The debate in new build residential has recently been dominated by energy performance, improvements to building fabric, and low carbon heating solutions like heat pumps. However, water scarcity and increasing water efficiency of domestic appliances is a key part of specification and Regs compliance. According to The World Green Building Council by 2030 global demand for water will be 40% higher than supply due to warmer temperatures, population increases and changes in usage. The built environment accounts for around 15% of drinking water, and the housebuilding sector presents an opportunity for large gains using water saving innovation. Exploring new ways to save water in appliances, as well as ensuring they are energy saving, is fundamental part of futureproofing housing developments. The result is lower carbon emissions and lower bills for customers, and investing in more efficient, smarter solutions also enables enlightened manufacturers and housebuilders to differentiate in the market.
However, what are the challenges as well as the opportunities for the housebuilding industry for increasing water efficiency and energy savings in water-using appliances such as showers? Our multidisciplinary round table will bring housebuilders, water experts and solutions innovators together to discover more, and explore realistic solutions, from electric showers, to waste water heat recovery, to external flow controls. Although Part G of the Building Regulations has not been updated since 2015, recent regs changes have given further impetus to cutting carbon as well as saving water, but how can housebuilders achieve the goals while not compromising the performance residents expect?
Other questions we will explore include:
- Are the drivers for water use reduction in Part G tough enough – should they go beyond 125 litres per person?
- How does Part L drive water use reductions in appliances/water installations as well as their energy reduction?
- The ‘fittings-based’ approach to compliance, is product labelling on water use having the desired effect?
- Are housebuilders understanding the benefits, and embracing water saving?
- How can housebuilders work with water companies and manufacturers to ensure best practice solutions on water saving and energy use?
- How can Government help – such as intervening to ensure water isn’t ‘cheap’ compared with gas and electricity, and working more with water meters in properties?
- How can approved solutions be driven further to ensure better specification?
- Simple solutions for reducing the energy use of appliances – eg waste water heat recovery of showers – an easy win for housebuilders?
- What info do housebuilders require from product manufacturers – (for example regarding ‘modelling’ products within SAP and Appendix Q provisions)
- What are the impacts of heat pumps on appliances e.g. showers, how do they affect product choice and projected savings?
- How can trust and buy-in be built with consumers on water saving and performance- eg third party data?
- How has technology (including smart solutions) evolved to manage the balance between lower water use and performance, and change stigma?
- How do housebuilders help customers navigate the huge choice of appliances for water saving and energy efficiency?