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We manufacture closed timber frame panels with a natural insulation of hemp, lime and wood fibre. We use those panels predominantly to build 'better than net zero' homes.
About
At Greencore we have developed the concept of Climate Positive homes. We manufacture closed timber frame panels in our factory and use these panels to build the superstructure of our homes. We manage the delivery of the entire process from the factory through to handing over a completed home. The panels can also be used for other commercial construction. These panels are insulated with natural materials - hemp, lime and wood fibre. As a result we lock up more carbon than we emit at the construction stage via the use of timber and bio-based materials - i.e. we produce buildings that are better than net zero in terms of embodied carbon. Our homes also target generating more energy than they use and are net-zero carbon in use. We also seek to create significant gain in wildlife / biodiversity on our developments. Earlier this year M&G plc (via its Catalyst fund) acquired a majority stake in Greencore and their investment will help us to significantly expand our capacity and increase our ambition across the whole of the UK. We have recently moved into a new office and factory in Bicester that will help us drive that expansion. We are now actively acquiring development land, including through a partnership with M&G’s real estate business and they plan to invest up to £500 million in sustainable new developments of private and affordable housing.
Key Benefits
The panels enable us to build homes and other buildings that are better than net zero in terms of embodied carbon and that can be net zero in operation. We want building residents to minimise energy use so we follow the Passivhaus thermal performance principles - using high levels of air tightness, natural insulation, triple glazed windows and MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery). These features deliver excellent thermal performance. The MVHR system also filters the air which aids health and particularly allergies.
Applications
Primarily residential homes and buildings up to four stories. The panels can also be used for any other form of construction i.e. commercial offices, retail etc.