Climate Innovation District in Leeds shortlisted for Housing Design Award

The Climate Innovation District in Leeds draws on Scandinavian best practice and is an examplar model of how to economically build zero carbon neighbourhoods that also provide healthier, smarter and better-connected cities.

The project consists of 516 new low energy homes, manufacturing, offices, leisure, a care home, primary school and climate resilient public realm. By integrating natural materials such as on-site fabricated timber-frames and the latest technology, the neighbourhood’s climate footprint is greatly reduced. The highly efficient timber framed design stores 23 tonnes of carbon each house and saves 88 tonnes of emitted CO2 compared to building an equivalent masonry house.

Solar energy is used through passive solar gain, photovoltaic modules and active solar panels. The ventilation and heat recovery systems in the buildings reduce heat loss and improves energy efficiency. Green roofs and access to green spaces increases social interaction and integration, provides space for physical activity and play, improves air quality, helps biodiversity and reduces summer overheating. 

These are the first family homes being developed in Leeds City Centre for over 90 years. With an ambition to accelerate the transition towards zero carbon cities, in the Climate Innovation District, Citu is forging a powerful collaboration with local and international partners like White Arkitekter.