In the suburb of Hackbridge in South West London, a sustainable social housing movement is taking place. BedZED, the U.K.’s first large-scale “eco-village,” is leading the way in the global movement to improve sustainable social housing offerings.

In the period to 2030, almost all of the world’s total population increase will take place in urban areas, with rural areas being static.

Completed and occupied in 2002, the Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) is a mixed-use property comprised of 100 homes and apartments, offices, a college, and community amenities. Not only does the property offer different-sized homes available to rent or buy—providing housing for different needs—it was also built to emit zero fossil fuels and is integrated into the surrounding area, providing residents with ample employment and economic opportunity. In all, it is a prime example of the type of sustainable social housing projects that need to be implemented throughout the world. But, to solve the encroaching global affordable housing problem, there is still a long way to go.