The nature of our future depends on the future of our nature

The construction industry consumes a large proportion of natural resources. Randall and Simmonds are committed to developing best practice and improving the sustainability of house construction and reducing waste, while improving the efficiency and therefore lowering household energy consumption.

EcoHomes

Modern requirements are now for highly insulated, low energy buildings. In April 2000 EcoHomes was developed and launched by the Centre for Sustainable Construction at BRE with support from NHBC (National House Builders Council). Its development was steered by a committee of industry representatives and environmental experts.

EcoHomes is an independent, transparent, environmental labelling scheme for housing. The scheme covers houses and apartments, either at the design stage or as part of major refurbishment.

EcoHomes assesses the environmental quality of a development by considering the broad concerns of climate change, use of resources, pollution and impact on bio-diversity. These concerns are balanced against the need for a high quality internal environment.

The issues assessed by EcoHomes are grouped into the seven category areas listed below:

Energy: Operational energy and CO2
Transport: Location issues related to transport
Pollution: Air and water pollution (excluding CO2)
Materials: Environmental implications of materials selection, recyclable materials
Water: Consumption issues
Ecology and Land Use: Ecological value of the site, planting and landscaping
Health & Well-Being: Internal and external issues relating to health and comfort

Our EcoHomes assessor, Linda Randall, assesses and scores each issue. The final rating is quality assured and certified by BRE.

The EcoHomes Scale runs from ‘PASS’ to ‘EXCELLENT’ as shown below.

PASS	Most developments should be able to achieve this with minor design/specification changes at a minimal additional cost.
GOOD	The developer has been able to demonstrate good practice in most areas.
VERY GOOD	Developments pushing forward the boundaries of environmental performance will achieve this.
EXCELLENT	Developments demonstrating exemplary environmental performance across the full range of issues will achieve this.

Last modified: 26/10/2005