NHBC

Focus on education and guidance to ensure industry is prepared for low carbon housebuilding

2012-01-31T18:52:00.001Z

A recent report published by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE), which looked at the UK’s ability to deliver the Government’s low carbon housebuilding initiative, concluded that some elements of the construction industry are vastly unprepared for the task that lies ahead.

The plumbing and heating industries were singled out as areas of concern, citing the absence of adequate green skills knowledge and understanding of the latest installation techniques necessary for reducing emissions rates in new-build homes.

There’s no denying that large-scale change is on the way across the UK construction industry in the delivery of new-build housing stock with much higher green credentials. However, the RAE report does only focus on one particular area of the industry and does not capture the desire across the whole sector to up-skill for building this new type of housing stock.

Greater collaboration between industry and Government on how renewable targets are met and implemented to a high standard (and on time) presents the biggest challenge in the switch to renewable energy. Before such a large-scale renewable roll-out scheme can take place, the tools, workforce and information to deliver it across the UK do need to be developed much further.

Communication and simplified terminology is a recurring issue when it comes to construction. For example, the latest changes to Part F were received as quite complex by the ventilation industry, prompting NHBC Foundation to produce its own Part F 2010 – where to start guide to better inform fitters of the new regulation requirements. Simplification of terminology surrounding low and zero carbon technologies is also explored in the forthcoming NHBC Foundation research on current attitudes of occupiers, housebuilders and housing associations.

The Government’s Green Deal scheme will offer loans to homeowners for upgrade work by a multitude of providers, including individual plumbing/building contractors, therefore the focus needs to be on informing, guiding and educating, ensuring that installers of new technologies do have the adequate skills and are prepared.

Builders and designers need to make sense of ‘Part F’ changes

2012-01-16T10:58:00.005Z

Building regulations relating to ventilation have changed significantly in recent years as awareness of the importance of achieving good indoor air quality has grown. We have also become increasingly aware of the number of pollutants that exist inside buildings and their potential to affect the internal environment.

Previous generations of housing stock were not built with detailed attention being paid to achieving an airtight fabric and so gaps in the construction between floor boards and other features such as chimneys could be relied upon to provide a good level of ‘adventitious’ ventilation. But in recent years attention has turned to designing and building new homes that are much more airtight and this is now confirmed by sample testing at the completion stage. The consequence is that total reliance is now placed on the ventilation measures provided by the builder such as vents and fans to maintain a good internal environment.

As the need for purpose-provided ventilation has become greater, Approved Document F (ventilation) has become more detailed and complicated to understand, presenting a real challenge for some designers and builders. For this reason, the NHBC Foundation, together with the Zero Carbon Hub, last month launched the Part F 2010 – where to start guide for house builders and designers, in an effort to outline in straightforward terms, the big changes to regulation on new-build home ventilation and the key changes from Approved Document F in 2006.

The guide, a companion to our Part L 2010 – where to start guide, aims to explain the new requirements as simply as possible, setting out clearly, the alternative strategies that can be executed to ensure robust ventilation, regardless of air tightness levels. Aimed particularly at the SME designer and builder, the guide takes five typical example home types and gives details for each of the four alternative ventilation system types. Based on this guidance, it is hoped that designers and builders will be empowered to make a rational choice of the most appropriate systems for their own home types.

Reviewing the risk of fire in non-traditional new homes

2012-01-04T17:14:00.000Z

Housebuilding has seen an increased number of non-traditional construction methods over recent years, from factory produced modular systems through to innovative site-built constructions. These changes have been driven by a number of factors including the shortage of skilled labour, a drive to improve quality and efficiency and also the rising challenge of achieving zero carbon homes. Earlier this year it was reported that Wales is to become the first country to make sprinklers in new build homes compulsory, however, to date, unlike their timber framed counterparts, there has been little solid research published on the fire risks of new build homes using these new construction methods.

Earlier this month, NHBC Foundation launched its own report - Fire performance of new residential buildings – to provide a balanced view of whether such methods and the use of thermal insulating products in particular, present a higher risk in the event of fire.

The NHBC Foundation report sought input from a 14-strong stakeholder steering group, including many in the design and construction industry and fire services and looks at real fires data across several sources from 1998 to 2010, case studies and the current regulatory framework and prescriptive guidance of the Building Regulations.

The new methods of construction examined in the report included:

· insulated concrete formwork

· light timber frame

· structural insulated panels

· engineered floor joists

· light steel framing

The report also explores the possibility of reducing fires during the construction phase. While fire safety on construction sites is generally a matter for the Health and Safety Executive; non-traditional construction methods do present differing risks that need to be addressed and the report suggests a move towards effective detection or suppression and preventative measures to reduce the severity of fire that does occur.

Considering fire claims data, initial findings do seem to indicate that certain forms of construction may contribute towards fire spread, leading to some increase in claims but further research of the data is required to draw any firm conclusions. Improved communication between Insurers, the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) and the construction industry will also be required to improve collected data and the recording of non-traditional construction types.

The report does not conclude that non-traditional construction methods add to fire risk, but instead calls for care and attention in the design and construction of all domestic buildings. Regardless of construction type, the use of combustible materials either as principal framing elements or in the fabric of the building may provide a route for either internal fire spread through cavities or externally through the façade and will always remain a risk requiring satisfactory management when building new energy efficient homes.

Following the interest in the issues in this report, NHBC Foundation is also in the early planning stages of a follow-up research project Fires in cavities of residential buildings that we hope to share with you soon.

Housebuilding in 2011: The year that was – and what’s in store for new homes development in 2012

2011-12-23T11:25:00.000Z

This year has been a significant one for the house building industry, with headline-grabbing challenges and changes happening throughout the year. It was a busy one for the NHBC Foundation too, as we published a range of reports to help and inform the house building industry both today, in some of the most testing circumstances, and into the future. We’ll recap some of those later, but first, a look back at some of the year’s key house building news.

Housing Supply

Despite hopeful signs of improvement early in 2011, there has been no real growth in the housing market this year, and according to some commentators the UK is on the brink – if not already experiencing – a housing crisis.

In part to tackle this lack of supply into the housing market, as well as increase affordability and access to finance, the Government launched its Housing Strategy for England in November. The Strategy offers, “support to deliver new homes and support aspiration”, through a variety of measures, including a new build mortgage indemnity scheme and a £400 million investment fund to support small and medium builders. The strategy was cautiously welcomed by much of the house building industry, with a sense that the devil will be in the detail and in implementation.

The Housing Strategy was published some months after the draft National Planning Policy Framework, which came out in the summer. The Framework sets out, “the Government’s vision of sustainable development, which should be interpreted and applied locally to meet local aspirations”. It met a mixed response, with very vocal support from some camps, and criticism from others. And, the NPPF has this week come under the spotlight again as a CLG committee report called for parts of the policy to be re-written.

Sustainability and Zero Carbon Homes

The topic of Zero Carbon Homes has been high on the agenda for much of this year. In March, the Government launched its draft Carbon Plan, reaffirming its commitment to, “ensuring that new-build homes are zero carbon by 2016.” However, once the Budget was unveiled later that month, it was announced that, “from 2016, new homes will no longer have to make a net addition of zero to the carbon footprint of the UK’s overall housing stock.”

Following the budget announcement, the Government pushed forth with its Energy Act, culminating in the publication of the Green Deal consultation in November. The Government’s plan is to incentivise the installation of energy saving measures in buildings at no upfront cost to consumers, via a financing system. This plan has been much-debated throughout the year, with critics saying that take-up will be limited. This scepticism was further fuelled in November, when the Government announced a 50% cut in subsidies for solar power through Feed in Tariffs; a move that was this week found to be legally flawed by the high court.

Our work

Among a number of policies, reports and strategies coming from Government and the housing industry, we at the NHBC Foundation have been busy producing a range of reports and guides to address key issues and challenges in house building. We’ve looked at a range of topics, from how occupants behave and interact with their homes, to energy saving in homes across the globe and from roof-mounted microgeneration technologies to the detail around changes to Part L and Part F.

Looking forward to 2012

2012 is shaping up to be equally busy and we already have the following reports planned for the New Year:

• Housing Supply: future of the Housebuilding industry

• User interface design and occupant behaviour in low carbon homes

• Energy efficient appliances and controls

• Building homes at speed: risks and rewards

• Review of overheating in highly insulated homes

• Microgeneration technologies in new housing: technological trajectories and user experiences

• Changing attitudes to zero carbon homes among occupiers, Housebuilders and Housing Associations

So, looking to the year ahead, all that is left to do is wish you all a merry Christmas and best wishes for 2012.

When will energy efficiency affect property valuations?

2011-12-14T11:38:00.001Z

Last week Halifax published a report looking at the price performance of different types of housing stock in the UK property market. The Property Age Review details property price fluctuations for four predefined housing age brackets covering the last 25 years and according to the research, homes that predate World War One have seen the largest surge in worth.

While commentary on the report suggests that style that stands the test of time and good location are reasons for the popularity of Victorian and Edwardian era stock, there’s scarce mention of the sustainable performance and expensive restoration bills that often come with such older buildings.

After pre-1919 homes, properties built since 1960 have seen the next largest rise in house prices, but there’s also much to be said about purchasing new energy efficient homes too.

Lower running costs compared with older properties is a principal reason for choosing to go with new-build homes over older stock. Energy efficiency measures have come a long way in recent years, and new homes must now conform to strict standards in terms of insulation and heating. Not only can new-build, energy efficient homes reduce energy output but they can also keep carbon emissions to a minimum, meaning savings on heating bills too.

Choosing new-build homes over existing stock also allows homeowners to take advantage of government led incentive schemes. Following the publication of last month’s Housing Strategy, incentive schemes such as FirstBuy are being rolled-out across the country as part of a combined effort from central government, local councils and housebuilders to encourage people to purchase new build homes. House-hunters choosing this route can expect to make savings with part-exchanges on old houses, payment of stamp duty as well as part-funded deposits. New-build homes also come with the added benefit of warranty protection.

