Set in the heart of Cambridge, this later living community is the latest flagship development from our client. It is an integrated retirement community designed for over-60s seeking a vibrant and sustainable lifestyle.
Carbon3 partnered with this client to install a 174.3kWp solar PV system across the new-build development, which includes a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, as well as a contemporary clubhouse.
This forward-thinking later living scheme is a strong example of how renewable energy infrastructure can be embedded within luxury residential settings to deliver long-term value, both for developers and investors, and for the end users who call these homes their own.
Creating warm, efficient, and comfortable homes for the over-60s
The development was designed from the outset with sustainability in mind. The entire village has been constructed to be fully electric, removing reliance on gas and positioning the homes for long-term resilience against rising energy prices. Carbon3’s contribution was the design and installation of 174.3kWp of rooftop solar PV.
For residents, many of whom have downsized from larger properties, this clean energy infrastructure means lower electricity bills, and improved thermal comfort. Many older adults choose to move into later living developments not only to access on-site care and community facilities, but to reduce the maintenance and running costs of ageing family homes.
By integrating solar generation at the point of construction, Carbon3 has helped to ensure that each home is cheaper to run and more comfortable to live in.
As we age, the importance of maintaining a consistent indoor temperature increases. Cold, damp homes are a known risk factor for poor health in older populations, particularly when it comes to respiratory illnesses.
Solar PV works in tandem with the development’s air source heat pumps and triple-glazing to stabilise internal temperatures, reducing the risk of condensation and mould, and improving overall wellbeing.
In short, renewable energy across this development will improve the health of the end users. It gives residents the peace of mind that their homes are not only modern and stylish, but warm, efficient and affordable to run throughout the year.
Supporting ESG objectives and securing planning approvals
From a sustainability manager’s perspective, the benefits of integrating renewable energy into later living schemes go far beyond occupant satisfaction. The inclusion of solar PV supported the client’s planning application and proved their environmental credentials. With local authorities prioritising sustainable development more and more in planning policy, visible and measurable commitments to renewable energy often play a decisive role in getting consent for new sites.
Further, for organisations looking to strengthen their ESG performance, projects like this create visible outcomes that can be reported with confidence. Renewable generation figures, carbon savings, and reduced grid reliance all contribute to key performance metrics.
These are increasingly important not just to local authorities and future residents, but to investors, many of whom are focusing more on sustainability within their portfolios.
This project is part of a growing wave of demand for integrated retirement communities that reflect modern expectations around energy use, climate responsibility and long-term liveability.
Our client is leading the way, and their decision to partner with Carbon3 reflects their commitment to high-quality and future-proofed renewable installations.
Delivering technical quality at scale
Carbon3 worked closely with the project team to design and deliver a system that would blend seamlessly with the new build aesthetic while maximising generation potential. The rooftop arrays sit on top of residential homes and the clubhouse, meaning shared spaces benefit from reduced energy costs just as much as individual homes.
In total, 174.3kWp of solar capacity was installed across the site. All works were completed to strict project timelines, with minimal disruption to other contractors on site, and full commissioning was supported by detailed handover documentation and a tailored maintenance plan.
Looking ahead
The success of this project proves that renewable energy in the later living sector is only going to be more important in the future.
As more over-60s look for homes that are cost-efficient, comfortable and environmentally responsible, developers are under pressure to meet these expectations. Developers need to prove their sustainable credentials both to achieve planning compliance and to maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.
Summary
By installing solar PV and integrating with our client’s existing heat pumps and other sustainable measures, we’ve provided the following benefits:
- Residents benefit from lower energy bills and are protected from fluctuating energy costs
- Residents’ homes support their health by maintaining a consistent temperature
- Our client has a fully future-proofed development protected from incoming legislative changes
- Getting planning permission was an easier and quicker process for our client as their application was supported by sustainable initiatives
- This project proves our client’s strong ESG credentials
- Our client stands out in the competitive landscape of new build later living homes
At Carbon3, we specialise in supporting developers and operators in delivering the renewable infrastructure that makes this possible. From rooftop solar and battery storage, to EV charging and low-carbon heating, we can install it all.
Whether you’re at the concept stage or ready to break ground, we bring the technical expertise and strategic insight to turn sustainability ambitions into practical results.
Contact us today for help with your next project.
