Brighton Earth Ship – Eco Initiative…

Earthship Brighton is a pioneering and award-winning eco-building located in Stanmer Park, Brighton, England.

Not the Marina as the image may suggest 🙂

It is one of only two Earthships in the UK and was the first Earthship to be built in England.

The project, managed by the Low Carbon Trust, serves as an environmental education center and a demonstration of sustainable living and low carbon technologies.

Here is a comprehensive overview of Earthship Brighton and its eco-initiatives:

Overview of Earthship Brighton

Construction and Design:

• Materials: Earthship Brighton is constructed using waste car tires filled with earth, glass bottles, and other recycled materials. The building incorporates rammed earth tires, which are used as the primary building blocks, and the walls are often clad with adobe. This innovative use of waste materials reduces the environmental impact of construction.
• Energy Systems: The Earthship is designed to be off-grid, generating its own power from solar panels and a small wind turbine. It also features a pellet burner for backup heating, though it is rarely used due to the building’s efficient passive solar design.
• Water Management: Rainwater is harvested from the roof and treated on-site using a series of plants and filters. The building is designed to manage its wastewater, ensuring that all water is reused and treated sustainably.
• Thermal Performance: The Earthship is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round through passive solar heating and natural ventilation. The south-facing glass wall allows sunlight to heat the building, while the thick walls and earth-bermed design provide excellent insulation.

Educational and Community Impact

Tours and Training:

• Public Tours: Regular and private tours are offered to the public, providing detailed insights into the construction and functioning of the Earthship. These tours cover all aspects of the building, including the use of low-impact materials, passive solar heating, on-site energy generation, rainwater collection, and waste water treatment.
• Training Courses: Earthship Brighton hosts various green building courses, including a three-day “Self-building an Earthship” course in partnership with the Low Carbon Trust. These courses are designed to educate individuals on how to construct and live in sustainable buildings.

Community Engagement:

• Stanmer Organics: The Earthship serves as a community center for Stanmer Organics, a Soil Association-accredited site. It provides a venue for meetings, training, events, and administration, supporting the organic farming and educational activities of the organization.
• Brighton Permaculture Trust: The trust uses the Earthship as a venue for many of its courses, including permaculture, fruit growing, and eco-building. The building is an example of permaculture in action, demonstrating sustainable ecological design and practices.

Awards and Recognition

Earthship Brighton has won numerous awards and commendations, recognizing its innovative and sustainable design. Some of these awards include:

• South East Renewable Sustainable Energy Awards 2005 in the field of Innovation – Winner
• Environment Agency’s Water Efficiency Awards 2006 – Winner
• Sustain Magazine’s Construction and Renovation category; DfES category 2006
• Green Apple Awards 2007 for the Built Environment and Architectural Heritage – National Gold Winner in the New Build Tourism category
• Green Apple Awards 2007 – National Gold Winner for Business
• South East Low Carbon Awards 2007 – Highly commended in the Low Carbon Development of the Year category
• National Energy Efficiency Awards 2007 – Highly commended in the Construction & Renovation category
• The Argus Eco Award 2010 – Winner of Greenest Building in Sussex

Challenges and Future Plans

Refurbishment Needs:

• In 2017, Earthship Brighton was in need of a refit to improve its energy and water systems. The Low Carbon Trust launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the necessary upgrades. These improvements aimed to enhance the building’s functionality and expand its environmental education and training programs.

Ongoing Initiatives:

• The Low Carbon Trust continues to manage and promote Earthship Brighton, offering regular tours and educational programs. The organization is committed to tackling climate change by highlighting the connection between buildings, behavior, energy use, and carbon emissions. They also run innovative sustainable construction projects, research projects, and Eco Education Days for schools.

Briefly

Earthship Brighton stands as a testament to sustainable and eco-friendly building practices. Its innovative design, use of recycled materials, and off-grid systems make it a model for future green buildings. The project’s educational and community impact has been significant, inspiring tens of thousands of visitors and providing a practical example of how to live more sustainably. Despite facing challenges, the Low Carbon Trust remains dedicated to maintaining and improving Earthship Brighton, ensuring it continues to serve as a beacon of environmental stewardship.

