In the Netherlands, a "Green Financing" system has been developed by the Dutch Government that provides favourable loan finance when certain sustainable standards are reached. The Ecopark project meets all the compulsory measures for Green Financing.

Such arrangements are not available in the UK since they rely on fiscal measures by which the Dutch Government provides taxation benefits to those who achieve the required environmental and sustainable standards.

Leading European Consultants DHV AIB (NL) have been appointed by Gallions HA to evaluate the scheme against the Green Financing criteria. In order to retain their continuous involvement through the construction and into the post-completion evaluation period, it is proposed that an IGP grant be secured to part-fund such an appointment, such that a report of findings can be produced for UK social housing audiences. This work would embrace:

• An assessment of the Dutch Green Financing methodology, with a view to making recommendations on its possible replication here.
  
  
• Technical performance and impacts: an evaluation of the technical measures by comparing the 'Dutch' measures with current UK approaches such as BREEAM and NHER rating.
  
  
• Calculation of the reduced environmental impact of Thamesmead Ecopark designs in terms of CO2 reduction and other environmental indicators. Using Eco-Quantum or ENVEST, building LCA tools in The Netherlands and United Kingdom.
  
  
• Design and implementation process: What difficulties and obstacles have been met? Which measures are relative easy to include? What process has been followed? Design decision making, from initial design up to construction. What recommendations for design and management can be given?
  
  
• Occupants' and clients' experiences and response: User survey and interview of client on experience in developing and managing Thamesmead Ecopark. Conclusions on overall satisfaction and replicability of approach.