The City of York Council has appointed Caddick Construction to build the council's first ever zero carbon homes.

Contracts have been signed to build 112 certified Passivhaus homes as part of the council's Housing Delivery Programme. This ambitious council-led programme is building 600 homes across the city. Between 40% to 60% will be affordable, over two-times what current planning guidelines require.

The first zero carbon homes will be built on sites at Duncombe Barracks in Clifton and Burnholme in Heworth. Local residents co-designed the projects alongside the council's Stirling Prize-winning architects Mikhail Riches. As much of the homes' construction will take place off-site, neighbours will find less on-site activity than on conventional builds.

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Caddick is committed to support the local economy, including creating 30 jobs, 22 work placements and a programme of training and development for 14 to 19-year-olds. Besides aiming to source 70% of their subcontractors and suppliers within 30 miles of the site, they will offer training on site through apprenticeships, traineeships, and higher qualifications for new and existing staff. Working with York College, York Apprenticeship Hub and Job Centre Plus, they will support the development of ‘Green Skills’ in the supply chain. Caddick’s team will do this by taking part in local construction industry skills forums, engaging with local trades and construction firms, and contributing to construction training content with local further education and higher education providers.

Supporting the council's commitment to tackling the carbon crisis and fuel poverty, the homes will be extremely well-insulated and will have rooftop solar panels to generate the electricity needed for the homes, including for the energy-efficient air-source heat pumps. Keeping the construction low carbon too, the buildings’ structures will be constructed of timber. The homes will benefit from high-quality green spaces and tree-lined streets on their doorstep as part of a connected and walkable neighbourhood.