Barking Riverside Ltd - is a joint venture between the Homes and Communities Agency and Bellway. A challenging target for the development has been set with green roofs going on 40% of the new homes. 

Large scale installation of green roofs as part of a regeneration project has not been attempted in the UK previously; therefore there are inherent risks associated with taking this innovative stance. To combat this, a research study with the Institute is underway to understand the full implications of this goal, especially in terms of ensuring its economic viability and assessing its overall environmental impact.

Clive Wilding, Project Director, Barking Riverside Ltd said: "Through our partnership with the Institute, we have quickly forged links with the wider research community and are now collaborating with business and academia to draw upon their knowledge and expertise. Being able to draw upon the Institute's pre-established networks and relationships has been pivotal in us being able to identify and assemble the right team in a relatively short period of time.

This is a good example of partnership in action with researchers, Environment Agency and the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation all working together to deliver innovative technology on a commercial scale.

As sustainable development is a key aspect of our scheme, working together with the Institute, allows us to be confident that the best practice solution will be adopted and enable us to successfully deliver our 40% green roofs target."

The research at Barking Riverside ties in with the Institute's core activity to establish close-to-market, collaborative research and demonstration projects, and using learnings from these projects to promote best practice and support regeneration.

Barking Riverside Ltd is a 25 year development that will start on site towards the end of 2009 providing 10800 new homes, open spaces, schools and improved transport links on a 150 ha Brownfield site.   

To find about more about becoming an Institute partner please contact Ed.Metcalfe@instituteforsustainability.co.uk.