Launch of Energy, Water and Waste Research
 
Launch of Energy, Water and Waste Research

April 20, 2007

NHBC FOUNDATION PUBLISHES ENERGY WATER AND WASTE REDUCTION GUIDE

Continuing its programme of practical, delivery-based research targeting the “information gap” in the UK house-building industry, NHBC’s independent research institution – the NHBC Foundation – has today published its research findings on “Conserving energy and water and minimising waste”.

Launched in January last year in partnership with the BRE Trust and chaired by former Housing Minister Rt. Hon. Nick Raynsford MP, the Foundation has targeted a series of research findings at the zero carbon and sustainability agenda and these will be delivered throughout the course of the year. Alongside this programme of research the Foundation has continued to focus on broader themes in its work and the next project due to be published is expected to provide a risk management guide for lenders on Modern Methods of Construction.

Nick Raynsford said: “I am particularly pleased that the agenda we set for the Foundation has continued to prove its relevance and this latest research finding comes at a time when the issues around sustainability and the zero carbon agenda need to be specifically addressed. The Foundation will continue its important work on the broader themes in the UK new house-building industry and this will remain relevant and pertinent for the industry.”

The publication on energy, water and waste comes in the wake of a series of legislative, regulatory announcements and reports from Government at the close of 2006 targeting the house-building industry as a key to reducing carbon emissions. The research has concluded that builders and developers will need to make changes to their processes to meet requirements for reducing waste and conserving energy and water under Government targets. It suggests the industry can expect to see the following impacts in the near future:

ENERGY

  • Higher insulation standards
  • Greater emphasis on air tightness, ventilation and internal air quality
  • Larger overall footprints for the same internal floor space
  • Increased focus on efficiency of heating, lighting and appliances
  • Greater attention to detailing to avoid thermal bridging
  • Less reliance on fossil fuels and more on renewable sources

WATER

  • Attention to detail on flood and rainwater run-off risks
  • Greater use of rainwater harvesting for gardening and internal services such as WCs
  • Lower flow rates on taps and showers with more efficient thermostatic controls
  • Potential for recycling facilities within the home for “grey water”
  • Greater emphasis on the potential for grey water use in gardening and WCs

WASTE

  • Focus on waste throughout the build and occupation process with greater emphasis on Site Waste
  • Management plans during the construction phase
  • Greater emphasis on recycled or renewable construction materials and reduction in hazardous materials
  • Greater provision of on-site recycling facilities for residents
  • Greater use of off-site manufacture to minimise construction waste and site waste within the constraints of, and with focus towards, the carbon reduction agenda
  • Greater use of biofuels for localised energy production schemes

 “Across the year the Foundation will be tackling issues including renewable energy sources, sustainable drainage systems and site waste, all of which feed in to the emissions reduction agenda,” said Mr Raynsford. “The Foundation will remain at the heart of research delivery to the industry, addressing the pressing issues today for the future.”

To download a copy of the research document please click here

To request a printed copy of the research please contact the Foundation Press Office, contact details for which can be found here

Notes to Editors:

At present the NHBC Foundation’s research programme for 2007 is planned to cover the following topics:

  • Micro-generation and renewable energy – the Foundation is seeking to develop a resource to help identify the most appropriate technologies and to help speed up the adoption of those technologies that will be most effective in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
  • Ground source energy systems in housing developments – the aim of this project is to identify the benefits and barriers associated with ground source energy systems in housing developments.
  • Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) – in line with legislative changes which come into force next year, the Foundation is developing a checklist and toolbox talk on SWMPs for builders providing important guidance on how to implement an effective site waste management plan.
  • Drainage provision for sustainable development - a project is currently underway to improve drainage provision for sustainable developments.

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.

NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. It was established more than 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company.  NHBC's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers. NHBC's ten-year 'Buildmark' warranty covers more than 80 % of homes built in the UK and has protected more than 6 million homes to date.

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.

ENDS
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