|
Over a decade ago, after four years of initial research by (the former) Gordon District Council and The Robert Gordon University, an application was made to the EU LIFE programme for funding to undertake research into the subject of environmentally friendly housing layouts. Following a successful bid to that programme, the Aberdeenshire Sustainability Research Trust was formed to carry out the research and to ensure the successful delivery of a three year project.
The Trust represented all aspects of the development control process from Planners to Land Owners and from Academics to Architects. The project itself concentrated on an active site and analysed a series of indicators, specifically in relation to climate, energy, biodiversity, social sustainability and resources.
On completion of the study, a best practice model for housing layouts was developed which could be used to assess the level of environmental friendliness. This electronic, web-based, assessment tool became more widely known, and referred to, as Index 21.
Following the conclusion of the work of the Aberdeenshire Sustainability Research Trust, the Index 21 tool was the subject of continued refinement and its use promoted by partners, including the lead organisations of Aberdeenshire Council and The Robert Gordon University.
In continuing with the research, it was evident that the methodology used within the Index 21 tool for assessing sustainability of Housing Layouts could be adopted and refined to assess other aspects of the development control process – for example in the house design or choice of site.
In recognition of this fact, the original body of work and tool has since become known, and referred to generally, as the Index 21 – House Layout Tool.
The origins and work of the partnership in relation to Index 21 – House Layout is covered by the website established at http://www.index21.org.uk.
Furthermore, the tool itself can also be accessed at the above same web-site.
[ « Back ]
Web design Scotland by Cynosure |
House Layout & Design
