Mackenzie Byrne launches network to build more sustainable homes

By Bridging Loan Directory 22nd June 2022

Development finance brokerage Mackenzie Byrne has launched a new network to get more sustainable homes built.

The Sustainable Development Network (SDN) offers lenders, developers, architects, and other industry professionals opportunities to collaborate on sustainable projects and to learn about green development techniques and materials.

While the government’s Future Homes Standard requires a 75% reduction in carbon emissions from new build homes by 2025, progress on sustainability in the residential development industry has been slow.

SME developers are receiving little practical support to change the way they build and are often left to conduct their own research into the practicalities of sustainable development.

The SDN hosts quarterly breakfast meetings in London to support developers, who can network with lenders and industry professionals with experience of sustainable projects and watch presentations by expert speakers.

At the SDN’s inaugural meeting in April, Rob Pell, Founder of sustainability consultancy Minviro, gave a presentation about the carbon lifecycle of buildings and sparked a lively group discussion amongst attendees.

The idea for the network came to Jake O’Leary, Director of Communications and Sustainable Finance at Mackenzie Byrne, during the build-up to COP26 in Glasgow last year.

‘I wanted to work out how we could help reduce carbon emissions in the development industry,’ Jake said.

‘To find out what was needed I surveyed some of our lending partners, who kept suggesting more support for SME housebuilders to make the transition to sustainable development.

As brokers, it’s our job to make connections; bringing developers, lenders, and industry professionals together seemed like the obvious thing to do’.

The next SDN breakfast meeting is on Thursday 21^st July in London and will feature a presentation on sustainable architecture by Dan Town, Director at OSG Architecture.

It’s free to attend and membership can be applied for at jake@mackenziebyrne.co.uk.