Reports such as this are helpful in gauging valuations for different types of housing stock. However, as energy efficiency in new homes becomes ever more advanced, it will be interesting to see in a few years to come whether new-build homes creep higher up the list. Conclusions from our current research among new-build homeowners and energy efficient homeowners are due in early 2012 – following our 2008 publication Zero carbon: what does it mean to homeowners and housebuilders. From this, we might be in a better position to understand how energy efficient homes are being used and whether more can be done to ensure that new and prospective homeowners really see their worth.

Government consultation on the Green Deal announced: creating energy efficient homes to help save consumers money

2011-11-23T16:31:00.002Z

Energy efficient homes to be achieved with no upfront cost for consumer

The Government’s consultation on the Green Deal was published today as part of the Energy and Climate Change Secretary’s Annual Energy Statement to Parliament. The Green Deal will come into play in October 2012 and will enable house holders – including business, landlords and homeowners – to install energy saving measures at no upfront cost.

The upfront cost of energy saving measures, such as insulation and draft proofing, will be met by providers. Providers will range from local authorities to high street DIY shops and smaller family run organisations. The loan for these improvements made to the home will be attached to the property itself and the homeowner will pay back the loan using money made through savings on energy bills over a period of time.

The key points in the consultation include:

The Green Deal will help boost the economy: The Green Deal will kick start £14 billion private sector investment over the next decade, and could support at least 65, 000 insulation and construction jobs by 2015. Safeguards will be put in place to help small family run firms to get involved as well as larger high street stores.

Energy companies to help consumers: The Green Deal will create £1.3 billion a year additional help from energy companies for homeowners, in particular vulnerable and hard-to-insulate homes.

Energy bills to be reduced: The Green Deal will help reduce the overall average household energy bill. By 2020 bills will be 7%, or £94, lower than without energy and climate policies.

The Green Deal aims to make energy bills lower even in cold weather

The announcement of this consultation is already being discussed in the media, with the BBC and the Guardian reporting on the variety of reactions it has inspired from organisations representing the energy sector, the wider business community and consumers.

The NHBC Foundation will be unpicking the results of the consultation and will provide further information soon. Please revisit our blog to find out more about the implications of the Green Deal for consumers and the construction industry.

Ensuring new homes in the UK meet Zero Carbon Homes targets: The Government’s Housing Strategy

2011-11-23T11:00:00.000Z

On Monday the Government revealed its Housing Strategy Laying the Foundations: A Housing Strategy for England, which outlines its proposals to “tackle the housing shortage, boost the economy, create jobs and give people the opportunity to get on the housing ladder”. The strategy includes measures across the housing supply chain, from unlocking land and stalled housing sites, to opening up mortgage availability for first time buyers.

All the measures are set against the backdrop of environmental sustainability in housing, and at the heart of the strategy is the Government’s “commitment to delivering the Zero Carbon Homes standard“. In the strategy, the Government lays out how both new and existing homes will be made more energy efficient, to help reduce the UK’s carbon emissions, withstand any changes to the climate and protect the natural environment.

Reducing carbon emissions

A significant part of this is developing zero carbon homes, to which the Government reaffirms its commitment in the strategy. The fourth carbon budget, recently set by the Government, is named as one tool for doing this: the carbon budget says a reduction of 50% in carbon emissions on 1990 levels between 2023-27 must be met. A report on how this target can be met will be coming soon – keep reading our blog for further information.

Improving the energy efficiency of new homes

While the strategy highlights the positive improvement to the energy efficiency of new homes built – a 26% improvement in the average energy efficiency of housing stock since the mid 1990s – there is more to be done. Updates to Building Regulations are one way the Government plans to raise the standards of energy efficiency of the built fabric of new homes. A consultation on changes to the Building Regulations will soon take place – the NHBC Foundation blog will report on these changes.

Off-site carbon reduction measures

The limitations of the commercial value in reducing carbon emissions through improving the efficiency of the built fabric of individual houses or other measures, such as installing renewable energy systems, is acknowledged in the strategy. Where this is the case, the Government will use the Building Regulations to support off-site carbon reduction measures like district heating schemes.

The Zero Carbon Hub’s report Allowable Solutions for Tomorrow’s New Homes, suggested how off-site carbon reduction would work. The Government will now work towards a detailed plan for how this will take place. The complete plan will certainly have a strong local and community focus, in line with the National Planning Policy Framework, to enhance investment in renewable options deemed to be a priority to each locality.

Improving the energy efficiency of the built structure

The built fabric of new homes must be energy efficient

In the strategy, the Government emphasises that compliance with Building Regulations alone is not enough to achieve Zero Carbon Homes standards. It highlights the positive impact of the Zero Carbon Hub, which is showing the house building industry practical ways of reaching the 2012 Zero Carbon Homes standard, and the Technology Strategy Board, which is funding projects to develop ways of meeting energy efficiency standards through changes to the built fabric alone.

Efficient use of water

Water efficiency is highlighted as a way of enabling consumers to save money on their utility bills. The NHBC Foundation report Water Consumption in sustainable new homes, produced earlier this year, looks at the success of some of the design techniques aimed at improving water efficiency. The report highlights that more consumer engagement is needed for home occupiers to really embrace water efficient measures.

The Government’s long term aim is to embed sustainable design techniques into the house building industry’s approach to design and construction, so that the Zero Carbon Homes target is met, both through improving the energy efficiency of the built fabric and off-site carbon reduction. The Foundation eagerly awaits the results of the results of the Government’s further consultations.

Making your home more energy efficient to save money and reduce carbon emissions

2011-11-16T16:14:00.000Z

We have all enjoyed the mild Autumn but now, as temperatures drop across the UK, it seems the bitterness of winter is fast approaching. The BBC has today published a comprehensive guide for homeowners on how to make their homes more energy efficient, which will help both save money on energy bills and decrease household carbon emissions.

Back in July, the NHBC Foundation published nine simple steps to reducing energy bills. We would suggest it is now time for homeowners and landlords to put these steps into practice, and take the advice of the BBC, to prevent their energy bills escalating while also making a positive change to benefit the environment.

Changes to Feed in Tariffs for solar installation: A hurdle in the journey towards an energy efficient UK?

2011-11-14T15:27:00.001Z

Government changes to Feed in Tariffs for solar installation

Early in 2011, the NHBC Foundation reported that the Government would restrict subsidies paid to solar power plants through the Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) initiative, to plants of less than 50kW capacity. At the time, this provoked great debate among the solar, and wider renewable, industry.

Cuts to FITs are forecast to affect the solar industry

Now, the Government’s changes to FITs have gone even further – last week a 50% cut in subsidies for solar power was announced. Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, quoted in the Guardian, said this is due to the declining cost of installation of solar panels, combined with higher than expected take up of solar.

The impacts of the cut to FITs subsidies are still being debated among commentators on the topic.

Architecture and sustainability blog The Green Register has expressed concern that jobs in the solar industry will be lost as companies will no longer benefit from subsidies. On a domestic scale, The Guardian pointed out that the payback period on initial cost of installation for solar panels will almost double, meaning potential money saving will not be realised for up to 18 years for homeowners who install £10-12,000 of solar panels.

According to Energy Efficiency News, solar companies, housing associations and politicians have come together appealing to Prime Minister David Cameron to intervene over the changes. Environmental group Friends of the Earth is taking a more forceful approach, challenging the Government on the legal grounds that the date that cuts to FITs are due to come into play, 12th December 2011, is unlawful as the consultation period on the proposals actually closes two weeks after this.

Will changes to Feed-in Tariffs impact on zero carbon homes?

To achieve the Government’s zero carbon homes targets, renewable energy systems will play an integral role. The NHBC Foundation’s appraisal of the Feed-in Tariff scheme’s success in Germany in our report, Introduction to Feed-in Tariffs, shows the potential for the scheme to improve the energy efficiency of housing stock.

It is true that recently announced changes to Feed-in Tariffs are forecast to impact on the renewable industry, jobs and consumer spend on energy. However, it is still intended that they are leveraged to make houses more energy efficient.

One of the changes suggested in the Government consultation on FITs, according to a recent article in Inside Housing, is that payments will be restricted to homes that either have already achieved a minimum energy performance certificate energy efficiency C rating or have had all the work that can be done through the Green Deal energy efficiency scheme.

These changes, while no doubt spelling changes for the solar and housebuilding industry, strongly imply that the goal of creating more energy efficient homes has not been overlooked.

While the housebuilding and renewable energy industries wait to see the outcome of the Government’s proposed changes to FITs, and existing installation of solar systems continues, it is vital the quality of workmanship in installation remains high. NHBC Foundation recently published a Guide to installation of renewable energy systems on roofs of residential buildings, which contains best practice advice on installing solar, as well as PV and micro wind, energy systems to withstand the effects of wind and rain.

The evolution of consumer attitudes towards zero carbon homes

2011-11-04T16:39:00.000Z

In order for sustainable homes targets to be achieved it is vital that homeowners understand the importance of reducing carbon emissions of UK homes and the benefits zero carbon homes can bring to their lives. In 2008 the NHBC Foundation published a study entitled Zero carbon: what does it mean to homeowners and housebuilders. This research brought various issues into the spotlight, which would impact on whether zero carbon homes targets could be achieved. Some of the key findings were:

1) Homeowners want to save energy: homeowners were interested in climate change and, in principle, interested in saving energy and reducing their carbon footprint. However, when it comes to making tangible changes to their lives, homeowners were stopping short. Switching electrical items off after use and recycling were commonplace, but few people were committed to making substantial lifestyle changes to reduce their household carbon emissions. Indeed, while 90% of homeowners were able to name ways of saving energy in the home, a quarter (24%) of homeowners had not put any energy saving measures into practice in recent years.

