EcoHomes

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EcoHomes

Housing designed to a suitable EcoHomes rating displays a recognised energy and environmental standard. EcoHomes is the homes version of BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method). This scheme was launched in 2000.  Stephen Kinsella is a BRE licensed EcoHomes assessor, and provides both formal assessment and advice on designing to achieve EcoHomes ratings.

The EcoHomes assessment method demonstrates the sustainable credentials of the development, ensures that the environmental criteria are followed through the finished development, and demonstrates superior environmental design to new homeowners and other stakeholders. EcoHomes provides an EcoHomes rating certificate for every home.

EcoHomes is quality managed by Building Research Establishment. EcoHomes takes into account broad environmental concerns of climate change, resources use and impact on ecology and biodiversity, alongside the need for a high quality of life and a safe and healthy environment. EcoHomes guarantees an independent and authoritative standard. The approach is realistic and straightforward, based on BRE’s experience of what practically can be achieved.

The sustainability and energy features of the development, such as transport, ecological benefit, and water use, as well as these features which are inherent in the construction, are assessed within the EcoHomes rating. Some other features that are taken into account are minimising pollution through selection of building materials, use of locally sourced materials, and embodied energy (the energy used in manufacture of building materials), re-cycling of waste, and absence of light pollution.

Stephen Kinsella of KCE gives a full service in achieving EcoHomes standards, advising on the environmental principles of the scheme, and formal assessment. Phone 01934 838624. KCE, The Old Forge, Kingston Bridge, Clevedon, Somerset BS21 6TX

For general information see http://www.bre.co.uk/sustainable/ecohomes.html

For how to get an assessment, and typical fees, see http://www.bre.co.uk/sustainable/ecohomes2.html  

To download a pdf file of EcoHomes literature (3 pages) ; click hereIn order to view the .pdf file you may need to download Acrobat Reader from the Adobe website