The Good Homes Alliance welcomes the announcement that Defra is working with MHCLG to explore whether the Building Regulations could be amended to tighten water efficiency standards.
The challenges of water scarcity are well documented with large areas of the UK ‘seriously water stressed’, including areas with major development planned such as Cambridgeshire.
Tightening up water efficiency standards is a key step to tackling water shortage bottlenecks and unblocking stalled developments, enabling consumers to use less water and save on their water and energy bills, and allowing Government to deliver on their pledge of building 1.5million homes by 2030.
This public consultation includes an option to revise the minimum Water Efficiency Standard in new houses through fittings from 125 l/p/d to 105 l/p/d, and the optional technical standard from 110 l/p/d to 100 l/p/d. It includes a call for evidence on water reuse systems in new developments, to enable even greater water efficiency.
Tom Dollard, Chair, Good Homes Alliance, said: “Our membership is facing real challenges in delivering new homes due to a lack of water capacity in their areas.
“If we are to meet the Government housing delivery targets and unlock economic growth then we must start building more ‘water smart’ homes and neighbourhoods.
“We would like to see a refreshed Part G that is aligned to the water neutrality hierarchy, and a fittings-based approach combined with a water labelling scheme that would deliver water efficient homes at scale across the UK.
“We encourage all stakeholders from across industry to respond to this important consultation.”
The consultation coincides with the recent release of our Water Efficiency and Reuse in Housing: Design Guide for a Changing Climate, of which Defra sat on the steering group alongside a number of leading developers, local authorities, housing associations and expert consultants.
The publication provides case studies, best practice guidance, and industry insight to respond to the urgent need for ‘water-smart’ homes and arrives at an opportune moment to allow developers to get ahead of the curve and deliver water efficient developments now and ahead of anticipated tighter regulations.
Nicci Russell, CEO, Waterwise, said: “Water scarcity is one of the UK’s most urgent challenges. Our water supply can no longer meet rising demand.
“As a society, we’ve doubled our water usage over the past 60 years, and the population has increased by 16 million since 1960. So there are more of us than ever before, we’re using more than our fair share of water – and we’ve caused a climate emergency, so there’s less water available when we need it!
“To get our water use down to the lower levels we need, we will need ALL homes and businesses to be water-efficient – not just the kit in them, but also the people using it!
“The GHA guide is a vital step forwards in that goal.”
