Building a new home or an extension to an existing home allows one to consider more than just energy efficiency but the whole impact of the new construction on the environment. Sustainable construction ensures that buildings today will meet the needs of future generations without depleting resources, causing pollution, or destroying the natural environment.
Examples of what you can do include re-using reclaimed building materials, using materials with recycled content, incorporating renewable energy technology, providing the highest levels of insulation, choosing locally produced materials, choosing materials with low embodied energy, minimising water use, incorporating rainwater collection and use of grey water, and design which maximises solar gain.
For more information, see the following links:
- Build Store – supplier and information for self-build and renovation
- Sustainable Building Association – information, links and members of the Association for Environment Conscious Building
- This is information and useful links about the Brick by Brick conference on sustainable construction, which Sustainability Matters will organize in Stafford Borough in 2024.
- RRD – EPDM roofing materials
- Strategy for Sustainable Construction—a joint Government and construction industry initiative currently being developed that will set out commitments and targets relevant to Sustainable Construction.
- Code for Sustainable Homes – a mandatory rating for new homes which measures the overall sustainability performance
- Building Regulations for England | NHBC
