Improving Water Efficiency

Water is one of our most precious resources and the way that we manage our water supplies is becoming increasingly important as the country faces more extreme weather conditions.

As developers we have a responsibility to manage the volume of water we use and to reduce overall demand, both in terms of our operations and the homes that we build and also to minimise the affects of development on local drainage systems.

Eighty six of our developments feature Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (“SUDS”). These systems replicate the natural flow of water and help recharge the aquifer. By reducing the volume of storm water flowing into the drainage system they are able to reduce flood risk.

One of the largest savings in water consumption can be made in the homes that we build. A number of our sites have incorporated water butts which provide for rainwater storage which can be used for garden irrigation. Internally, taps with flow regulators in the kitchen and bathroom can significantly reduce the consumption of water.

On the edge of Castle Bromwich our Oaklands development features a range of homes where we have fitted solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. By harvesting rainwater from roofs and collecting it in underground tanks we are able to re-use the water in toilets and for garden irrigation. Rainwater harvesting systems such as these can achieve and maintain excellent water quality with a minimum of maintenance and can offer savings of up to 50% on water consumption.