Summary Table

Aspect	Details
Location	Stanmer Park, Brighton, England
Type	Off-grid, eco-building
Materials	Waste car tires filled with earth, glass bottles, recycled materials
Energy Systems	Solar panels, small wind turbine, pellet burner (backup)
Water Management	Rainwater harvesting, on-site wastewater treatment
Thermal Performance	Passive solar heating, natural ventilation
Educational Programs	Public tours, green building courses, permaculture training
Community Use	Community center for Stanmer Organics, venue for Brighton Permaculture Trust
Awards	Multiple awards for sustainability and innovation
Challenges	Refit needed for energy and water systems
Future Plans	Ongoing educational and community engagement, crowdfunding for improvements

Earthship Brighton is a pioneering example of sustainable and eco-friendly building in the UK. While it is one of only two Earthships in the country, there are other similar eco-initiatives that focus on sustainable living and construction. Here are a few notable examples:

• Fork And Dig It: This is a not-for-profit community growing project located at Stanmer Organics in Stanmer Park, Brighton. It practices and promotes low-impact organic horticulture on two acres of Soil Association-accredited land. The project grows organic fruit and vegetables in a bio-diverse way and supplies produce to the local community through independent retailers and community-supported agriculture schemes.
• The Fruit Factory: Another initiative at Stanmer Organics, the Fruit Factory is a community facility that focuses on fruit growing and processing. It offers courses and workshops on sustainable practices and is often used in conjunction with Earthship Brighton for educational purposes.
• Low Carbon Trust: While primarily known for Earthship Brighton, the Low Carbon Trust is involved in various other projects aimed at promoting sustainable living and reducing carbon footprints. They offer tours and training courses on eco-building and sustainable practices, including a three-day Self-building an Earthship course.
• Brighton Permaculture Trust: This organization runs many of its courses at Earthship Brighton, focusing on permaculture design, sustainable living, and eco-building. They also offer a three-day Self-building an Earthship course in partnership with the Low Carbon Trust.
• Earthship Fife: Located in Scotland, this is another Earthship in the UK. While not a residential building, it serves as an educational center and demonstration project, similar to Earthship Brighton. It showcases sustainable building techniques and systems, including rainwater harvesting, solar power, and on-site wastewater treatment.

These initiatives, like Earthship Brighton, aim to demonstrate and promote sustainable living practices and eco-friendly building techniques, contributing to a more environmentally conscious future. Eco-friendly buildings in the UK, including Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, showcase innovative and sustainable design practices. Here are some notable examples:

• PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Building, London: Considered the most environmentally friendly building in London, this structure is built over Charing Cross Station. It features a tri-generation combined cooling, heat, and power system fueled by recycled waste vegetable oil, chiller beams, low-power lift braking, eco-friendly carpet tiles, and electrical charging points. The building also includes open plan spaces, roof gardens, and green walls to enhance its ecological impact.
• The Old Vicarage, Vauxhall, London: This former shoe-polish factory was repurposed into an office facility for various charities. The adaptive reuse project retained many of the original architectural elements, preserving the area’s traditional character while providing cost-effective and environmentally friendly benefits. The building’s zigzagging and glazed façade allows generous natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
• NEO Bankside, London: This mixed-use development overlooking the River Thames and Tate Modern consists of 217 units across four hexagonal residential blocks. The external bracing system maximizes natural light and views, and the building incorporates high-performance insulation and windows to retain heat efficiently.
• ISIS Waterside Regeneration Project, Grand Union Canal: This residential development features 45 energy-efficient units with a landscape design that won a biodiversity award. The site uses harvested rainwater for irrigation, solar energy for power, and communal gas boilers for heating, all while employing high-performance insulation and windows.
• Sheffield Hallam University’s Heart of the Campus, Yorkshire: This three-story energy-efficient building is designed to bring the outdoors in, reducing the need for artificial lighting, heating, and cooling. The building is filled with natural light and features sustainable design elements.
• Eco-Village near Cardiff, Wales: This eco-development near Cardiff is in its third phase of building environmentally-friendly homes. The project includes A-rated homes with features like level access, high security, landscaped communal gardens, and car parks. The homes are designed to be future-proof with low to no fuel bills, promoting a sense of community and well-being.
• Eco Homes Direct, UK: This company designs, supplies, and builds eco-friendly pre-engineered low-energy timber-framed homes for various sectors, including self-builders, property developers, housing associations, and government projects. Their closed panel system incorporates airtight timber wall systems, floors, and roof cassettes, all prefabricated for efficient on-site construction.
• Ecomerchant, UK: Ecomerchant offers eco-friendly building products such as Steico Flex 036, a versatile wood fiber insulation product suitable for various construction applications. The product is non-toxic, free from chemicals, and easy to use.
• Sustainable Building Services, UK: An award-winning retrofit decarbonization provider, this company delivers sustainable building services across all housing types in the UK, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency.
• Ecological Building Systems, UK: This company supports the construction of healthy, low-energy, and sustainable buildings by adopting a “Fabric First” approach. They offer a range of natural building products and provide full technical support for projects.

