Tuesday 19 April 2022

 









How Do You find Expensive Air Leaks In Your Home?

 

Air leaks can occur from gaps and cracks in the building's fabric. Air will travel through these gaps and cracks and enter the home if not sealed correctly. Locating leaks themselves isn't expensive, but it is crucial, because if the home has many air leaks, it would take a while for the house to heat up using more energy, increasing your bills. To learn how to identify these leaks, you can use these methods to test your home:


- Use your hands

- The candle test

- Smoke machine test

- Air leak detector

- Get a qualified engineer to conduct many variant tests, which can help and make the process easy. 

 

The hand method to identify air leaks 


When it's a cold, windy day and the heating is on, creating a warm environment, place your hand around edges of doors, windows and vents. If you can feel cold air on your hand, then you will have an air leak. 

 

Getting a qualified engineer to do a blower door test or a smoke test 

 

The engineer will place a blower door fan in the front entrance of your home. What this fan does is suck out all the air within the build by depressuring. This will let outside air come into the build through the gaps and cracks, and these areas would be identified as leaks. The engineer will turn the equipment on and move their way throughout the house, trying to identify where the leaks are coming from. They usually appear around bathroom and kitchen pipes, behind appliances, loft doors, electrical sockets, plumbing, lighting, radiators and chimneys. A smoke test would be smoking the entire build, and where smoke escapes the build from viewing the build from outside, those areas will be where the leaks are. 

 

Candle test 

 

If you are going to test on a warm day, make sure you turn off the central air conditioning, and when it is a cold day, turn off the central heating before starting the test. Place the candle near areas you think would leak, and if the flame slightly shifts direction, it could mean there are small leaks around the build. Places to go around would be electrical sockets, light fittings and window frames. 

 

Using an air leak detector 

 

When you turn the device on, start with the areas where you may think that will leak, and point the device towards that area. A light from the device will scan the area you are looking at. If there are potential leaks, the device light will change to blue, meaning the leak is cold. If the light shows red, then the leak is warm. If there are no leaks, the light won't change at all. 

 

The ideal way to keep your home air tight, and cheaper to run, is to get a specialist out to help detect where your problems lie. This can save you a lot of money in the future! Let's face it, with bills getting more expensive, there's never a better time to save your pennies!

Friday 25 February 2022









 Construction Industry Is Feeling The Cut Backs!

 

The construction industry is one of the biggest industries in the UK, and it is the second fastest growing sector in the UK. It is reported that the construction industry contributes more than £110 billion per year according to https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/UK_construction_industry

 

But this doesn’t change the fact that January saw a 10% fall in wages for the construction industry. There can be many reasons, as the last few years have severely impacted all industries. With other sectors still struggling to move past the effects of COVID-19,  means there is less money for people to build, extend or even move. Unfortunately, people still find it hard to borrow money due to their jobs not having the security they once did, or because they are no longer working the hours they did before. Mortgage lenders have tightened their belts even more than before, which has seen the decline in some areas of building. 

 

The wages drop isn’t a blanket cover for the whole industry, but it shows how volatile we are as a community and country as a whole. This is hopefully a temporary situation, one which should see a rise as the year goes on. 

 

What we have to remember is that these last years have given us many hurdles to overcome. The supply chain being one of the hardest. Without the supply, the building itself had to be postponed, and in some cases stopped. Meaning that some workers either had to have time off or find other work completely. It’s far from ideal, but we are making progress! 

 

We have also seen the energy prices rise more than ever expected, which is a great advocate for green energy and building to a higher standard, but this only works if the clients can afford the initial costs. Energy efficient homes are fantastic, they will ensure that energy bills are the lowest they could possibly be, sometimes they can even give back to the grid. But, as with anything, the initial start-up will be more costly, which is worth it in the long-run.  Unfortunately, we are living in a time where the money isn’t always there to dip into to begin the process. 

 

The vacancies in the construction industry still remain high, but this doesn’t have to be negative. We’re coming up to summer, which is where our industry really does come alive. These are all impacts from the last few years. We can’t go through something like that and expect to come out unscathed. Compared to other industries, we have done well. We still have a way to go, but we will get there. 

 

The deadline of 2050 Net Zero Carbon Emissions is looming. As an industry, we are prepared, but we need to get all our ducks in a row first. Our industry, like many others, realises on working together. If we can do that, nothing can stop us!

