Octopus Energy & gs8 Launch ‘Zero Bills’ Initiative

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

We have exciting news to share with you today as the UK takes a significant leap towards sustainable living. Octopus Energy, a leading energy supplier, has joined forces with gs8, a pioneering sustainable housebuilder, to unveil the UK’s largest ‘Zero Bills’ development in Thornwood, Epping. This ambitious project is set to redefine the future of housing by integrating advanced green technology with community-focused design.

The collaboration builds upon the success of their inaugural ‘Zero Bills’ site located in Walthamstow. The new development in Thornwood will comprise an impressive 113 homes, marking gs8’s largest project to date. A key feature of this development is its innovative microgrid design, which will allow for centralised battery storage. This technology will facilitate the seamless sharing of solar power between the properties, ensuring that residents benefit from renewable energy without the burden of hefty energy bills.

What sets this initiative apart is its commitment to sustainability. The Octopus-accredited site will adhere to gs8’s ‘Planet Positive Framework’. This approach not only aims for zero waste principles but also strives to sequester more carbon within the homes than is required for their construction and maintenance. This is a groundbreaking step forward in the fight against climate change, demonstrating how housing can contribute positively to the environment.

For those unfamiliar with the ‘Zero Bills’ tariff launched by Octopus Energy in 2022, it’s a game-changer in the housing market. This initiative allows residents to move into homes equipped with state-of-the-art green technologies, such as heat pumps, batteries, and solar panels. Remarkably, these homes come with a guarantee of no energy bills for a period ranging from five to ten years, providing peace of mind and financial relief to families.

The Thornwood development will also cater to the local community’s needs by offering 35 homes available for affordable rent, with the first properties set to be launched in April this year. In a bid to enhance community integration, the plans for the development have been meticulously tailored to reflect the desires and requirements of local residents. Additionally, the project will introduce several new public spaces, with homes strategically bordering a nature reserve, thus promoting a harmonious relationship between nature and neighbourhood.

Octopus Energy has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to deliver 100,000 ‘Zero Bills’ homes by the year 2030. This initiative is not confined to the UK; Octopus has already made strides in Germany and New Zealand, showcasing the global potential of their sustainable housing model.

Nigel Banks, Zero Bills Director at Octopus Energy, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Zero Bills’ is not just about eliminating energy bills – it’s about creating a sustainable future. Our partnership with gs8 to deliver a microgrid community is all about delivering a truly transformative solution that sets a new standard for affordable, eco-friendly living.”

Echoing this sentiment, Josh Gordon, Co-Founder of gs8, highlighted the importance of this development for their business. “This is a landmark development for us as a business, building on the groundbreaking regenerative housing approach we’ve been committed to for the past six plus years,” he said. “We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Octopus Energy, a pioneering business which shares our vision and values, and seeks to create homes built for the future, along with developments that bring positive lasting impacts to local communities.”

This collaborative effort not only promises to provide affordable and sustainable homes but also serves as a blueprint for future developments in the UK and beyond. As we continue to face the pressing challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, initiatives like the ‘Zero Bills’ project stand as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets determination.

In conclusion, the Thornwood ‘Zero Bills’ development is more than just a housing project; it represents a shift in how we think about living sustainably in harmony with our environment. With its focus on community needs, environmental stewardship, and pioneering technology, this initiative is poised to make a significant impact on both local and global scales. We encourage you, our dedicated community, to stay informed and engaged with these transformative developments as we collectively strive towards a net-zero future.

Let us celebrate this momentous occasion and continue to champion the values of sustainability, innovation, and community spirit that drive our mission forward. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.