The regeneration of Brent Cross Cricklewood will make use of a wide range of initiatives and new technologies to minimise environmental impact.


A state-of-the-art waste handling and recycling facility will be built, replacing the current ageing facility from which most of the waste is sent to landfill sites.


This will separate and sort all recyclable materials first and then pass the remaining un-recyclable waste through a treatment cycle which will generate a renewable fuel.


This fuel will then be used in a new ‘Combined Heat and Power Plant’ which will provide electrical power, district heating and cooling to buildings across the regeneration area.


Domestic waste from the development will be delivered to the new handling facility using an automated waste collection system, consisting of a network of buried pipes along which waste is moved.With multiple access points provided both directly from the buildings and across the regeneration area, the need for traditional refuse and recycling collection will be reduced, reducing the space needed for waste storage and reducing waste transportation.Initially it is estimated that 40% of household and 60% of commercial waste will be recycled, rising to 70% by 2020.

This combination of automated waste collection, waste treatment and combined heat and power will be unique in the UK and lead to dramatic reductions in CO2 emissions. A number of other measures are also being introduced, including:


‘Green Roofs’ (planted rooftops) on at least 10% of the roof space across the area, reducing heat
loss from buildings, improving air quality and providing bird habitats. The collection of at least 10%
of rainwater to be used for irrigation, drainage measures to prevent water run-off during storms
and heavy rain.


Installation of low-water-use fittings such as taps, showers, toilets and A-rated white goods. Buildings designed and constructed to reduce carbon footprint, assessed against the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes, including the use of building materials that do not contribute to global warming.


Taken together, the commitments made by the Development Partners will have a real and significant impact and ensure that ‘environmental sustainability’ is at the very heart of the development.

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