BRE And Property Tectonics Check Out Sustainability In Welsh Homes

The pilot scheme, which is part funded by the Welsh Assembly’s Best Practice Programme, will measure the environmental performance of over 15,000 existing properties operated by two of Wales’ largest housing association consortiums Devco and GENus.

The project will establish a method of measuring sustainability which can be adopted by the Welsh Housing Quality Standards as a benchmark across Wales’ social housing sector.

BRE will use its EcoHomesXB environmental assessment criteria, which it developed as part of its wider BREEAM measurement scheme, to complete the project and also set refurbishment standards for existing homes.

Property Tectonics will contribute its wealth of experience in condition-based assessment through its latest web-based software, Lifespan-EcoHomesXB.

The software will be used to store, manage and report on the data collected and allow the participating associations access to the database to view and monitor EcohomesXB project information, including their respective EcoHomes scores as the work proceeds.

Colin King, from BRE Wales, said: "It is hoped and anticipated that after the trial has been undertaken and reported to the Housing Directorate, all other Housing Consortia and RSL's in Wales will use the assessment methodology to make refurbished homes across Wales more sustainable." Property Tectonics Director, David Bracegirdle said "We are delighted to be working on this project and with BRE particularly as its focus is on existing homes which, unlike new build, is often ignored, which is not sensible when so much can be done to improve the environmental footprint of millions of homes in use in the UK."

For more information go to www.Lifespanecohomesxb.com