As Greater Manchester accelerates towards its ambitious carbon net zero goals, the construction industry has a pivotal role to play. Steven Brown, Managing Director at John Southworth, is at the forefront of this movement, championing the power of Passivhaus building techniques to create energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable homes for the future.
Why Passivhaus?
Passivhaus is more than just a buzzword—it’s a proven standard for low-energy buildings that dramatically reduce carbon emissions while enhancing indoor comfort. By prioritising superior insulation, airtight construction, and efficient ventilation, Passivhaus homes require up to 90% less heating energy than traditional homes. This means lower energy bills for residents and a substantial reduction in environmental impact.
“In Greater Manchester, we have a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable housing,” says Steven Brown. “By implementing Passivhaus principles, we’re not only reducing carbon emissions but also ensuring homes are healthier, more affordable to run, and resilient to future climate challenges.”
Driving Sustainable Change
With rising energy costs and increasing awareness of climate change, the demand for energy-efficient housing has never been greater. John Southworth is actively working to integrate Passivhaus principles into mainstream residential developments, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the region.
One of the key aspects of John Southworth’s approach is collaboration. “Sustainability isn’t something we can achieve in isolation. We need policymakers, developers, and local communities to work together to make these high-performance homes the new standard,” he emphasises.
A Blueprint for the Future
Greater Manchester has set ambitious targets to become carbon neutral by 2038. To achieve this, a radical shift in the way we design and build homes is essential. Passivhaus not only aligns with these targets but also offers a replicable model that can be scaled across the UK.
“Our goal is to make sustainable living accessible to everyone,” Steven adds. “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in housebuilding, ensuring that every home we create contributes to a cleaner, greener future.”
With experts like John Southworth leading the charge, Greater Manchester is well on its way to becoming a model city for sustainable housing. The question now is: how quickly can the industry catch up?
