Latest research calls for reality-check on carbon reduction from eco-technologies

The NHBC Foundation, the joint research venture between NHBC and BRE, today launched its analysis of carbon saving technologies for the UK housing industry, with a caution that more work needs to be done to avoid the potentially significant risks associated with their implementation.

A Review of Microgeneration and Renewable Energy Technologies was commissioned to help builders, developers and local councils meet the 2016 zero carbon homes target.

With around 27% of total UK energy output used to heat, light and power homes, the house-building sector has turned to cutting-edge innovations to meet Government targets. 

Chair of the NHBC Foundation, Rt. Hon. Nick Raynsford MP, said: “Leading builders and developers have stepped up to meet the challenge of creating zero carbon homes, but much more needs to be done to achieve real carbon and cost savings for consumers.

“This report is a first step in helping the house building industry comprehend the risks and issues associated with building zero carbon homes.  With strict requirements set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes, Energy Performance Building Directive and building regulations, new technologies are crucial to their success.”

“The generation of energy using wind, water and alternative fuels is still in its infancy for mass-scale housing developments.  The NHBC Foundation is supporting builders in the complex task of analysing and selecting the most suitable and cost-effective systems appropriate to each development to provide a whole generation of homeowners with efficient and well-designed housing.”

The research, conducted in conjunction with the Building Research Establishment (BRE), assesses the 11 types of technology most appropriate for new developments, including biomass, solar photovoltaic, air source heat pump and fuel cell technologies. 

It examines cost-efficiency and carbon saving benefits, with crucial factors like payback periods, seasonal variation, location and local authority planning requirements taken into account. In addition the research looks at the capability and costs of retro-fitting technologies where this is possible.

Imtiaz Faroohki, Chief Executive of the NHBC, welcomed the report, saying: “This research emphasises the fact that there is no technological ‘magic bullet’ to renewable energy.  What is made absolutely clear is that builders need to use the right technology for the right situation and this needs to be done on a case-by-case basis, otherwise they are unlikely to deliver on the three crucial measurements: carbon reduction, cost effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

“Our job is to de-risk the potential problems associated with implementing zero carbon technologies for consumers, industry and the country as a whole. Providing hard facts and data through the Foundation will ensure the industry can make informed choices to address the Government’s agenda whilst delivering benefits and maintaining quality for homeowners.

“For example, the report outlines that domestic-scale wind turbines used in the wrong geographic location will be ineffective, which not only risks failing to deliver on the zero carbon objective but could also mean the technology actually uses more carbon, in the manufacture and delivery process, than it saves.

”We must not fail to deliver on the zero carbon agenda by simply ignoring the realities and issues associated with the various technologies on offer. We must also be clear that the industry needs time to plan and manage the implementation of the ambitious 2016 target. We must ensure there is a cohesive approach within industry and Government which avoids the local targets and inconsistencies of the planning system and continues to allow the industry to make informed choices based on sound research backed up by effective testing and accreditation systems. We must avoid a situation where the consumers of the future suffer from short-sighted decisions made today.”

Mark Clare, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments, said: "The NHBC research is an important step forward and it is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure that there are reliable and cost effective technologies available. Barratt is determined to drive the environmental agenda forward to ensure that the right solutions are available for our customers."

A Review of Microgeneration and Renewable Energy Technologies is the most recent in a programme of sustainability research projects by the NHBC Foundation, download your copy at  http://nhbcfoundation.org/Projects/tabid/54/Default.aspx

ENDS

Media contact at Mandate Communications:
Kate Jones, 0207 379 5000, kate.jones@yourmandate.com
Amy Reed, 0207 379 5000, amy.reed@yourmandate.com

Notes to Editors:
The NHBC Foundation was established by NHBC in partnership with the BRE Trust to facilitate research and development, technology and knowledge sharing, and the capture of industry best practice in the pursuit of improved building standards for the new-build housing sector.

The BRE Trust is a charity for research and education in the built environment.  Its chief goal is to ensure earnings from the companies it owns deliver against its charitable education and research mission.  BRE is one of the companies owned by the BRE Trust and it is commissioned to undertake projects by both public and private organisations.

Barratt Developments PLC is one of Britain's foremost sustainable housebuilders. The Barratt Green House on the BRE Park in Garston will be the first Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 unit built by a major housebuilder and the Hanham Hall development near Bristol will be the first zero carbon community in the UK.