Thursday 17 February 2022

 







Energy Prices Are Rising!

It’s all over the news, we’ve seen the rise, but what can we do about it? 

Homes all over the country are now preparing for one of the steepest energy price rises for years. If you’re concerned about the price hike, perhaps it’s time to look at other ways of reducing your consumption. 

The easiest and most effective way to ensure your energy prices are lowered is to reduce your energy consumption. 


Air Tightness


First and foremost, you will need to locate any air leaks around your home. If you have gaps in the fabric of the building, this will allow heat to escape, pushing up your energy costs. Once you have found all the gaps, you need to make sure you have sealed them. This can be easier said than done after completion of a build. These things are often harder to fix in retrospect, but if you’re stuck, or need advice, seek out a building compliance company. They will have engineers who can assist you and point you in the right direction. 


If you’re currently building, make sure you address the air tightness at the earliest stage. If you design an air tight structure, you will automatically save on your energy consumption. 


Improve Your Insulation


This might sound like a simple solution, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Improving the insulation of your home can have a huge impact on your energy consumption and therefore your energy bills. 


Heat loss through walls, ceiling and floors can be much more than many people realise. You need to ensure that you have at the least the recommended minimum insulation, you’d be surprised at how many homes don’t even have this. Again, you can speak to an energy assessor who can advise you on what type of insulation you need, and how much you of it you should have. This will depend on many factors, such as when your property was built, what systems you have in place, the materials used, etc. 


Check to ensure your loft space is well insulated. Air escapes this way, and it can be an easy fix so you must make sure you have this right. Also, make sure that your loft hatch is fitted correctly. Any gaps will allow air to escape, which isn’t what you want when you’re trying to reduce your energy consumption. When you’re in the loft, you could also check out to see if there is a vapour barrier present. This is a great way to seal any holes in the fabric of the build and can make a huge difference. If you don’t have a vapour barrier, you might consider painting the walls using a vapour barrier paint. 


Inspect All Equipment


Make sure you have your services are up-to-date on your heating systems, this is a great and easy way to ensure they are working efficiently. A heating system that isn’t working at its highest capacity will drain your energy usage and in turn, push up your energy bills. Refer to the manufacturers guidelines, if they say you need your system serviced yearly, then have it serviced. Don’t wait. 


Use LED Lightbulbs 


Did you know that your lighting accounts for about 10% of your energy bill? So, replacing all your inefficient lightbulbs with energy saving ones can help reduce the cost of running your home. The small changes can make a big difference over time, so don’t underestimate their impact. 


Choose The Best Appliances


When you’re considering what appliances to have, choose the ones with a better energy efficiency rating. If you opt for an A+ rated washing machine, you can get more use at a cheaper cost. Collectively ensuring your appliances are as energy efficient as possible will certainly help with this energy price rise! You might not be able to afford to replace them all now, maybe one at a time. When you’re next looking for a new cooker, ensure the energy efficiency of this product is A+. 


Get An Energy Assessment


If you’ve gone through all the above and are still looking at reducing your consumption, you might consider getting a professional Energy Assessment completed. Your Energy Assessor can go over your whole property and show you where improvements can be made, and even advise you on how to make them. You will be informed of how efficient your home currently is, and what it could potentially achieve if all the changes were made. 



Changes don’t just come from fixing or not fixing your bills, they come from ensuring that your energy consumption is as low as it can possibly be! 

 

 

Thursday 10 February 2022

 








Why Do I Need a Sound Test?

 

Building compliance can be frustrating, especially when you feel bombarded by red tape and regulations. The best thing you can do is understand why you need each compliance. Knowledge is power after all. 

 

So, why do you need a sound test?

 

There's no getting out of it, you need to test sound on all new buildings and on building conversions created by a change of use.  Sound tests must comply with Part E of the building regulations in England and Wales.


Your build will need soundproofing to keep the noise out. The sound test proves that your property actually meets the regulations set out in Part E, as stated above. 

There are two different kinds of sound, tested by two different kinds of tests.

 

•          Airborne noise

•          Impact noise

 

Airborne noise: This is noise that is airborne, such as music, conversation, etc.


Impact noise: This noise is usually created against a surface, such as footsteps or banging.