2) Knowledge gap on understanding of carbon emissions and energy saving: Very few homeowners, and just two thirds of house builders, were aware that 27% of carbon emissions came from homes in the UK. There was also confusion about the meaning of certain words associated with energy efficiency. ‘Airtightness’ in particular was believed by many homeowners to refer to restricted ventilation, while there was also concern about the concepts of both “greywater” recycling and rainwater harvesting, very few people were willing to use treated ‘greywater’ to wash clothes in the belief it would be dirty and impure. This indicated that homeowners were being put off ways of making their homes more energy efficient, simply because they did not understand the terms used to describe them.

3) The cons of highly energy efficient homes outweighed the pros: When confronted with the prospect of buying an energy efficient home, fewer than a fifth (19%) of homeowners opted in favour of buying one; the rest were reluctant to live without the high intensity appliances they had become accustomed to, such as a power shower. Additionally, homeowners felt the extra cost of buying an energy efficient home – at the time, £6,000 extra for a Code Level 3 home – was not worth the £120 annual saving.

4) Energy efficiency was motivated by money saving: The financial gain of making small changes to become more energy efficient was the primary motivation for homeowners to reduce their energy consumption. In 2008, few knew of the wide-ranging microgeneration technologies that could be installed domestically, but those who knew about roof-mounted solar panels and rechargeable batteries were interested in their money saving potential.

carbon savings were offset by consumer desire for long distance travel

5) Rebound effect dominated: While homeowners were keen to put these energy saving measures into practice, when asked how they would spend the money saved, the most common answer was on a holiday abroad. This manifestation of the rebound effect – the process by which any potential positive impact on carbon emissions through energy saving is offset by the individual using more energy elsewhere in their lives – in this case, air travel – limited the ability of homeowners to make significant carbon saving.

Has homeowner engagement with zero carbon homes advanced?

Although there was positive sentiment towards energy saving measures amongst homeowners in 2008, we felt there lacked a tangible commitment on behalf of homeowners to truly minimise their carbon footprint. Some people simply did not want to change their lifestyle; others felt their contribution could never make a difference to climate change; and many simply didn’t connect climate change with domestic carbon emissions.

We are interested to find know if this perception still prevails today, so we are conducting research to find out and this time, have the added benefit of being able to canvas people living in highly-energy efficient homes. We have finished the first round of focus groups and, ahead of publishing the full report in early 2012, below are some initial observations.

Among those people already living in energy efficient homes there was a sense of positivity about their choice of home. But some people within that group felt there had been too little explanation about the carbon reduction technologies that had been installed within the home, as one interview pointed out: “I don’t think anybody has been told exactly how the solar panels work. All we have is this flashing light in the passage, and something clocking up. It doesn’t go down, it carries on going up.” Similarly in older homes some owners had retro-fitted energy-saving technologies but were not using them properly: “I don’t trust it [the lower volume flush] to be clean.” As we have outlined previously on this blog, incorrect or inefficient use of a technology can be a big factor in the success of energy reduction efforts.

The research considers the importance of energy efficiency in the house-buying/choosing process; but our findings indicate it is still not a top priority. As one interviewee said, the efficiency of a new home would “not be part of the criteria that would go, ‘I must have that house’.” However there was a sense that the energy efficiency of a home should be better factored into the buying process. As one interviewee pointed out:“When you are going around looking at different show homes, very rarely would the sales person say ‘look at how efficient our houses are’.”

One common factor with the last research report was the importance of financial drivers. Perhaps understandably in today’s austerity climate, the consumers we spoke to seemed to be increasingly aware of the costs of running a home and the majority said that finances come ahead of environmental concerns. In some cases, consumers had a similar attitude to lifestyle; they were happy to make efforts towards being more energy efficient, but only if it doesn’t “hamper the lifestyle that I want.”

This is just a selection of comments from the fieldwork phase. The full report will be available on this site in early 2012 but in the meantime, we’d welcome your comments and thoughts.

The phenomenon of the rebound effect - is the efficiency of green homes at risk because of inhabitants’ behaviour?

2011-10-11T15:05:00.001+01:00

Appliances can be the pitfall for potential home energy savings. In theory, energy efficient appliances should help towards the target for zero carbon housing. But in reality, while energy efficient appliances are now readily available to consumers, their decreasing cost means that consumers are buying more and using them more.

As we discussed in our recent blog post, energy efficient appliances do not automatically equate to reduced energy use. This is very much dependent on cultural norms, which have evolved and changed to be contrary to energy efficiency associated with zero carbon homes.

Developing zero carbon homes could be harder as appliance use increases

This is particularly true of mainstream electrical goods, where falling prices and lifestyle changes mean that families often run multiple television sets, music systems or games consoles at the same time in different rooms in their home. Without properly addressing appliance usage zero carbon design can be rendered ineffective.

Societal barriers to zero carbon homes

As we explain in the forth chapter of our report, How occupants behave and interact with their homes, this is all part of the phenomenon known as the rebound effect – the reduction of the potential energy savings caused by the user of an appliance offsetting some of the savings through changed behaviour. Common examples include justifying leaving lights on for longer, because the bulbs are energy efficient, or heating the house to a higher temperature after insulating the walls and loft.

This theory was originally put forward by economist William Jevons, who said that as energy efficiency increases, energy consuming products become less expensive to run, which ultimately means people consume more energy. Potentially, this will stand to be a substantial obstacle in achieving the Government’s zero carbon homes targets in the UK.

The theory has been subject to debate by commentators on energy efficiency globally (have a look here, here and here). In a blog post he wrote back in January, Real Climate Economics blogger James Barrett examined the truth behind the rebound effect concluding that, while the theory can be proved, vitally it does not make energy efficiency efforts a waste of time.

It is important that this message resonates with consumers. In the face of research, such as the UK Energy Research Centre’s report on home energy use, which suggests that the rebound effect will have a serious negative impact on creating sustainable homes in the UK, consumers need to be engaged with the concept of leading sustainable lives.

The National Geographic has sought to do this with the Great Energy Challenge. As part of this holistic project to get consumers thinking about their energy use and its wider impact, they launched the 360 degrees Energy Diet, which saw families around the world change their lifestyles to reduce energy consumption and share their experiences online.

While this particular project has encouraged consumers to make their homes more sustainable, in order to truly combat the rebound effect a sound understanding of what motivates people to reduce their energy consumption is required. The rebound theory certainly makes it clear that behavioural and societal norms are proving to be a barrier to creating sustainable housing. The WBSCD has identified barriers to individuals becoming energy efficient as:

• the desire to be comfortable

• a belief that their small effort won’t make a difference on a larger scale

• the argument that they cannot afford to make changes to their lives

• that it is simply too much effort

We feel that more research into consumer perceptions of energy efficiency and sustainable homes is needed in order to understand how energy efficiency can truly be achieved. NHBC Foundation is currently embarking on consumer research which will look into this, and wider issues affecting zero carbon homes.

The results of this research will be released in the coming months – but in the meantime, we welcome any comments or thoughts you may have on this topic.

Advancing the zero carbon agenda

2011-10-07T14:29:00.000+01:00

Zero Carbon Compendium 2011: who’s doing what in housing worldwide

This week the NHBC Foundation, in partnership with Zero Carbon Hub and PRP Architects, published an extensively updated version of the Zero Carbon Compendium - the international comparison illustrating how different countries are tackling greenhouse gas emission reductions in their residential sectors. The 2011 Compendium enhances the previous edition and includes five new countries – Brazil, India, Russia, Singapore and South Africa – giving a wider international picture of the endeavour to achieve low carbon housing.

Targets, exemplar projects and policies have also been updated to provide an accurate snapshot of the global situation. All the countries featured in the Compendium have different targets for reducing their carbon emissions, as well as ways of achieving those reductions - differences that are largely governed by country-specific factors, like climate, availability of energy resources, social and political background. Most of the countries studied are united by a commitment to the global Kyoto protocol which came into force in 2005 and dictates that all member states reduce their collective greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% from the 1990 level by 2012.

The latest edition of the Compendium explores each country, looking at its carbon reduction starting position, its unique energy needs and its energy-saving aspirations.

Key lessons identified in the Zero Carbon Compendium:

1) All countries are experiencing change, whether this is economic, social or political, which has a consequent impact on the direction and extent of carbon reduction strategies. Energy efficiency in housing is now widely recognised as vital, with Germany - an early initiator - evolving it’s low energy building programme rapidly. In addition, Germany’s stringent Energy Conservation Regulations, revised in 2009, commits to meeting 15% of heating, hot water or cooling energy demand using renewables. The housing regulations in the Scandinavian nations of Denmark and Sweden are also considered world leading examples of efforts to reduce carbon emissions of housing stock.

2) Targets should be reviewed regularly to maintain effectiveness. This is already the case in China which has implemented an Energy Development Plan, reviewed every five years, to reduce energy consumption of public and residential buildings by 65% by 2020.

3) A shortage of adequate housing remains a considerable challenge to achieving zero carbon targets. This applies particularly in countries such as South Africa and Brazil which have the greater shortfalls in housing and where quality (in sustainability terms) is in danger of being perceived to be less urgent than the need for quantity.

4) Energy supply mix is an important factor when considering national energy efficiency. The Compendium reveals the variation in the extent to which different renewable energy sources contribute to overall energy supply in each country (see image below, click on image for larger version). In the residential sector, just 4% of energy in the Netherlands comes from non-fossil fuels, while in New Zealand this total is more than 60%, largely through hydro power.

5) Green Building Councils and green rating schemes are proliferating globally, marking a commitment to improve housing standards and to progress the zero carbon homes agenda. Among the rating schemes, the Green Star system in Australia, adapted to suit the country’s climate from the UK’s BREEAM and US LEED schemes is a notable success. Green Star has since been adopted in New Zealand and South Africa. Development of aspirational standards has paved the way for many countries to put in place more stringent national requirements for new housing.

