NHBC: Consumers should not be zero carbon technology guinea pigs

As the evidence grows on the extent of climate change and its potentially disastrous impact on our way of life all sectors of the economy are having to think seriously about how to mitigate the impact of their operations on the environment.

With the Draft Climate Change Bill laying out a target for reducing UK emissions the estimated 30 per cent of the total UK carbon emissions contributed by residential dwellings is an important focus in emissions reduction. The UK house-building industry is conscious of this and working closely with Government in developing energy efficient strategies to improve how future homes are constructed.

NHBC’s main purpose is to raise house-building standards and sustainability is recognised as being central to this aim. At the heart of this process is the theme of consumer protection and NHBC is clear that consumers must not end up as guineas pigs for technology which is not tried and tested in the drive to the 2016 zero carbon target laid out in the Code for Sustainable Homes.

NHBC has invested heavily in time and resources in developing research to assist the industry in the sustainability agenda. In a series of targeted research projects NHBC’s recently launched independent research institution - the NHBC Foundation - has published guidance on reducing Energy, Water and Waste as part of a programme of work across the year. The Foundation will expand its work to look at related sustainability issues and further research work is already under way, for example on Sustainable Drainage Systems.

In addition NHBC has published a review of microgeneration systems. The guide comes after extensive research into the systems and technologies currently in use and gives practical guidance on specification, design and installation. We have also been involved in the joint Department for Trade and Industry (DTI)/Building Research Establishment (BRE) programme to develop certification systems for renewable technologies.

Currently NHBC is working with BRE on the revision to the “Green guide to specification” – a document which it developed in partnership with BRE. This guide, which will be linked to the Code for Sustainable Homes, will provide builders and developers with advice on environmentally friendly materials.

NHBC continues to be closely involved in policy work, both with Parliament and the industry at large. The National Centre for Excellence in Housing (NCEiH), NHBC’s joint venture “think tank” with the BRE, has been working to bring stakeholders together to explore the wider policy aspects of the sustainability and zero carbon agendas.

For more information, please visit www.nhbcfoundation.org