Airborne noise is tested through walls and floors, and impact noise is tested through floors only.

 

One thing to note is that buildings are usually empty when tested. This makes the process much easier and affords a truer, better result. Any noise created within the building will be picked up by the meter and affect the final result of the sound test. Most builders will schedule the sound test just before a property is handed over to a client or when it's occupied. The building should be tested as soon as it's finished, since all the final finishes have been applied and the best chance of a successful result is possible. Once the property is lived in, the fabric of the building will change!

 

So, remember, to get the best results possible, you need to test before the property is occupied! You can also get help from an engineer at the design stage, way before any actual building work takes place. If we're talking about getting the best results possible, speak to an expert and work their suggestions into the design of your build. Don't forget, these people have years of experience and can tell you exactly what will work, and what won't. 

 

We can all get bogged down by the red tape, and you wouldn't be the first to wonder why you have to pass so many regulations and gain so many certifications, just to build your own home. But, trust me when I say you need to understand why we have these regulations. The more you understand, the clearer things become. 

 

These aren't here to trip us up, they're to ensure we build better and have homes that will last generations. We are, rightly, considering our planet much more and the impact we have. These regulations are designed to lower our carbon footprint, not just from the construction itself, but also the duration of the property. 


With a healthier living environment, lower energy bills, and a reduced environmental impact, what's not to love. 

 

Don't let these compliances bog you down, step up and build homes ready for the next generation.

Friday 26 November 2021

 How Important is Air Tightness Consultancy?










 

Air tightness testing is where the air loss from the fabric of a building is measured. 

Most people think of air testing as a way to reduce their environmental impact and save money on their energy bills. But what you have to remember is that air tightness testing is part of the Building Regulations, so whether you’re looking to reduce energy waste or not, your building still has to comply. 

 

One of the most frustrating aspects of air tightness testing, for me especially, is that most air tests are carried out when the build is complete. Meaning that if there were any problems, it's not only harder to fix, but also more costly. Time is precious, we’ve all heard that on repeat, especially the older we get, but no truer word has been said, especially in construction. We must, as builders, construction specialists, engineers, etc, utilise our time better.  A construction designed with air tightness in mind will produce a more energy efficient build, and let’s face it, that’s what many of us are really aiming for. Not only is this better for the environment, but it will also cost less to run. 

 

There are many companies out there who can help design your build, ensuring it's air tight. Remember these engineers have had years of experience and can ensure you essentially build better and build tighter. By employing an engineer to look over your architectural drawings, it allows them to assess the construction for air sealing across the building envelope.  This will mean a full in-depth investigation of all product specifications to ensure they work alongside the target air test result. 

 

 

As construction begins, the specialist engineer will continue to make visits to ensure there are no problems. They typically look at junctions, different interfaces, vapour control layers, and the applications of all materials, to ensure that it is being built exactly to the requirements. Any problems, concerns, or even deviations from the plans, will be picked up early, meaning any remedial work will be completed quickly! 

 

It’s especially important if you’re hoping to produce an extremely air tight build that you undertake at least 2 air tests, one as standard, on completion. The other will be done first when the shell of the building is complete. But I would suggest and strongly recommend you get assistance throughout the whole process! 

 

Don’t forget, when talking about air tightness, you must also consider ventilation. An air tight build must have the right ventilation systems installed. This is yet another reason why you should employ the help of an engineer at the earliest possible stage. Air tightness will have a huge impact on other elements of the construction and you need all elements to work together!

Tuesday 9 November 2021


 







What Affects the EPC?

 

I'm often asked, what exactly affects the EPC? How can I ensure I get the best results? 

 

The EPC. It is a vital piece of information that indicates what the typical running costs of your property will be. What you have to remember is that the better the EPC result, the more interest you'll get when trying to sell your property.  

 

A new build, or newer build, will be more energy efficient due to the updated building standards it's had to conform to. 

 

The construction of the build will also impact your results. Builds constructed before the 1930’s will likely be a solid wall construction, meaning no cavity. The problem is that the walls will not keep the heat in as well as a home with an air gap between the two courses of brick work, or if they have insulation in between.  This makes the build less efficient than a newer build, which has a developed cavity wall.

