A smart, sustainable housing model

Investing in the development of a smart and sustainable fossil-fuel-free housing model for the future through Bristol Energy Cooperative

At a time when energy price hikes, fuel poverty and fossil fuel investment are hitting the headlines again, pioneering organisations and communities are taking control of their energy generation, with renewable energy installations that are benefitting local people and the environment as a whole. 



One organisation that's leading the charge in community energy, is Bristol Energy Cooperative who, since 2011 have successfully delivered numerous pioneering renewable energy projects that take decisive action against the climate crisis, whilst reinvesting revenues into the local community. 



Investing in smart housing development

And it's not just solar panels they're developing, alongside developing a hydro station and battery storage solutions, BEC are looking to microgrids as an innovative and sustainable way for communities to generate and benefit from their own energy systems.

A good example of this is Water Lilies, a truly innovative housing development in northwest Bristol, consisting of 33 high-end eco self build homes that share a garden and community facilities. The development boasts an integrated smart energy system that combines solar energy generation, central battery storage, electric vehicle charging and air-source heat pumps to create sustainable homes that put people and the planet first. 

in 2020, Bristol Energy Cooperative raised £2 million via Ethex and the Water Lilies microgrid was just one of the projects to benefit from this finance, funding the grid-scale battery for the microgrid.

The Water Lilies project is now well-advanced now, with the battery and much of the microgrid infrastructure in place. This is a first for the UK and is leading the way in demonstrating the opportunities for sustainable community housing. The first residents are expected to arrive later this year. Watch their new video to see the development and learn more.

A new opportunity to be a part of it

Bristol Energy Cooperative has now launched a new community share offer on Ethex that will help to fund another community housing microgrid - this time at a new eco-housing development of 53 homes to buy or rent in Bridport - among other clean energy initiatives that will build on their extensive portfolio. 

Since 2011, BEC have developed an extensive portfolio of renewable energy projects. These include 2 solar farms, 13 rooftop solar projects that bring savings to the host sites (typically community centres). They are currently generating the equivalent of 30% of Bristol's solar energy as well as providing 100kW of battery storage.



The new share offer has already raised over £310,000 of its £1 million target and is open until 31st March. Investments start at £100 with a forecast return of 3.5%. 


If you're interested in investing to support the development of these pioneering community-owned renewable energy projects and help create an energy system fit for the future, visit their profile and find out more.

Capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed.