton Milton Keynes Community Foundation Linda Bird Milton Keynes Council Chris Harbottle Milton Keynes Council Henk van Aswegen City Discovery Centre Amy Bosworth Bright Green Youth Mark Harris Milton Keynes Council John Walker Green Gauge Trust Ian Byrne National Energy Foundation Sanda Hayes National Energy Foundation Clare Walton MK Council of Voluntary Organisations Ian Chapman Cranfield University Gavin Hodgson BRE Mark Watts Arup Gillian Clarke Milton Keynes Council Andy Hudson Milton Keynes Council Peter Whittington Dept. for Business Innovation and Skills Rosemary Clarke GEMK Paul King UK Green Building Council Megan Williams Milton Keynes Council Robert Coles PRP Architects Jayde Lucas Zero Carbon Hub Ros Williams PRP Architects David Cook Milton Keynes Council Robert Macdonald Zero Carbon Hub Pete Winkelman MK Dons Richard Copper The Open University David Matthews Solar Associates Colin Wood Milton Keynes Partnership Steve Crowther Milton Keynes Council John Miles Arup

28 MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus Credits

Research and Document Preparation Photo Credits All images, unless otherwise noted here, Courtesy of Nissan Kate Mansfield PRP Architects appear courtesy of the Milton Keynes Partnership Page 15 2011 Nissan Leaf Electric Car Marylis Ramos PRP Architects Clive Turner Zero Carbon Hub Pages 4-7 Pictograms courtesy of Courtesy of IKEA www.allsilhouettes.com Page 19 2007 IKEA Biomass Graphic Design Graphics by PRP Architects Courtesy of Renewable Power Systems Nick Foster PRP Architects Page 4 Carbon Footprints Page 21 Anaerobic Digestion Plant Image Page 5 A Low Carbon Lifestyle Marylis Ramos PRP Architects Page 5 Population Artist: Helmut Jacoby Page 5 Trees Page 22 Helmut Jacoby’s vision for the Project Advisors Page 6 Housing Boulevard of Central Milton Keynes Neil Jefferson Zero Carbon Hub Page 6 Job Growth Page 6 A Healthy Lifestyle From ‘The Milton Keynes Master Plan’ by the Dr Steve Moorhouse Milton Keynes Council Page 6 Pathways Milton Keynes Development Corporation, 1970 Page 10 Mode of Transport Page 22 1970 Milton Keynes The Plan References Courtesy of The Open University Courtesy of The Parks Trust Page 10 1969 The Open University Page 23 1992 The Parks Trust ‘The Plan for Milton Keynes’ by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation, 1970 Courtesy of Global Education Milton Keynes Courtesy of NHBC Page 10 Commonwealth Common Waste Page 23 2001 NHBC ‘The New Plan for Milton Keynes: A Strategy for Growth to 2031’ Page 11 2008 Sustainable Schools Conference by the Milton Keynes Partnership, 2006 Page 13 Bright Green Youth and GEMK Courtesy of the Zero Carbon Hub Page 23 2008 Zero Carbon Hub REAP Carbon Footprint Results Courtesy of Food Train by the Stockholm Environment Institute, Biology Department, University of Page 11 2005 Food Train From ‘The Milton Keynes Master Plan’ by the York, October 2009 Milton Keynes Development Corporation, 1970 Courtesy of MK Christian Foundation Pages 24-25 Grid Squares, Roads and Cycleways, MK Low Carbon Living Website: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/ Page 11 2008 Wolverton Urban Farm Landscape, Parks and Open Space mklowcarbonliving/ Page 12 Urb Farm background image

The Milton Keynes Intelligence Observatory: http://www.mkiobservatory. Courtesy of Hannah Meara org.uk/ Page 11 2010 Wolverton Energy Roadshow Page 12 Transition Wolverton - Energy Roadshow ‘Information is Beautiful’ by David McCandless, Collins, 2010

MILTON KEYNES: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE – A Low Carbon Prospectus 29 MILTON KEYNES A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE A Low Carbon Prospectus