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Welcome to BedZed, completed in 2002 as the United Kingdom’s largest mixed use, sustainable community. It wows me. Residents live in more than 100 exceptionally “green” homes, take public transit or ride bicycles, and grow their own food. The Beddington Zero Energy Development, located south of London in Wallington, is made up of 50 percent owned homes, 25 percent BedZed-worker shared ownership dwellings, and 25 percent housing for rent.

All the dwellings face south, with large glass openings for solar heat gain. All wood used in construction is approved by the Forest Stewardship Council. Heat energy is captured in water and circulated around the community through a super-insulated pipe system.

The colorful heat-recovery wind cowls atop the buildings swing around toward the source to draw cool air into the buildings for circulation. BedZED community claims that the homes and offices in the development use 81 percent less energy for heating, use 45 percent less electricity, 58 percent less water, and recycle 60 percent of their waste. Car-share programs and a location a five-minute walk to public transit cuts commuter pollution (amounting to 64 percent lower car use by residents).

Every house has a garden and the community holds classes to teach residents how to best grow food.

Some 30 cm of insulation wrap the buildings and “thermally massive materials” make the buildings into thermal sinks.

Want to move in? One home is up for sale at $520,500. Watch this cool BedZed video narrated by a resident.