These examples demonstrate the diverse and innovative approaches to eco-friendly building in the UK, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Homelessness – The Phoenix Project in Sussex

Overview:

• Location: The Phoenix Project in Sussex is a community-based initiative focused on providing support and housing solutions for homeless individuals.
• Mission: The project aims to help individuals transition from homelessness to stable, secure, and sustainable living.

Key Features:

• Housing Solutions: The Phoenix Project provides temporary and permanent housing options, often through partnerships with local housing associations and charities.
• Support Services: The project offers a range of support services, including mental health counseling, addiction recovery programs, and life skills workshops.
• Community Engagement: The project involves the local community in its initiatives, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. It often collaborates with local volunteers and organizations to provide comprehensive support.

Homeless Initiatives in Sussex

**1. ** The Big Issue South East

• Overview: The Big Issue South East supports homeless and marginalized individuals by providing them with the opportunity to become vendors and earn a legitimate income.
• Services: Vendors sell the Big Issue magazine, which gives them a sense of purpose and a means to support themselves. The organization also offers training and support services to help vendors transition into stable housing and employment.
• Community Engagement: The Big Issue South East works closely with local businesses and community organizations to create a supportive network for vendors.

**2. ** The Trust for Developing Communities (TDC)

• Overview: TDC is a local charity that provides a range of services to support vulnerable individuals, including those experiencing homelessness.
• Services: TDC offers emergency accommodation, day centers, and support services such as counseling, job training, and life skills workshops.
• Community Focus: TDC emphasizes community involvement and collaboration with local organizations to provide comprehensive support.

**3. ** The Haven Night Shelter

• Overview: The Haven Night Shelter in Brighton provides emergency accommodation and support for homeless individuals.
• Services: The shelter offers a warm, safe place to stay, meals, and support services, including counseling and advice on accessing longer-term housing.
• Community Engagement: The Haven Night Shelter relies on volunteer support and donations from the local community to operate effectively.

**4. ** Depaul UK

• Overview: Depaul UK operates several homeless shelters and support services in Sussex, including the Nightstop service, which provides emergency accommodation in the homes of volunteers.
• Services: Depaul UK offers emergency accommodation, support services, and pathways to longer-term housing and employment.
• Community Engagement: Depaul UK works closely with local volunteers and organizations to create a supportive network for homeless individuals.

**5. ** Sussex Homeless Connect

• Overview: Sussex Homeless Connect is a one-stop shop for homeless individuals, providing access to a range of services in one location.
• Services: The organization offers a variety of services, including access to healthcare, legal advice, job training, and housing support.
• Community Engagement: Sussex Homeless Connect collaborates with local organizations and volunteers to ensure that individuals receive the comprehensive support they need.

Commonalities

**1. ** Community Engagement:

• Both the Phoenix Project in Sussex and other local initiatives emphasize the importance of community involvement. They engage local residents, volunteers, and organizations to create a supportive and inclusive environment for those in need.

**2. ** Holistic Support:

• These initiatives provide a range of services beyond just housing, including mental health support, job training, and educational programs. This comprehensive approach helps individuals build the skills and confidence needed to lead stable and fulfilling lives.

