HBF has announced its approval of the first greenleaf standard application
The House Builders Federation (HBF) today announced its approval of the first greenleaf standard application, Highbury Court, a sheltered housing development in Kings Heath, Birmingham submitted by McCarthy & Stone, a leading Retirement Housing Developer.
Greenleaf was established in 1987 with the launch of an award scheme to celebrate the very best new housing landscapes each year. Chaired by Professor Chris Baines, the well respected environmentalist, broadcaster and writer, greenleaf has helped improve standards in the house building industry along with house buyers expectations by highlighting how new housing schemes can enhance their environment.
The greenleaf standard was launched in May 2002. It enables developers to register their commitment to greenleaf principles at pre-construction stage. If a site is approved for the standard then they are allowed to fly a flag on the awarded site along with using the greenleaf logo in any marketing for that particular site.
Approval is not easy and very high standards are required. The developer must have submitted documentation such as a landscape survey with photographs of the site as it originally was; planning documentation; landscaping design showing how the development would conserve existing features, consideration of pedestrian safety, respecting the local setting and visual continuity where possible.
A spokesperson from the New Homes Marketing Board, said: We are delighted with the launch of the greenleaf standard. It benefits both home buyers and developers, helping to raise standards throughout the house building industry and enabling house builders to promote the environmental nature of their developments to potential buyers. The McCarthy & Stone development is an excellent example of what we are aiming to achieve
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For further information on the greenleaf standard click on the greenleaf standard icon on the website or contact Zoe Barnes on 020 7960 1612 or email zoe.barnes@hbf.co.uk