BRE developing new homes standard and wants you to have your say

In the wake of the recent Housing Standards Review (HSR) and the dissolution of the Code for Sustainable Homes, BRE has unveiled plans to develop a voluntary sustainability standard for new homes. The standard will allow developers to differentiate their product in the marketplace by recognising performance beyond minimum regulation and providing increased choice for the consumer.

BRE is inviting all those involved with the delivery of housing as well as consumers to have their say on what should be included in the standard. Director of BREEAM Gavin Dunn  said:

‘We have our own ideas on the critical issues we need to address in future housing delivery – things like resilience to adverse and extreme weather: flooding, wind,  overheating – mental and physical health & wellbeing of occupants, resource efficiency, increased biodiversity, low energy, water and maintenance costs and  improved connectivity. It is essential that the industry and homeowners engage with us so we can develop  a tool that people and the industry want to use because it provides increased quality and choice for the consumer, and drives  innovation and improvements across the housing supply chain.’

The standard will be developed for the UK and can be adapted for specific local circumstances. It will use an easy to understand, consumer focused rating system. Significantly the standard aims to tackle the performance gap issue, ensuring that the home is performing as designed and if not to recommend a course of action the home owner can take.

The consultation process is open until 25th July 2014. The standard will be ready for roll out next Spring. To get engaged with the consultation click here. If you have any views that you wish to include in the BWF’s consultation response, please contact matthew.mahony@bwf.org.uk