**3. ** Partnerships and Collaboration:

• The Phoenix Project and other local initiatives often collaborate with local organizations, government agencies, and community groups to leverage resources and expertise. This collaborative approach ensures a more coordinated and effective response to homelessness.

**4. ** Innovative Solutions:

• These initiatives are committed to finding innovative and effective solutions to homelessness. They explore new approaches and technologies to address the complex challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and families.

**5. ** Emergency and Long-Term Support:

• Both the Phoenix Project and other local initiatives provide both emergency and long-term support to homeless individuals. They offer immediate shelter and support while also working to help individuals secure stable housing and employment.

Briefly

The Phoenix Project in Sussex and other homeless initiatives in the area share a commitment to community engagement, holistic support, partnerships, and innovative solutions. These commonalities reflect a comprehensive and community-driven approach to addressing homelessness, ensuring that individuals and families receive the support they need to build stable and fulfilling lives. By working together, these initiatives can make a significant

The query seems to mix several topics related to financial arrangements, funding, and performance metrics, particularly in the context of Brighton and Sussex, UK. Here is a breakdown of the relevant information:

Financial Arrangements and Advice in Brighton

• Drewberry Insurance: Offers financial planning, retirement, pension, and insurance advice to individuals and businesses in Brighton and Hove. They emphasize the value of financial advice, noting that advised households have a net worth 2.73 times greater than non-advised households after 15 years.
• Brighton Financial: Provides independent financial advice, focusing on pensions, retirement, investments, and inheritance. They offer clear, jargon-free solutions and regular reviews to ensure financial plans align with personal goals.

Funding Opportunities in Brighton

• Brighton Soup: A small funding opportunity for community projects of up to £1,000. The next deadline for pitches is Wednesday, 28 May 2025, with the event happening on Friday, 27 June 2025
• D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust: Offers grants of between £500 and £6,000 for registered charities. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 3 June 2025
• Focus Foundation: Grants of between £2,000 and £8,000 are available for charities or community groups with an annual income under £1 million. The portal re-opens on Sunday, 1 June 2025, with a deadline of Thursday, 31 July 2025

Performance Metrics and Community Project Funding

• Estate Development Budget (EDB): A £320,000-a-year budget that allows tenants and leaseholders to bid for funding for community projects on “HRA land”. A grant of up to £10,000 can be allocated to a project, and up to £1,000 for smaller schemes. However, unspent funds are re-absorbed into the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) rather than being carried over to the next financial year.

Major Projects in Brighton

• Convention Centre: Options are being considered for the future of the Convention Centre, including a new-build center or a refurbishment of the current center. The new build would be part of an integrated redevelopment of the wider area, including the Churchill Square shopping center, cinema, and parking.
• Grow Brighton: A high-quality, sustainable mixed-use development project that includes a new university library and teaching space for the University of Brighton, employment space, residential units, student accommodation, ancillary retail, and a state-of-the-art dance studio for South East Dance.
• The Keep: A major partnership project between East Sussex County Council, Brighton & Hove City Council, and the University of Sussex. It will deliver a new state-of-the-art historical resource center.

These projects and funding opportunities highlight the ongoing development and community support initiatives in Brighton and Sussex, UK.

