Accreditation (subject to successful assessment)
Ecohomes is a version of BREEAM for homes. It provides an authoritative rating for new, converted or renovated homes, and covers houses, flats and apartments.
Ecohomes balances environmental performance with the need for a high quality of life and a safe and healthy internal environment.
The refurbishment will achieve up to 72 credits and is intended to act as a showcase of environmental measures. The assessment report recommends that an EXCELLENT EcoHomes rating is certificated.
The key features of this development are:
Comparatively low energy consumption due to high standards of thermal insulation, energy efficient heating and hot water appliances and controls and low energy lighting resulting in carbon emissions of just 19.76kg CO2/m2/year.
For a refurbishment, the levels of fabric insulation are high.
Provision of outdoor clothes-drying, A+ and A rated domestic appliances, well controlled low energy external lighting, cycle storage, home-working facilities, water efficient appliances and a water butt minimise the use of fuel and water.
Provision of a soakaway reduces the water leaving the site and helps replenish the local aquifer.
Reuse of an existing dwelling and specification of A-rated elements for the replacement extension aswell as responsible sourcing of joinery products protects scarce raw materials and reduces the impact that construction of a new dwelling has on the environment. This is reinforced by provision of recycling facilities.
The adoption of the recommendations of an accredited ecological consultant, considerate contractor’s practices and site environmental procedures protect and enhance the local environment and biodiversity and improve working conditions on site.
The provision of a plain-English user manual, that includes local facilities and Secured by Design windows and doors ensures low running costs, minimal environmental impact in use and peace of mind for users.
Futher information on Ecohomes assessments can be found at: www.breeam.org