Tackling Climate Change

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing the house building industry.

Rising average global temperatures and the increasing risks of energy and water shortages will have potentially significant effects for the homes and workplaces that we construct, live and work in. Improving the environmental credentials of the homes we construct will form part of the solution in moving towards a low carbon economy.

Since its introduction in 2006, the Code for Sustainable Homes has become an instrumental factor in the way we design and build our new homes. The Code measures sustainability in nine key areas including the use of renewable energy, the inclusion of water conservation systems, and the promotion of greener transport options. The Code is intended to minimise the environmental effects of the construction process and help combat climate change.                                      

In moving towards these requirements Bellway has in the year to July 2011 delivered 1371 homes to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 (1186 in 2010) and 693 homes to Eco Homes Very Good standard (480 in 2010).

Renewable energy technology and improved measures to save water are increasingly common place in all new developments and benefit customers through lower utility bills. In order to increase energy efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of a new home we have installed alternative heating technology such as solar and photovoltaic panels in 2865 homes this year (2092 homes in 2011). Water saving devices such as flow restrictors, mixer taps and dual flush toilets has reduced average water consumption to 105 litres per person per day.

In addition to energy savings in the home, when planning new sites we take into account transport considerations and where possible offer alternative options such as car clubs and cycle to work schemes. During the year 206 of our sites have been developed within 500 metres of a transport node and over 2079 homes now have access to a cycle store.

In Rochester in Kent, our Fort development incorporates porous paving (Picture available). The use of porous paving provides several benefits; it reduces the volume of water run-off and therefore negates the need for the construction of new sewers. It reduces the pressure on existing water courses while recharging natural ground water reserves and captures pollutants especially hydrocarbons in the sub-base that would otherwise have entered watercourses and drainage systems.