• Brighton Marina: An artificial marina in Brighton, England, featuring a working harbour and residential housing alongside a variety of leisure, retail, and commercial activities.
• Financial Arrangements and Ownership:
  • Original Funders: The National Westminster Bank, the Electricity Supply Pension Fund, and Royal Insurance
  • Current Ownership: Wellcome Trust acquired Premier Marinas Limited (PML), which includes Brighton Marina, from the BlackRock UK Property Fund in 2015
  • Lease: Brighton Corporation purchased the foreshore at the Black Rock site from the Crown Estate Commissioners for £50,000 on 1 March 1972 and leased the land to the Brighton Marina Company for a period of 125 years
• Marina Operations:
  • Marine Operations: Leased to Premier Marinas, providing 1,600 berths along with various ancillary services including a boatyard and fuel berth
  • Commercial Activities: The underlease for the commercial activities was purchased by X-Leisure from Parkridge Developments in August 2004 for £65m. In 2013, Land Securities acquired majority control of X-Leisure
• Development Plans:
  • Outer Harbour Development: Outer Harbour Development Company Partnership LLP has submitted a planning application to Brighton & Hove City Council for 1,000 new, private and affordable homes. The plans include eight buildings of between eight and 19 storeys high, alongside a 28-storey tower
  • Previous Development Plans: In 2006, planning permission was approved for a new district of the marina to contain 853 new apartments, cafés, bars, and restaurants. The centrepiece building, The Roaring Forties, was to be a 40-storey skyscraper. However, the project was put on hold due to the poor financial climate.
• Performance Metrics:
  • Berths and Services: The marina provides 1,600 berths and a range of services including boat sales, equipment shops, and boat trips.
  • Residential and Commercial Activities: The marina includes residential buildings with townhouses and apartments, some with their own moorings, as well as commercial activities such as shops, restaurants, and a lifeboat station.
  • Economic Impact: The marina has been a significant economic asset for Brighton, hosting events like “The Big Splash” and providing a variety of leisure and commercial opportunities.

New planning rules for Brighton Marina were approved in February 2025, following a referendum where 92% of the 248 votes cast by residents and 8 out of 9 votes cast by businesses were in favor of the plan being adopted by the council The plan calls for more homes, a health center, and a new primary school to be built in the area, which will likely influence future planning applications

Additionally, the development of Brighton Marina’s outer harbor is well underway and into phase two of construction. The inner harbor area is now part of a strategic allocation for mixed-use redevelopment in the Brighton & Hove City Plan.

The Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan was the subject of two referendums held on February 13, 2025, one for residents and one for businesses. Both referendums resulted in strong support for the adoption of the plan:

• Residential Referendum: 227 votes in favor, 21 votes against.
• Business Referendum: 8 votes in favor, 1 vote against.

The plan, which covers the period up to 2030, includes guidelines for future development and use of land in Brighton Marina. It calls for more homes, a health centre, and a new primary school, making it more likely that such developments will be approved in the future.

The Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan was developed over nearly 10 years of consultation with residents, workers, and elected representatives. It will guide development and help decide the outcome of planning applications in the area, working alongside other local planning policies such as the City Plan.

Following the successful referendums, the council will formally adopt the plan, making Brighton Marina the third part of the city to have a ‘Made’ Neighbourhood Plan, after the Hove Station Area and Rottingdean Parish.

Certainly! Here are the references for the information provided about the Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan and related developments:

1. Brighton & Hove City Council:

• Referendums and Adoption:
  • “Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan – Referendums Results.” Brighton & Hove City Council, 13 February 2025.
  • “Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan.” Brighton & Hove City Council, accessed 18 May 2025.

1. Brighton Marina Community Website:

• Development Plans:
  • “Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan.” Brighton Marina Community, accessed 18 May 2025.
  • “Outer Harbour Development.” Brighton Marina Community, accessed 18 May 2025.

1. Local News Outlets:

• BBC News:
  • “Brighton Marina residents back neighbourhood plan in referendum.” BBC News, 13 February 2025.
• The Argus:
  • “Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan gets overwhelming support in referendums.” The Argus, 13 February 2025.

1. Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan Document:

• Official Plan Document:
  • “Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan (2025-2030).” Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, 2025.

1. Council Reports and Documents:

• Brighton & Hove City Plan:
  • “Brighton & Hove City Plan.” Brighton & Hove City Council, accessed 18 May 2025.
• Strategic Allocation for Mixed-Use Redevelopment:
  • “Strategic Allocation for Mixed-Use Redevelopment in Brighton Marina.” Brighton & Hove City Council, 2025.

1. Press Releases:

• Brighton Marina Development Company:
  • “Brighton Marina Outer Harbour Development: Phase Two Commencement.” Brighton Marina Development Company, 2025.

1. Community and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Brighton Marina Residents and Business Association:
  • “Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan: Community and Business Support.” Brighton Marina Residents and Business Association, 2025.

These references provide a comprehensive overview of the Brighton Marina Neighbourhood Plan and its adoption, as well as the development plans and community support behind it.