An innovative approach is being taken in Queenborough and Rushenden on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent that will help residents living in the soon-to-be regenerated area save energy - and money!

The Government's target of a 60% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050 is an incredible challenge. As a result, a combination of measures will have to be developed and installed that not only match the nation's thirst for more energy but provide it in a cleaner, greener and more sustainable way.

Funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), proposals for Queenborough and Rushenden include hundreds of new homes and commercial buildings as well as a new marina, business space, bars and restaurants, a primary school, hotel and community facilities.

The development will far exceed existing standards for new buildings, and will be highly energy efficient and incorporate renewable energy generation. An energy network from a centralised combined heat and power (CHP) system may also provide warmth and electricity to the residential area, both more efficiently and at a lower cost. All of these measures will help ensure that carbon emissions are kept to a minimum, and help meet these stringent carbon emission targets.

But it will not just be the new housing that benefits. SEEDA, in partnership with Creative Environmental Networks (CEN), a not-for-profit sustainable energy organisation, and Swale Borough Council is delivering a new initiative that aims to ensure everybody is able to conserve more energy.

The scheme provides homeowners with access to both low cost and grant aided sustainable energy measures that will help improve the quality of their homes. This both reduces bills and helps save the environment.