6) Solid research and understanding of a country’s housing energy needs is important in developing an appropriate strategy for low carbon housing. The chart below (click on chart for larger version) highlights the diversity of consumer energy use in each country. Brazil makes for an interesting study: appliance and lighting makes up a large proportion of energy use in Brazil’s housing. To reduce electricity consumption and to increase the proportion of energy produced by renewable sources, Brazil has implemented appliance labelling schemes and tax subsidies for owners of properties that use solar energy.

7) Each country should strike a balance between encouraging the widest possible uptake of existing technology while supporting new, promising technologies that are appropriate for the local situation. A notable conclusion is that small, relatively low cost, changes in approach and practice, if accepted and applied widely, can have significant impact. Such changes may be related, for example, to improved installation, better controls, better advice and passive measures.

How occupants interact with their homes

2011-09-29T16:43:00.000+01:00

Recent news reports that consumers are stocking up on incandescent light bulbs in outrage at their ban, highlight the importance of getting the public on board with energy saving measures and technologies.

In response to this, the NHBC Foundation is unveiling its latest report which analyses research into how occupants behave and interact with their homes.

Many organisations are encouraging people to become more aware of the amount of energy they use in the home and there are a growing number of products available to help people reduce their energy consumption.

However, installing these products does not automatically mean a drop in energy usage, or a more sustainable way of life. To be effective, some technologies require a change in behaviour by the user, while others will have a knock-on impact on energy usage in other parts of the home.

It is these kinds of behavioural changes that the home building industry needs to understand if the end product – be that a home, an energy monitor, or an energy saving light bulb – is to have an impact on energy efficiency.

The Foundation’s report into how occupants behave and interact with their homes identifies areas in which further research would be beneficial to the future of energy efficient housing and living. It recommends that more insight is needed in particular into:

• how home owners or occupants should interact with energy efficient technology in the home, and how that information should be communicated
• what kinds of user interface, technology controls and iconography would better help consumers use equipment to full effect
• how long it takes users to change their behaviour – for example, people can learn quickly to turn off lights when a room is unoccupied, but may take longer to change laundry habits, which are embedded in the UK psyche.

The report concludes that, although there may be an improvement in energy efficiency in homes built to the most recent, and even future, building Standards, the full benefit of these changes will only be realised if people living in them are willing and able to change their current behaviour. But they will not do that without help and support and it is here where the housing industry, along with others, has a vital role to play.

The NHBC Foundation is currently researching this topic further and will publish a report into consumer attitudes towards energy efficiency in the New Year. This report will revisit the topics originally published in 2008, Zero carbon: what does it mean to homeowners and housebuilders?, indicating attitude changes and trends over the past three years.

Green skills – not quite black and white

2011-09-06T16:09:00.001+01:00

Against the backdrop of the Government’s Green Deal and commitment to reducing red tape in environmental regulation , a new green skills agenda is emerging.

Just last month the University of Exeter launched the UK’s first sustainable MBA, while Business Secretary Vince Cable pledged an investment of £6.5 million into engineering skills for the renewable energy industry. And earlier this year, the National Skills Academy for Environmental Technologies was launched, generating new and upgraded skills to National Occupational Standards.

As the academic and business worlds respond to the need for improved skills for the design, installation and use of green technologies and innovations, it is equally so in the housebuilding sector; for both individuals and firms it is now more important than ever before to ensure their green skills are a top priority.

Because, with a wealth of energy efficient technologies and practices becoming embedded into the construction process, incorrect installation could damage homes being built.

For example, roof-mounted renewable technologies, such as solar or photovoltaic systems, or microwind turbines, are increasing in popularity as a way of generating savings in both energy and cost. Yet inefficient installation could result in roof leakage or structural damage to the walls of a home. Our guide to installation of renewable energy systems on roofs of residential buildings, advises builders on how to mitigate just that.

But it is not just professionals who would benefit from increasing their green skills. Many of the technologies being installed in the homes of tomorrow, and retrofitted onto existing homes, require residents to adapt the way they live – as our report into water consumption revealed.

The report highlighted cases in which people avoid using water efficient fittings and appliances, choosing to fill kettles from bath taps, as low-flow kitchen taps led to homeowner frustrations. The potential positive impact of installing water efficient fittings is therefore not achieved, as people do not know how or want to interact with the technology.

A report we will be publishing shortly looks further into this issue, analysing current understanding of how people interact with their homes – something we believe can fundamentally affect a home’s energy consumption and its ability to achieve maximum efficiency.

For sustainably targets to be met and maintained, the whole industry has something to learn; from those people designing and building homes, to the consumers living in them. Many organisations, like the NHBC Foundation, are doing all they can to advise on how to get the best from new technologies, but without the commitment of the public and professionals alike, these efforts may prove fruitless.

Latest developments

Boris Johnson has shown explicitly that he is committed to enhancing the green skills in the capital’s property sector and promoting the development of energy efficient homes. At a CBI conference last week, Mr Johnson appealed to property owners to retrofit their properties to encourage the development of green skills and the energy efficiency of properties, particularly houses.

A £100 million fund has already been set up by the mayor, to go towards retrofitting London’s schools, libraries and hospitals. Additionally, City Hall have offered to ‘green’ 55,000 homes before May next year. Not only will this reduce energy bills in homes and commercial properties, it will boost the capital’s green skills base.

Mr Johnson has also initiated a Green Growth Business Bootcamp programme, to help entrepreneurs in London develop environmental technologies and grow their businesses, which shows his dedication to sustainable business more widely. The Bootcamp takes the form of business training sessions, run at Kingston University, where entrepreneurs will be given advice on identifying sustainable business opportunities and developing sustainable business models.

Energy efficiency initiatives gain pace ... but how to ensure they benefit the consumer?

2011-08-19T14:27:00.000+01:00

The drive to enhance the energy efficiency of the UK’s existing and future housing stock has gained pace in recent months. Just last week, the Government unveiled a fund of £3 million, drawn from the renewable heat incentive budget, to give social housing tenants access to green heating systems, while in the London borough of Sutton, a pilot initiative was recently offered to residents as part of the Green Deal.

It has become clear that consumers, whether tenants of social or privately rented homes, or homeowners themselves, will be impacted by energy efficiency initiatives. Here we look at the implementation of these schemes and the wider understanding of their implications.

Renewable heating systems for social housing

The Government fund for renewable heating systems will make it possible to fit social housing with renewable systems including solar-powered hot water systems, heat pumps and wood-fired boilers.

Not only are these systems more environmentally friendly than conventional heating systems, but they could also create savings on heating costs. This will mark a welcome relief for social housing tenants who are possibly amongst those hit hardest financially by the recent hikes in energy costs.

But away from the benefits of such schemes, it is important to remember attention to detail – because for renewable systems to be effective, both in terms of their sustainability and cost-efficiency, they must be both correctly installed and correctly used.

According to our recently-published report, Guide to installation of renewable energy systems on roofs of residential buildings, there is currently confusion over best practice in installation, due to a lack of specific UK or European standards. This can lead to failures and even damage to homes.

For example, incorrect installation of roof-based systems could compromise the waterproof envelope of the roof, causing leakage into the home. To avoid this issue, our Guide to installation of renewable energy systems on roofs of residential buildings gives in-depth advice on best practice for anyone installing renewable technologies to roofs, including solar thermal heating systems.

Understanding consumer feelings towards energy efficiency

Implementing schemes effectively, particularly renewable technology, can have tangible benefits, yet there is evidence of ongoing concern amongst consumers that the cost of embracing energy efficiency initiatives in the home does not generate long term cost-savings.

The recent pilot for the Green Deal saw homeowners in the London borough of Sutton offered a 40% grant to improve the energy efficiency of their home. Of 126 homeowners who received a free energy audit, 60 subsequently turned down the grant, believing that long term cost savings would be lower than expected.

This indicates that a deeper understanding amongst both Government and the housebuilding industry on what motivates people to enhance their home’s energy efficiency is needed. This is something the NHBC Foundation investigated in its 2008 research report, Zero carbon: what does it mean to homeowners and housebuilders. The report continues to provide a useful gauge on consumer opinion, and is research that NHBC Foundation is returning to over the coming months.

As the imperative for increasing energy efficiency in the home gains ground, whether in rented or private housing, there is increasing need to understand not only how to implement energy efficiency but also how consumers feel about the issue. Only through a combination of technical knowledge and awareness of emotional and social drivers, will it be possible to increase the energy efficiency of UK housing stock in a way that is sustainable and useful for its inhabitants.

Resisting the elements: effective installation of renewable technology in UK homes

2011-08-12T16:07:00.000+01:00

Energy prices are rising while initiatives like Feed in Tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive are enabling consumers to make a return on investment in renewable technologies. As a result, consumers are turning to renewables to generate their domestic energy and as such, there is increasing demand for these products to be installed either at the time of construction or retro-fitted to an existing home.

General requirements for the installation of these technologies are available; however there is a lack of European or British Standards specifically relating to their mechanical fixing and installation onto buildings. Competence to install these technologies through nationally approved qualifications is still in its infancy and some failures as a result of poor installation have become apparent.

In response to such issues, the NHBC Foundation has produced a Guide to installation of renewable energy systems on roofs of residential buildings.This guide provides best practice advice on wind- and weather-resistant installation of roof mounted Solar Photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal and micro-wind turbines.

SOLAR POWER: Solar PV and solar thermal systems installation

PV and solar thermal systems use panels that harness the sun’s energy – called ‘modules’ in a PV system and ‘collectors’ in a solar thermal system – which are commonly located on the roof of a dwelling. It is vital these systems do not compromise the roof’s waterproof envelope, which prevents rain from penetrating into the home – a problem encountered with installation of some PV systems.

The roof must be capable of taking the weight of both the panel plus any additional load, such as water or snow, which could build up during adverse weather. Solar thermal systems subject the added weight of heat conducting fluid and pipe work onto the roof structure and it is therefore important that a thorough assessment of the roof structure is conducted before installation takes place.

There are two main types of installation for PV and solar thermal systems:

1) Integrated into the roof structure – where the panel must provide a weather proof covering for the building as well as generate power. The interface between the panel and the adjacent roof covering should be weatherproofed. The guide explains how this can be achieved and details how installers should provide adequate ventilation on the underside of the system.

