It's move-in day for military families at 'impressive' new net zero carbon homes

Service families have begun moving into 176 newly completed net zero carbon homes at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire. 

The homes are the first large-scale net zero carbon housing development for the UK's Armed Forces.

A total of 278 new homes are being delivered at the site as a part of a Government programme to improve accommodation for military personnel and their families. 

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Lance Corporal Peter Mitchell, who was one of the first to pick up the keys to his new home, said: "It's very impressive, brand new, and has all of the modern features you would want in your house.

"Living here will make a real difference to me and my family."

Imjin Barracks is the home of Nato's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and is the first site to benefit from the net zero carbon accommodation initiative as the Ministry of Defence aims to reduce its carbon footprint.

The homes have been built by property developer Taylor Wimpey. 

"We have worked hard to ensure that the homes at Imjin Barracks will provide families with the very best in terms of quality and sustainable living," said Keith Simmons, managing director at Taylor Wimpey in Bristol.

Eco-friendly features include solar panels, low-carbon heating systems, charging points for electric vehicles and smart heating controls, which Taylor Wimpey says will reduce running costs for families.

Belinda Lunn, Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Army programme director, said: "This is the first large-scale net zero carbon housing development procured for the Ministry of Defence which demonstrates our ongoing investment in delivering an affordable and sustainable estate that benefits Army personnel and their families."

The MOD has vowed to reduce its emissions and increase its sustainability in line with the UK's commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

As well as the houses at Imjin Barracks, new energy-efficient homes for personnel and their families are also being built elsewhere, including at Brize Norton, Portsmouth and Lossiemouth.