The BedZED sustainable housing complex is based in Hackbridge

Many countries are developing sustainability 'cities'. China has Dongtan, Abu Dhabi has Masdar, and now the UK has Hackbridge, Sutton.

All this week, people who live and work in the area will try to design the 'sustainable suburb'.

Sutton Council will be examining how to become a zero-carbon, zero-waste suburb by 2025. The aim is to recycle 70% of waste and treat the remaining 30%.

They plan to use rain water to help manage water use, and stop the drought-flood cycle.

Sutton Council Leader Cllr Sean Brennan said, "People living and working in the area are true champions of the environment and it is their ideas, their energy and their enthusiasm that will help transform Hackbridge and ultimately Sutton, into the UK's first zero-carbon sustainable suburb."

"With the BedZed development, this area has long been a showcase for green living and Hackbridge Week is an opportunity for the community to decide how we make Hackbridge a better place for everyone.  We intend to be blaze a trail of sustainable living for others to follow."

Source : New Civil Engineer (NCE)