2) Mounted above the existing roof covering – where panels are designed to transfer any load, such as rain or snow, onto the roof at mounting points. If not installed effectively, water penetration can occur at fixing points and where electrical connections penetrate the roof envelope. The guide takes the reader through various options for installation to avoid water penetration, examining various types of hook fixings, solar support tiles and bolt through fixings and, in the case of solar thermal systems, good practice for underlay penetrations.

WIND POWER: Micro-wind turbines

There are two basic types of wind turbine available for domestic use, the more common horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). Both harness the power of wind and, in the domestic setting, usually generate electricity.

Turbines can be either roof-mounted, a term which includes devices mounted at high level on external walls, or stand alone mast-mounted. Turbines could have a working life of 20 years but this will be very dependent on them being installed correctly and being suitably maintained all of which will reduce the likelihood for costly replacement.

The guide highlights the importance of an effective fixing to secure a turbine to the structure, particularly where mounted to the wall. This will reduce stress and prevent the turbine itself from coming loose. Installation should take into account the impact of wind loads on the turbine, the vibration and movement of the turbine itself on the fixing over time, and the potential for corrosion of the fixing caused by rainwater.

It is also important that routine maintenance checks are carried out and, in particular, that all fixings are regularly inspected. The guide recommends methods of strengthening the fixing of the turbine, for instance by using galvanised steel that is not easily eroded and installing resilient pads with the brackets to dampen vibrations from the turbine.

Meeting standards

The guide concludes by listing the product and installation standards for renewable technology that apply in the UK. While renewable technology holds great opportunity for home owners to reduce their reliance on the national energy grid and decrease their home’s carbon emissions, the positive effect could be undermined if the technology is not correctly installed.

A comfortable home is a healthy home

2011-07-27T12:52:00.000+01:00

Thermal comfort plays a key role in creating a healthy and sustainable building. As the NHBC Foundation publication, Indoor air quality in highly energy efficient homes – a review, discusses, the impact of overheating can create an uncomfortable environment to live in.

In more extreme situations, overheating can be fatal. High indoor temperatures can aggravate health defects particularly amongst the elderly and chronically ill, who may be less able to regulate their body temperature.

The challenge to the housebuilding industry is to design and build homes that minimise the risk of overheating without people turning to air conditioning. Not only is air conditioning costly to run in terms of both cash and carbon dioxide emissions, but it can actually increase the temperature of outside air!

In light of this, to further the understanding of overheating and work towards a model of best practice, the NHBC Foundation is undertaking a project that will culminate in a report later on this year.

As part of this project, the NHBC Foundation recently hosted an industry workshop at BRE in Watford, to explore issues of overheating. Housebuilders, housing associations, designers and academia were represented in the team of 50 delegates that addressed:

• How overheating can be defined for domestic buildings
• The factors leading to overheating
• The effects of overheating
• Thresholds for intervention in cases of overheating
• Current knowledge gaps in industry understanding of overheating
• Case studies of homes which have suffered from overheating

A variety of interesting information was exchanged which gave rise to a number of prominent lessons that will be analysed during further work.

Instances of overheating related to large areas of south-facing glazing raised during the workshop were perhaps not unexpected. But we found that the high incidence of overheating problems caused by communal heating systems of particular interest. This is due to the pipework and heat exchange units in the system, which remain at high temperatures constantly throughout the year and are not always sufficiently well insulated.

As a direct result of the workshop, we are commissioning Richards Partington Architects to prepare simple guidance for house builders on how to avoid overheating.

Grants for UK homeowners to install renewable heating systems

2011-07-22T12:59:00.000+01:00

From the beginning of August, homeowners will be able to apply for Government grants to contribute towards the cost of installing renewable heating systems.

Grants for installing solar thermal systems will be available

According to an article that appeared in the Guardian yesterday, the scheme is being targeted at homes with heating systems which have a high environmental cost, particularly those houses that use heating oil or electric fires as a source of heat rather than mains gas.

The scheme will offer grants for the installation of solar thermal panels, as well as other renewable systems. The NHBC Foundation recently published a report, Guide to installation of renewable energy systems on roofs of residential buildings, which explains installation best practice for roof mounted solar thermal systems.

Allowable solutions: a step closer to a workable framework

2011-07-20T17:50:00.000+01:00

As we move towards 2016, a practical approach to achieving the zero carbon standard in new build homes is becoming increasingly important for housebuilders. The Zero Carbon Hub has been working hard to help provide clarity and understanding on the requirements for building zero carbon homes, and we were pleased early in July to launch our proposals for a delivery framework for Allowable Solutions - the third part of the zero carbon hierarchy.

The proposals outline a fra mework by which housebuilders will be able to invest in carbon savings projects to offset the carbon emissions created by the in-use operation of homes built on their developments, which have not been dealt with by other parts of the zero carbon policy. Focussing on flexibility, ease of use and transparency of delivery, our proposals describe a mechanism for delivering carbon saving projects that:

- Is affordable;
- Encourages additional investment;
- Limits the impact on those who are making Allowable Solutions payments;
- Encourages innovation in carbon reduction methods;
- Gives the option for local choice in the projects that are funded.

Allowable Solutions comprise one third of the Government’s Zero Carbon Homes policy hierarchy alongside Fabric Energy Efficiency and Carbon Compliance. This three-part policy addresses the reduction of the operational energy of a new home – the energy used by heating, hot water, fixed lighting and building services. At the Zero Carbon Hub, we have been working with the Government and industry to develop solutions to help housebuilders dramatically reduce the carbon emissions of new home developments with the long term aim of meeting the zero carbon standard by 2016.

In developing these proposals, we have incorporated the views of the housebuilding, planning, financial and governmental communities, who have highlighted a unique and interesting opportunity for community empowered carbon savings through an effective allowable solutions framework.

While the Zero Carbon Hub proposals have been received positively by many, including Rt. Hon. Grant Shapps MP, this is by no means the end of the process. Over the summer months we would welcome the views from all those who will be involved in operating and dealing with Allowable Solutions. Please direct any feedback you might have about Allowable Solutions to info@zerocarbonhub.org.

Some simple steps to reduce energy bills

2011-07-14T18:21:00.000+01:00

Barely a week goes by without the UK’s newspapers reporting how energy prices will be hiked by yet another energy provider.

In new homes, energy efficient features like double glazing, increased insulation, condensing boilers and solar panels will help keep energy bills low. Older houses were not built with these features, but there are a variety of measures that people living in them can take to help keep their energy bills under control.

NHBC recently released a simple nine step guide to reducing energy consumption and saving money in older homes:

1) Don’t leave electrical appliances on standby: televisions, stereos, computers and other items use electricity in standby mode, in some cases nearly half of what is used when actually in use

2) Upgrade your boiler: consider a modern condensing boiler; all new homes come with this type fitted as standard as they are substantially more efficient

3) Regulate the use of your boiler: by using the timer and turning the thermostat down by just one degree, you can increase efficiency and gain substantial energy savings throughout the year

4) Don’t forget to insulate: more than half the heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls or the roof. New homes have 270mm of insulation, so check that your home meets this modern standard. Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years, and will pay for itself over and over again in that time

Use the fitted thermostat on radiators to save energy

5) Use the fitted thermostat on radiators: these supplement the main boiler thermostat, and can also be installed on most older radiators by a competent plumber, helping to reduce excess heat in individual rooms

6) Unplug gadgets: some of the largest energy consumers in the home are often the most easily overlooked; chargers for phones and other gadgets use a lot of electricity when plugged in, even if the device isn’t connected

7) Switch your energy supplier: in a competitive marketplace there are loads of deals on offer from the various gas and electricity suppliers that can give substantial savings over the course of a year – and consider switching to a green energy supplier if the environment is important to you

8) Check out appliance energy ratings: A-rated white goods such as washing machines and fridges use less energy and can save money over time

9) Change your washing habits: tumble dryers use a lot of electricity, so avoid where possible and run your washing machine on 30 degree cycles

Some of these steps seem like straightforward housekeeping rules, but make a minimal change to your habits and you could see the pounds fall off your energy bill. By following this NHBC guide, you will be in a better position to both save money and decrease your home’s carbon emissions.

Laying the ground rules for new homes

2011-06-28T11:42:00.000+01:00

On all new sites developers must comply with a variety of requirements from a number of different organisations, which sometimes have competing priorities, in relation primarily to the ground, and cover sewers, surface water, contaminated land, highways and the various utilities. In recent years, developers have raised concerns that this conflict can prevent the smooth flow of development, before the superstructure has even been considered.

In response, in late 2010, the NHBC Foundation undertook a series of workshops to test the awareness of legislative changes that affect design and construction below ground level of new home developments.

The technical and engineering professionals, house builders, consultants and contractors who took part in the workshops highlighted a wide range of ground related issues that they feel should be addressed. These findings are outlined in the latest NHBC Foundation report: Ground related requirements for new housing.

Ground related issues affecting the construction industry

The workshops highlighted an opportunity for regulatory and approval bodies to coordinate with other organisations in their approach to below ground requirements. Fundamentally this would benefit the construction industry by better enabling efficient construction and development.

Recent legislative changes were highlighted as a contentious issue. While many construction professionals were aware of changes such as the Floods and Water Management Act 2010, they did not know the details of the requirements and consequences. Effective communication would be required to inspire builder confidence in putting the requirements into practice for new homes.

The construction community raised a number of specific suggestions and issues during the workshops. These included:

A united approach to drainage infrastructure: Currently, a number of infrastructural requirements are open to individual interpretation. Delegates expressed a preference towards one body being created with sole responsibility for drainage infrastructure that would provide a service to help builders comply with published performance standards.
Long term sustainable drainage solutions (SuDS): When thinking about the future of SuDS, delegates were concerned about the ongoing performance of the systems put in place. Maintenance currently involves multiple bodies, which it is difficult to coordinate.
How can Ofgem help: Delegates felt greater awareness of Ofgem is needed across the industry, as the standards set out by the body applying to gas and electricity assist both in planning and monitoring that the construction programme runs to time.

