New Code Fails to Attach Sufficient Importance to Construction Products

13 December 2006

The Construction Products Association, has warmly welcomed the principles of the new Code for Sustainable Homes, but has expressed disappointment that it does not provide greater recognition for manufacturers and suppliers who have developed sustainable building materials. Commenting on the launch of the Code, the Association’s Chief Executive, Michael Ankers said:

‘Many companies in the industry have developed products that set high standards on sustainability, but unfortunately the Code does not give them significant recognition for the contribution they can make towards delivering the sustainable housing of the future. Equally important, because of the way the Code allocates points for sustainable materials, there is little encouragement for manufacturers with less sustainable products to improve their products.’

‘As a result it could lead to very energy and water efficient new homes being built using materials with high environmental impact. It is important that when the Code is reviewed it takes account of the emerging European Standards in this area and provides real incentives and rewards for manufacturers and suppliers who take these issues seriously.’

Ankers welcomed aspects of the Code as an important step forward in delivering more sustainable housing.

‘Product manufacturers and suppliers are the key to developing the innovative products and solutions which will deliver the energy and water efficient homes of the future and we look forward to working with others in the industry to ensure the demanding targets that have been set are met.

‘The success of the Code depends on four key issues:

·         All local authorities using the code as the basis for developing their sustainable housing and abandoning the current plethora of prescriptive solutions that is causing confusion and not necessarily delivering carbon savings in the most efficient way

·         Private house builders adopting the Code as a basis for marketing their houses in the future

·         Government using the framework set by the Code as the basis for the development of future building regulations in this area

·         Establishing a clear mechanism for developing and updating the Code and into which all the key stakeholders will have an input.

In conclusion Ankers commented that:

‘The Code is an important step forward for new housing, but we must not forget that the big wins in terms of carbon savings are in the existing housing stock, which is typically four times less energy efficient than housing built in accordance with the latest building regulations. Improving the existing housing stock by 1% each year would save more energy than making the entire housing new build, zero carbon. We have been disappointed that the Government has so far not done more to incentivise householders to make their homes more energy efficient in the way that is happening in Germany. Only by a greater focus on existing housing will the UK have any chance of reaching the ambitious targets that the Government has set for reducing carbon emissions.’