This year marks 20 years since the creation of BedZED, the iconic development we initiated at the turn of the millennium, and the UK’s first large-scale mixed-use sustainable community. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, we launched a #BedZEDat20 campaign across our social channels, highlighting why and how BedZED has continued to inspire hearts and minds across the globe.
In the first four weeks, we took a deep dive into BedZED’s history. To understand why BedZED is such a significant development, first we must understand why we need sustainable communities in the first place.
Why do we even need sustainable communities like #BedZED?🏡🌱🐦
— Bioregional (@Bioregional) July 13, 2022
The truth is, we’re living in a climate and ecological emergency⚠️
And buildings – which contribute to 40% of global emissions – are a huge part of the problem.
So, there's no better place to start 🙌#BedZEDat20 pic.twitter.com/2Sk5xFInuT
Here’s where the idea for BedZED came from:
Our ‘aha!’ moment for #BedZED appeared in 1997 when:
— Bioregional (@Bioregional) July 21, 2022
🌱 Our co-founders started looking for a new green HQ
🏘️ Bill Dunster (@ZEDfactory) dreamt of creating a large-scale eco-village
🔥 @PeabodyLDN wanted to address fuel poverty for its tenants#BedZEDat20 pic.twitter.com/y3yi0OFUTF
How did BedZED transform from a vision into the UK’s first large-scale eco-village? Scroll on to find out...
How did #BedZED turn from an idea into reality?✨
— Bioregional (@Bioregional) July 28, 2022
In 1998 @SuttonCouncil was selling a plot of undeveloped wasteland, originally used for spreading sewage sludge 🤮
It wanted to turn 🗑️ into 🏘️
And of course, we couldn’t miss an opportunity like that 😉#BedZEDat20 pic.twitter.com/c1xm6XXbjT
What makes #BedZED a mixed-use development?
— Bioregional (@Bioregional) August 4, 2022
🏡 BedZED is home to just over 200 residents.
Of the eco-village’s 100 homes, 25% are for social rent, 25% are for shared ownership, while the other half are for private sale.
But there’s so much more to BedZED…#BedZEDat20 pic.twitter.com/RDDo6YTXCL
To celebrate the Building Centre's 90th birthday, 90 leading figures from across Britain were invited to choose the best of the built environment. Here’s why award-winning architect Sarah Wigglesworth chose BedZED
After 20 wonderful years at BedZED, we are moving our head office to Sustainable Ventures on London’s South Bank
Major energy savings and lower bills, abundant green space, a friendly community and continued above-market sale prices keep the iconic BedZED village in South London an inspiration for zero-carbon homes worldwide