Technical guidance for below ground construction

The workshops helped identify the raft of technical and legislative challenges that construction professionals face even before they start on the superstructure. Over the coming weeks, the NHBC Foundation blog will be providing technical guidance on legislation around sewers, SuDS and contaminated land, highways, water and electricity. Please get in touch by leaving a comment if there are any specific technical issues you would like us to cover.

Communication is key through the home buyer journey

2011-06-20T15:31:00.000+01:00

For many consumers, buying a home is one of the most financially and emotionally challenging experiences in a lifetime. That’s why NHBC brought together a Task Group under the chairmanship of John Calcutt to investigate how house builders address consumer concerns about quality, customer services and overall satisfaction with their new homes.

Two resultant best practice guides, Home Sale and Handover and Management of Post Completion Repairs, highlight the negative impact that a lack of communication is having on the relationship between house builders and home owners – and how it can be avoided.

Handing over the new home

There is no single standard that defines the finished quality required of a new home. It was thought by some that consumer protection for people buying a new home is weaker than most other products. However, given that no other consumer purchase comes with the benefit of legal advice, combined with a raft of legislation that applies to the home building industry, this is patently not true.

While the Consumer Code for Home Builders and Building Regulations are there to protect consumer rights, there is limited guidance for house builders on good practice in ensuring consumers are happy with their new home.

We found that house builders would benefit from clarity on what constitutes good practice in handing over a completed home to its buyers. House builders could inspire greater satisfaction in their customers by following our ‘customer journey model’ (see diagram). The model sets out the depth of the information that house builders should be giving to their customers every step of the handover process.

Post completion repairs – snagging

Importantly, the customer journey model draws attention to customer engagement post completion. This is a vitally important stage, as any problems with the house can cause distress for its new occupants.

One of NHBC’s recent customer satisfaction surveys found that customer satisfaction decreased rapidly during the first nine months of ownership, due to problems in the home not being dealt with promptly. Wavering satisfaction is compounded by the fact there is no one standard for the finished quality of new homes, which makes it even more important to provide clarity to home owners on the service they should expect post-purchase.

Our research showed that 28% of house builders do not budget for post-completion repairs. We have thus recommended that house builders explain to home owners what they (the house builder) are responsible for repairing and, additionally, provide a process by which home owners can report repairs needed and a timescale in which they can expect them to be resolved. This combined with developing a proper understanding of the costs and causes of post completion repairs – and budgeting for them, will lead to better management of customer satisfaction.

Our step-by-step process provides a best practice model on how to go about addressing repairs effectively (see diagram).

The best customer experience

NHBC Foundation’s best practice guides demonstrate that a fundamental shift in communication between house builders and future home owners is needed. Builders need to talk to customers to manage their expectations. This way the homeowner will not be left alone to create their own story around what they can expect and when.

Home Sale and Handover and Management of Post Completion Repairs provide helpful guides for house builders to follow during the handover and post completion stages. Ultimately by giving customers the information they need in detail, house builders will enhance the customer experience thereby heightening customer loyalty.

Calling all house builders... survey on low and zero carbon technologies

2011-04-28T17:43:00.000+01:00

The NHBC Foundation and Zero Carbon Hub have launched a survey that will assess which low carbon and zero carbon technologies are being used in new houses and the reasons for choosing them.

The survey forms part of research being conducted by both organisations in association with the University of Reading with the aim of better understanding how zero carbon homes will be produced between now and 2016.

The results will be used to inform external audiences, especially the Government, about the specific technologies house builders are using and why. Ultimately, this research will help in the development of all future initiatives designed to address challenges associated with narrowing the gap between the performances of housing design and the actual built version.

For the research to be a true reflection of the current state of the house building industry, we would encourage as many house builders as possible to complete this survey. Those who get involved will be granted access to the final results and will be given the opportunity to have an LZ profile, created about one of their projects. LZ profiles describe successful low carbon housing solutions and are uploaded on to the Zero Carbon Website. On completion of the survey, there is also the option to enter a prize draw to win an ipad!

Follow the link below to access the online survey. It will take around 20 minutes to complete the questionnaire. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/WQ39LZW

Future thinking – Best Practice for Feed-in-Tariffs

2011-04-26T13:27:00.000+01:00

Feed-in Tariffs provide incentives to both the domestic and commercial sectors. The UK Government recently reduced the scope of subsidies available through FITs, which looks likely to impact organisations that have set up renewables schemes.

However, FITs remain an interesting opportunity for house builders, the wider house building industry and consumers who want to lower the carbon footprint of UK homes. The NHBC Foundation recently identified a gap in the knowledge amongst these interest groups of the economic, environmental and social benefits FITs schemes can offer. In response to this, the Foundation has developed an essential guide named Introduction to Feed-in Tariffs.

FITs offer financial incentives to encourage investment in small-scale renewable energy technologies. This not only offsets the costs of installing sustainable technology, but can help generate future income through selling any surplus energy generated. The NHBC Foundation guide helps build an understanding of the financial incentives provided by FITs and the practicalities of installing various renewable technologies.

With the Localism Bill set to come in to play, a thorough understanding of the potential benefits of FITs is certainly important. Wider knowledge of these incentives will help build the necessary consensus amongst local authorities and community interest groups to approve the development of renewable technology under the new Bill.

Learning by example: Germany

The guide highlights the success of FITs schemes in other countries, particularly Germany where the equivalent Feed-in Law has boosted installation of renewable technology. Since the law came into effect, approximately 33 million tonnes of carbon dioxide has been saved and more jobs have been created. Now, 76 000 people are employed in the renewables industry in Germany, which contrasts with 57 000 people in the UK.

The UK’s unreliable weather has cast doubt over the potential for solar development in the past. The Guide redresses this concern in its discussion of the success of the solar photovoltaics (PV) energy market in Germany, which now generates 47% of the world’s total PV generated energy. With Germany and the UK occupying similar latitude, the guide shows there is scope for solar in the UK.

Concerns for the future of FITs

Anticipating wider take up of FITs schemes in the near future, the Guide identifies potential challenges to development of renewable technology:

- The UK PV market is heavily dependent on imported components such as inverters
- Training courses for relevant trades, although growing in number, start from a low base
- Planning resistance could add to overall installation costs

More research in to the long term implications of FITs is required to assess the impact of these concerns. In the meantime, the NHBC Foundation Guide provides a useful starting point to anyone considering installing renewable using the FITs scheme.

Low and zero carbon homes - establishing the whole picture

2011-04-01T18:00:00.000+01:00

Although building regulations do tackle carbon dioxide emissions head-on, their targets currently relate only to the emissions generated through the use of homes – the operational emissions. They don’t deal with the CO2 that is involved in the manufacture and transportation of building materials, the construction or that from maintenance throughout the life of the building and its ultimate demolition - the embodied CO2 emissions.

Over recent decades, successive revisions to regulations have increasingly tightened targets for operational CO2 and that has led to additional materials being used, such as extra insulation. As we head further towards zero carbon, more materials will be utilised along with technologies and systems such as solar thermal, photovoltaic panels, and whole house ventilation systems, which will increasingly be integrated into new homes.

BRE estimates that the historical balance between operational and embodied emissions has been roughly 80:20, but is that balance likely to change as new Building Regulations are introduced which require additional materials, technologies and systems needed to meet energy/emissions targets and the ultimate zero carbon goal?

The NHBC Foundation realised that there is an urgent need to investigate this changing dynamic between operational and embodied CO2 and is working to launch a new project in early 2011 to research the issue: Operational and embodied CO2 in new build housing: a reappraisal.

With Government interest in this issue growing, the results of this project will be vital in equipping the house building industry with essential information to help deal with the future implications of embodied CO2.

Changes to zero carbon homes announced in Budget

2011-03-28T19:34:00.000+01:00

The Budget, announced by the Chancellor last week, could change the definition of zero carbon homes significantly.

Just over two weeks ago, the Government’s Carbon Plan reasserted their commitment to making sure all new-build homes are zero carbon from 2016. However, the Budget set out last Wednesday has generated questions around this commitment. The Budget said that:

1) From 2016, new homes will no longer have to make a net addition of zero to the carbon footprint of the UK’s overall housing stock. This will surely have an impact on UK carbon emissions, 27% of which come from UK housing stock.

2) Building regulations no longer cover carbon emissions created as result of cooking or plug-in electrical appliances, such as computers or TVs. Appliances are responsible for a large proportion of domestic carbon emissions. If consumers do not manage their use of household appliances, in the absence of regulatory control, appliances are likely to negatively impact on the carbon footprint of UK housing stock.

Building regulations will not cover carbon emissions from cooking appliances

There have been both positive and negative reactions to the Budget amongst the house-building industry. According to the UK Green Building Council, these policy changes mean emissions caused by a typical house will only be reduced by two thirds over a year, not eliminated. Neil Jefferson, Chief Executive of the Zero Carbon Hub, said these policy changes require careful consideration; however the Hub is please that their Task Group’s work on Carbon Compliance will form the basis of changes to the Building Regulations.

Airtightness: are modern building methods compromising the air quality inside new homes?

2011-03-18T18:23:00.000Z

The last revision to Approved Document L in 2006 introduced a new mandatory requirement for air permeability and pressure testing as a way of controlling heat loss through unwanted ventilation. It had been assumed that house builders who had not previously been required to focus on airtightness would be on a long learning curve and progress would be slow. But, contrary to expectations, test results demonstrate that the industry has risen to the challenge well with design airtightness targets routinely being met or exceeded.

A proportion of homes are hitting very high levels of airtightness – 5m3/(hm2), half the maximum deign limit set in Approved Document L 2006 – and for these homes there is a question as to whether the trickle ventilation installed is sufficient to maintain good indoor air quality and control moisture/mould growth. It has always been assumed that homes become leakier as they age, as the result of minor shrinkage and cracking as the normal drying out and settlement take place.

