22 April 2025
At Windrush Court, an independent later living development in Witney, residents, along with the Development Manager, have come together to implement sustainable practises across the development, improving energy-efficiency around the site, as well as looking for opportunities to recycle and reduce waste.
Creating sustainable communities allows residential properties to positively contribute to the environment, both within their developments and their local area. At Windrush Court, residents have embraced new environmentally-friendly ideas, making changes in their own homes, as well as the areas they share with their neighbours.
Lorraine, Development Manager at Windrush Court, explained: “The residents and I have been keen to explore ways to reduce unnecessary energy consumption, which also allows us to reduce expenditure, saving residents over £15,000 in communal electricity costs, whilst ensuring shared areas and facilities remain safe, comfortable and functional, whenever our residents need them.
“In recent years, we have looked at more energy efficient solutions, such as switching to LED lighting in external areas, as well as installing sensor lighting in the refuse and laundry areas. We have also closely monitored use of heating in communal areas, to ensure they are kept warm when in use, whilst also avoiding any unnecessary usage.”
The enthusiasm from residents has even extended beyond the areas they share, taking a keen interest in in how they can improve efficiency in their own homes, as well as engaging with a local community project, that regularly delivers surplus food that would have otherwise gone to waste.
Lorraine added: “We hold coffee mornings whereby we discuss the laundry usage and how residents can make their laundry more cost-effective. We also have a monthly newsletter which includes a ‘Manager’s Topic’, including hints and tips on how to save energy in the home.
“There is also a real enthusiasm for recycling. We have now set up a designated recycling area, designed to limit the amount of waste we send to landfill. This is a clean, safe space for residents to leave items they no longer need, which may be of use to others. Even friends and relatives of residents have got involved, making sure things really do get a second chance!”
Lorraine, resident at Windrush Court, commented: “We have a lovely community at Windrush Court and I thoroughly enjoy living here. I love how clean the refuse room is, we have clear signs in place that help guide us and let us know what we can recycle and where it goes – this makes it so much easier for me.
“By doing so many little things, we can have a big effect on the environment but also on our communal electricity bills. We hope to continue and expand on what we can do.”
