Guest Blog:
By Elfed Roberts, Head of Sustainability & Innovation, Pobl Group
As a provider of low-cost and social housing, Pobl Group is committed to building homes that are not only great places to live but also sustainable and important to the local community, both now and in the future.
That philosophy was at the heart of Gwynfaen, our forward-thinking development of 144 homes near Swansea.
From the outset, our ambition was to create a low-carbon community that exceeded the rigorous environmental standards set by the Welsh Government. Homes that were not just environmentally responsible, but also comfortable and affordable for residents to heat and manage.
Achieving that ambition meant partnering with suppliers who share our values and long-term vision. NorDan UK, with its data-driven and low-carbon manufacturing approach, stood out as an ideal collaborator. Its forward-thinking ethos made it a natural fit for a project like Gwynfaen.
To deliver truly low-carbon housing, we needed to understand the whole-life carbon footprint of the development before construction began. While operational carbon, the emissions generated by residents, is often prioritised, it was essential to consider the embodied carbon: the emissions produced during the manufacture, transport, and assembly of materials.
NorDan’s Dynamic Environmental Product Declarations (Dynamic EPDs) and data modelling tools enabled us to calculate the embodied carbon of the 1,000 windows used in the development. This level of data transparency allowed us to make informed decisions from the outset.
Based on this analysis, we specified NorDan’s TopTech timber alu-clad windows for their outstanding thermal performance (with U-values as low as 0.8 W/m²K) and exceptional durability. These aluminium-clad timber frames offer a 60-year life expectancy, far exceeding the typical 10–15 years of PVC or standard aluminium windows and significantly lower lifecycle costs for both residents and landlords. This not only cut embodied carbon but also delivers long-term cost-efficiency.
Crucially, these high-performance windows also offer real benefits for residents. Their superior airtightness and triple glazing significantly reduce heat loss, leading to lower energy bills and warmer homes. At Gwynfaen, residents typically spend just £50 a month on energy, less than half the national average. For us, this proves that high-spec, low-carbon products can deliver social value as well as environmental impact.
But Gwynfaen isn’t alone in its mission to provide high-standard, low-carbon homes. A broader movement, including Tai Ar Y Cyd, a collaborative project by 23 Welsh social landlords to deliver 20,000 ultra-low carbon, affordable homes by 2030.
Both Gwynfaen and Tai Ar Y Cyd reflect a shared vision: to build high-performance homes that meet progressive standards, phase out fossil fuels, and prioritise sustainability through a fabric-first approach. This means carefully considering the choice and performance of materials that make up the building envelope.
Tai Ar Y Cyd’s approach mirrors our own at Gwynfaen. Like us, they recognise that achieving EPC A ratings and long-term carbon reductions requires investing in high-quality, low-carbon materials such as those supplied by NorDan.
Gwynfaen and Tai Ar Y Cyd both demonstrate what can be achieved when social housing providers embrace a forward-looking vision that balances sustainability, high performance, and everyday comfort.
However, delivering truly sustainable homes isn’t about ticking boxes; they’re the result of deliberate, detail-driven design and a rigorous approach to specification and construction from the ground up.
Elfed Roberts
This starts with whole-life carbon calculations and continues through thoughtful material choices, strong partnerships, and a commitment to long-term value for residents and communities alike.
For those curious about the future of low-carbon living, we invite you to visit us at Gwynfaen. There's no better way to experience sustainable living in Wales than to see it for yourself.