The NHBC Foundation recently published research to establish how airtightness is affected as homes age. Our study examined 23 homes that were reasonably air tight when first built. Between one and three years later, the air permeability of these homes was re-tested and we also took the opportunity to search for signs of condensation and mould growth. Occupiers of the homes were also questioned about how they ventilate the building.

Findings of the study

Though the sample size was small (and so the results should be treated with caution), there were some interesting findings. The study found that, while 15 homes became leakier, surprisingly eight actually became more airtight. The type of dwelling, the materials used to build and the type of heating system and ventilation used in the homes all affected variable changes in air permeability.

The study also found that occupants’ approaches to using ventilation differed widely between dwellings. During testing, many trickle vents, regular use of which is considered necessary to ensure good ventilation, were set to the closed position.

Of the eight houses where air tightness had increased, three were found to have a manifestation of mould. Significantly, ventilation systems available in these houses were set to the closed position. Despite this, there was only minor evidence of mould, suggesting that under-ventilation was not leading to unmanageable problems in practice.

This study forms part of work currently underway by the NHBC Foundation and the Zero Carbon Hub to consider the whole issue of indoor air quality in homes as we make progress towards the zero carbon homes of the post-2016 future.

Government to announce changes to Feed-in Tariffs

2011-03-16T10:10:00.000Z

Solar panel initiatives have beneffited from Feed-in Tariffs

An article published yesterday in The Guardian revealed that the Government is poised to limit the size of solar panel installations that will benefit from Feed-in Tariffs (FITs).

Business Green also reported that the Government will later this week detail its plans to restrict subsidies paid to solar power plants through the FITs initiative. It is likely that only plants of less than 50kW capacity will qualify for FITs, which rules out many larger developments located around the UK.

The solar sector has warned that this latest move by the government will jeopardise many jobs that have been created by larger renewable energy developments.

FITs were introduced through legislation in 2010 with the aim of providing significant financial encouragement to the uptake of renewable technologies at a domestic or community scale. This initiative is one key method of improving the energy performance of homes and buildings, a requirement of the 2008 Climate Change Act.

Despite the increase in initiatives around the UK that harness the benefits of FITs, such as solar panel installations, the FITs scheme is still not widely understood. To help social landlords, householders and anyone else looking to find out more about FITs and develop their own projects, the NHBC Foundation has produced a report entitled Introduction to Feed-in Tariffs, which offers a guide to the FITs scheme and its implications. The report contains helpful details on:

Eligible technologies
How the FITs scheme works
The financial returns of a FITs scheme
The carbon dioxide emission savings that can be made
Key issues and opportunities associated with FITs schemes.

Study links 2000 UK floods to climate change

2011-02-17T15:39:00.000Z

An Oxford University study has linked the floods that devastated parts of the UK in 2000 to climate change. According to the study, this is because warm air has the capacity to hold more moisture, which can make out breaks of heavy rain more frequent.

For us, this study serves to highlight the importance of considering methods of reducing water consumption and run-off from hard surfaces and roofs in construction, to lower flood risk.

SUDS represent one approach to sustainable drainage which can, if used effectively, aid in the efficient disposal of surface water. The NHBC Foundation publication, A Simple Guide to Sustainable Drainage Systems for Housing, recommends developers consider SUDS at the planning and design stages of a building project as a method of disposing of unwanted surface water.

SUDS – Meeting the challenges of sustainable surface water drainage

2011-02-15T11:45:00.000Z

The effects of climate change could lead to changes in rainfall patterns and frequency and therefore increase the importance of surface water management and removal of run-off. The Code for Sustainable Homes refers to both reducing water consumption and to reduction of run-off from hard surfaces and roofs, further emphasising the importance of the issue.

Since the construction industry is responsible for the greatest number of significant pollution incidences recorded by the Environment Agency in England and Wales, adopting sustainable surface water management practice is a major issue. With strategic implementation, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) can reduce on site construction costs, help alleviate flooding and provide environmental improvements for the residents of new homes.

The NHBC Foundation publication, A Simple Guide to Sustainable Drainage Systems for Housing, recommends developers consider SUDS at the planning and design stages of a building project so that unwanted surface water can be disposed of in the most efficient way.

What are SUDS?

SUDS are a sequence of management practices, control structures and strategies. The term SUDS covers a wide range of alternative urban drainage facilities, including wetlands or retention ponds, pervious paving, soakaways and infiltration trenches, basins and swales.

Traditionally, surface water drainage used underground piping to transport run-off from built-up areas as quickly as possible. In contrast, SUDS are designed to manage flow rates and protect and enhance water quality throughout the drainage basin.

SUDS can benefit the environment by ensuring excess surface water does not pollute water supply, which could be harmful to water users and biodiversity. SUDS can also create wetlands and green space, which provide a recreational area, rich in wildlife that can be used by the local community.

Practical issues of using SUDS

The guide indicates that SUDS are not universally viable in every situation. Prevailing ground conditions and local environment vary throughout the country, so it is important to choose the most suitable system for drainage, and on which can be maintained in the long term.

Cost of SUDS is also a consideration. The capital cost is somewhat lower than conventional drainage systems due to savings in excavation, materials and installation. However, maintenance cost for authorities can be significant in the long term. This said, since SUDS can reduce the potential for local flooding, the saving on costs of flood damaged homes and insurance premium increases is a clear benefit.

Plans for the UK’s largest zero carbon homes development approved

2011-02-11T17:40:00.000Z

The UK’s largest development of zero carbon homes has just been approved in Peterborough. The Homes & Communities Agency will provide £8million of funding to the development, which is being designed by Architect Browne Smith Baker and landscape architect Barnes Walker and will be built by Morris Homes.

All the 295 homes in the scheme will be built to level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. More information on the scheme is available here:
http://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/planning-thumbs-up-for-uks-largest-zero-carbon-homes-site/5013039.article.

NHBC Foundation celebrates 5 years of leading industry research and announces exciting plans for consumer study in 2011

2011-01-26T16:02:00.000Z

In celebration of our 5th anniversary we hosted a debate last week with leading industry figures from the private sector and the Government to discuss the future of sustainable development.

The debate covered a wide range of issues, but one theme quickly became clear: winning hearts and minds of home owners is the way forward to ensuring a sustainable future. Essentially, it became clear that more needs to be done to convince homeowners that investment in sustainability is both desirable and important.

The panel speakers, chaired by broadcaster Kirsty Young, comprised: Andrew Stunell OBE, Communities Minister and Hazel Grove MP; Tom Dacey, Group Chief Executive of Southern Housing Group; Paul Morrell OBE, Chief Construction Advisor to the government; and Mark Clare, Group Chief Executive of Barratt Developments.

The participants agreed that existing and planned incentives would most probably need to be bolstered with some form of compulsion to adopt sustainable technology, as well as much wider engagement with home owners to educate and ‘sell’ low carbon lifestyles.

Imtiaz Farookhi, Chief Executive of NHBC and Board Member of the NHBC Foundation also announced that the Foundation plans to fund further consumer research in the coming year that will address some of the key areas of concern raised during the debate.

The NHBC Foundation Advisory Board will be evaluating proposals for further research to understand consumers’ current views towards low and zero carbon homes and how attitudes may have evolved since 2008. As with all our research we will be particularly focused on mitigating any risk from new technologies and building techniques to ensure low and zero carbon homes perform to a high standard and meet the needs of homeowners.

Imtiaz also emphasised the essential role of the NHBC Foundation, and NHBC itself, in protecting the consumer amidst the rapid changes expected in coming years.

A video of the event with highlights from the debate will be coming to the NHBC Foundation home page soon. http://www.nhbcfoundation.org/

Celebrating five years of the NHBC Foundation

2011-01-19T14:00:00.000Z

This year we celebrate five years of the NHBC Foundation. Originally established by the NHBC in partnership with the BRE Trust in 2006, the aim of the Foundation was to facilitate research and development, technology and knowledge sharing, and capture industry best practice to encourage improvements in the new-build housing sector.

Now over 30 guides and reports are available on the website, which provide invaluable information for house builders. Publications have focussed in particular on the challenges associated with government’s 2016 zero carbon homes target. Titles range from, ‘Zero Carbon: what does it mean to homeowners and housebuilders?’, to the more technical, ‘Efficient designs of piled foundations for low-rise housing’ and ‘Indoor air quality in highly energy efficient homes: a review’.

To mark the anniversary and to look towards the future for housebuilding the NHBC Foundation will be holding an industry panel debate on the 20th of January 2011. The debate will be chaired by television presenter Kirsty Young and will feature four senior industry figures:

• Mark Clare, Chief Executive of Barratt Developments

• Tom Dacey, Group Chief Executive of Southern Housing Group

• Paul Morrell OBE, Government’s Chief Construction Advisor

• Andrew Stunell OBE, Communities Minister and Hazel Grove MP

Key topics affecting the future of the house building industry will be discussed amongst the panellists. Topics include concerns surrounding sustainability and zero carbon housing, the importance of ongoing research and development and the general state of the housing market in light of recent reductions in funding.

We will be producing a film of the event so please visit the NHBC Foundation home page again soon to see some of the most high profile professionals in the housebuilding industry discuss their hopes and concerns for the future.

The reality of sustainable housing - the Redbridge Project

2010-12-14T18:48:00.000Z

We feel Greener Homes for Redbridge, the innovative project to transform older properties into environmentally sustainable homes, is a great example of how sustainable housing can work in practice. The project is already receiving industry wide recognition for its success, having won the Architect’s Journal Retrofit Award and a Highly Commended Award from the Inside Housing Sustainable Housing Awards.

This pilot refurbishment project by the London Borough of Redbridge highlights the importance of focusing on existing homes, if the Government targets for carbon reduction by 2050 are to be achieved.

The eco-retrofitting project implemented water and energy saving improvements and a variety of other environmental measures to 20 empty older houses in Redbridge significantly reducing their carbon footprint.

Following the renovations, the empty homes were turned into much needed social housing for local families. Families should benefit from the range of energy efficiency and low carbon measures with reduced cost utility bills and warmer, more comfortable homes.

The NHBC Foundation funded testing after refurbishment which has shown that ten of the properties achieved reductions in carbon emission ranging from 62% to 82%. For the next two years the homes will be monitored to assess the actual energy and water savings achieved, and the effects of residents’ behaviour on each home’s carbon footprint.

The findings will be shared with industry and government. As this is truly a pioneering project, the lessons learnt will be used to shape the approach that is being taken to improve sustainability of older homes and bring empty homes back into use.

The project was delivered by local housing and regeneration group East Thames in partnership with the London Borough of Redbridge, housing contractor Wates Living Space, BRE and construction consultancy Pellings.

For more information visit http://www.east-homes.co.uk/greenerhomes

Piled Foundations: the answer to efficient design

2010-11-29T18:41:00.000Z

The cost of disposing of excavated materials means many architects and contractors are considering piled foundations as a cost effective option for low rise housing on brownfield sites.

Piled foundations typically use less material to construct than conventional trench fill but the criteria for their use remains uncertain. With this in mind, the NHBC Foundation recently published Efficient design of piled foundations for low-rise housing: Design guide, the aim of which was to explore the design approach and selection of a piled foundation approach for low rise housing.

The report finds that, contrary to some previous perceptions, there should be no separate design criteria when considering piled foundations for low rise housing. The governing factor that dictates foundation design is the potential damage which could occur to the built structure. Cracks and fissures are, quite simply, unacceptable and alleviating the possibility of differential movement, which ultimately leads to cracks, is the key to combating this problem.

Designed in an efficient way, piled foundations create an accurate and sustainable substructure that prevents differential movement. They hold many additional benefits for builders, requiring less material to construct and avoiding extensive excavation of ground material, meaning they can be constructed cost effectively and at speed.

In addition, when considering the vital question of sustainability, the report shows that the construction of piled foundations results in far less embodied carbon than alternative options. They can also go some way to ensuring new homes meet higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Rainwater harvesting – a damp squib?

2010-09-24T10:18:00.000+01:00

Rainwater harvesting is encouraged by the Code for Sustainable Homes and, since April 2010, Part G of the Building Regulations has also begun to address water efficiency. Both the Code and Part G apply universally regardless of whether homes are being built in watery Kendal with its 1500mm annual rainfall or arid Chelmsford with its mere 625mm. Is that logical?

Whilst we may all agree that it makes sense to save water, is rainwater harvesting really the best way to do it?

Some thoughts:

• Chelmsford and the parts of the UK where much of the new development is taking pace are already ‘water-stressed’ and so rainwater harvesting should make sense. But the trouble is that there’s not enough rain falling throughout the year in these places to make harvesting viable.

• A report recently published by the Environment Agency (supported by the NHBC Foundation and the Energy Saving Trust) concludes that rainwater harvesting systems add to homes’ energy use and CO2 emissions.

• The carbon emitted during manufacture and installation, added to the ongoing energy used by the systems’ pumps, means that these systems consume more energy and emit more CO2 than the mains water supply. Clearly there is an opportunity for manufacturers to optimise their systems.

Is rainwater harvesting really the right way to tackle water efficiency? Should consumers want this technology if its benefits are questionable? Wouldn’t a roll-out of water metering (already standard for new homes) be a more effective solution?

Do we want bigger houses?

2010-08-19T18:37:00.000+01:00

According to Ed Harding, Older People’s Housing and Under – Occupancy at the International Longevity Centre UK, we aspire to own larger houses to accommodate guests, hobbies and entertainment. Homes are certainly an emotional investment, synonymous with families, social roots and the source of memories for children and young adults.

These intangible factors, relating to deep rooted feelings of security and connection, is what makes quantification of space standards so hard.

As the makeup of the UK population alters, we may see values and feelings cause alteration in the way space is distributed between people. It is likely, with people enjoying longer lives, that retired members of the population will remain in large detached houses which were most popular in the 1990s. Being settled, they are less likely to want to move while enjoying the space to entertain their grand children. This will confine smaller apartment sized homes to the younger population. Thus, we see how the way we feel about space impacts how different generations can access and use it.

Considerations in the future

We feel our examination of different variables affecting space standards has shown that, in defining space, three perspectives should be considered: planners, builders and buyers who all have a different set of priorities. This should be reconciled with a variety of quantitative and qualitative research on space standards.

We would welcome your input to help develop these ideas on measurement, so please feel free to post your comments below.

The human element

2010-08-13T17:27:00.000+01:00

Recently we have been thinking about how space standards are measured; now we consider the role of people who use the space.

Spatial needs remain a controversial issue and hard to quantify. The Parker Morris Standards Guide, defined in 1961, is often used as a starting point for measuring. However, this guide has its limitations, evidenced by bodies such as English Partnerships, which introduced minimum space standards to its land in 2008 that are 10 per cent higher than Parker Morris’.

Ultimately the human condition dictates that people want more space than implied by minimum space standards. At the same time, wants and desires change and evolve. Changing trends of interior design reflect this, since we have witnessed in recent years a change in unit mix, with the ensuite, utility room and cloakroom having risen in importance.

This equates to a decrease in space, but ultimately generates a more desirable residence for homebuyers. Now we must think, how can space standards measurement resolve the fact that individual preference is more complex that minimum space standards suggest?

Inconsistencies in measurement of space standards

2010-08-09T18:00:00.000+01:00

Statistically, the UK has been shown to build the smallest houses in Europe. However, we must remember the array of variables across the continent, such the housing mix requirements, demands on housing development placed through local planning and the absence of one EU wide management of space standards.

Housing statistics in the EU, taken from 2005-2006, show UK homes to be 4 square metres below average for the whole housing stock yet average area per person is amongst the largest. Measurement is obviously a challenge. Dwellings in the UK are usually measured by number of bedrooms, while other countries focus on ‘useable space’, which includes basements.

We must also consider how housing type has changed dramatically over time. Since 1990 we have seen the rise of the desirable detached, while more recently since 2005, the UK has witnessed an increased emphasis on apartment dwellings. Such changes affect measurement of the whole housing stock, with detached houses on average 75 per cent larger than the rest of the stock, while apartments are 25 per cent smaller than the rest of the stock.

With such inconsistencies across space and time, is it still fair to say that the UK builds the smallest homes in Europe?

Space standards in the UK: the future

2010-07-30T14:05:00.001+01:00

As already highlighted by Trevor, space standards play an integral role in our quality of life. The HCA open consultation has thrown up some interesting insight into housing design quality standards. Now we would like to take the debate further.

In the past space standards have been defined by specifically selected statistics with limited relevance in the UK context. Following a report by the NHBC, using English House Condition Survey data, and the HCA consultation, it is clear a holistic approach is needed. This will take into account homebuyers’ values as well as numerical measurements.

By challenging the core assumptions around space standards and highlighting the inconsistencies in the way space is measured, we hope to revolutionise the way space is perceived and achieve a better deal for homebuyers in the UK.

Over the next few weeks we will be examining different variables in the measurement of space standards. Please join in by commenting below.

HCA consultation on space standards

2010-06-23T16:40:00.001+01:00

Our private space defines us. The space we have at home is where our children are brought up, our health maintained, our relationships cemented and our friends entertained. All these things suffer if we do not have enough room. And when they suffer they present the nation with a huge social cost. Yet we build the smallest homes in Europe.

The industry suggests that larger homes are more expensive to build and to buy. They are right – although such homes are also more marketable and robust against future market downturns. A balance has to be struck, and I believe we need to do better. That is why the HCA recently hosted an open consultation on a new set of core housing design quality standards. Our proposals include minimum sizes of homes, storage requirements and measures to improve sustainability and neighbourhood design.

Although standards don’t guarantee quality, the focus is on improving quality of life through larger, more flexible homes which reduce energy bills. This ambition supports the new government’s interest in encouraging continuous improvements to the quality and energy efficiency of new housing. We expect a full and wide ranging debate to inform our final decisions on the HCA’s new standards and the timetable for their application. This blog is an important part of that debate.

Welcome to the NHBC Foundation blog

2010-06-22T16:35:00.000+01:00

Welcome to the new blog from the NHBC Foundation, the independent body set up by the National House-Building Council (NHBC) and the BRE Trust. One of our goals is to facilitate debate across topics relevant to new homes – particularly the challenges of the Government’s 2016 zero carbon homes target.

We have launched this blog to share the latest house-building news and highlight any important information or research relating to the industry. As part of the NHBC Foundation’s remit to provide useful and relevant guidance, and lead discussion among industry experts, we’re really keen to hear your views and opinions, so please leave us your comments.

In addition to sharing our industry reports that provide the latest data and best practice, we will also feature regular industry commentators to discuss pertinent industry challenges.

I am pleased to announce that our first guest writer is Trevor Beattie, a member of the NHBC Foundation Advisory Board, and Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) Director of Place Making. Trevor will open the discussion by sharing his views on the HCA’s newly proposed space standards.

We hope that you enjoy our blog and support our goal of promoting dialogue between housebuilders and key stakeholders on meeting housing and sustainability challenges.

For more information about the NHBC Foundation, please visit our website.

I look forward to hearing from you through this blog in the future.

The NHBC Foundation

2010-05-25T16:53:00.000+01:00

The NHBC Foundation was launched in 2006 in partnership with the BRE Trust. Its remit is to provide the necessary data and intelligence to develop long-term solutions to house building and wider construction industry challenges which lie ahead and lead debate and thinking among industry experts. The NHBC Foundation facilitates research and development, and shares pragmatic and relevant guidance and good practice to the homebuilding industry. Much of the NHBC Foundation’s research is focused on the challenges of the Government’s 2016 zero carbon homes target.