 

A property which is mid terraced will usually perform better than a detached build of the same age. The more walls exposed to the elements, the less energy efficient it will be. Also if your build has large rooms to heat, this can also have an impact. 

 

Loft insulation is the easiest and cheapest way to increase the energy efficiency of your build. The minimum recommended amount of insulation is around 270mm. 

 

Small changes, such as changing the lighting to LED light bulbs, might not mean a massive change in the results, but every little helps. If you're on the cusp, then this is a small change which might just bring you over the line. 

 

Double or even triple glazed windows will help retain the heat of your home, and in turn increase your EPC result. Most homes have double glazing, but why not take it up a notch and increase to triple glazing to make the most of your build? 

 

The controlled heating system will also impact your results.  There are many forms of heat controls, such as thermostats, programmers, and radiator thermostats (TRV’s). These will improve the efficiency of the property, because you can control the amount of heat used, and not waste energy where it is not required in your home.

 

The most important factor of an EPC is the energy source. Energy is obviously used to heat the property, and therefore will impact the EPC score. An example of this would be that a build using gas for heating will have a better result than a build using electricity for heating. The reason for this is that the unit for gas is cheaper than many other forms of energy sources, and is also less harmful to the environment when considering the CO² emissions produced in the process of generating electricity. However, we have so many new ways to heat builds now, such as Air Source Heat Pumps, where the energy is essentially extracted from the air. If you're in an existing build, your EPC will be based on the heating method you have installed. However, if you're looking to build,  consider the more energy efficient alternatives. 

 

The boiler is also another key factor that can affect the property’s score. There are various boilers with many efficiency levels. A boiler from the 70s will have an efficiency of around 65%, but newer boilers must have a minimum efficiency of 88%. Therefore, changing the old boiler for a new one will increase the EPC score, making the property more efficient. 

 

The EPC is vital to your build. There are many ways to ensure you get the best results, but to do that, you need to understand your systems, materials and construction methods. The best way is to get the help and advice of an expert at the earliest possible stage.

Friday 15 October 2021






 


Is Passive House The Go-to Standard?

 

What we look for in our homes has changed dramatically over the last few years. With working from home becoming the ‘new normal', we have started wanting and needing more from our builds. Even though we are no longer in lockdown, we’re still spending more time in our homes than ever before. 

 

But how can a passive house make the difference? 

 

Passive homes are built and designed to have year-round climate control. This means they offer a far more comfortable living space. Gone are the days where your homes are naturally hot in the summer and cooler in the winter. Passive houses have changed our whole living experience. 

 

Mould and condensation are also eradicated from Passive Houses. With their excellent ventilation systems and total air-tightness, they are designed right from the beginning to ensure the best possible living experience. Don’t forget that these impressive builds can use up to 90% less energy than a standard build. Not only will you benefit from this in comfort, but you’ll also see a huge difference in your energy bills!

 

The UK Government has set a deadline of 2050 for net zero carbon emissions. So, with that in mind, Passive Houses are becoming more popular. These homes are designed and built ready for the future. So, if you’re looking to self-build, Passive House Standard is probably the most appealing. 

 

The concept of Passive House originated from Germany, and has become more popular over the last few years. 

 

Do passive homes cost more to build?

 

Well, this is a straightforward answer, yes, they do. But if you’re building with the intent of a ‘forever home’ then you’ll quickly make your money back. What you have to remember is you’re paying for quality, quality which you don’t normally get from standard types of buildings. This is an investment, an investment for your future! 

 

Passive Houses are more relevant now than ever. They are at their best in high-use buildings, and as stated, we are now using our homes more than ever. Meaning, we can really utilise our passive builds and their impressive technology.

 

Can I retrofit my existing home into a passive house?

 

This is a complex question, the answer is yes and no. Can you make your existing build more energy efficient? Yes, without a doubt. Can you pass the Passive House Standard? This is trickier. Passive House has some strict criteria that must be implemented throughout your build. The design of your build will also play a massive role in whether your build meets Passive House Standards, and as you can imagine, this isn’t something which can be easily altered. 

 

You don’t need to give up hope though, all changes which can be made are beneficial, and you can make positive alterations to ensure your home is as energy efficient as possible. But, if Passive House Standard is what you want, it’s always best to start from scratch. It is always easier to ensure compliance from the beginning than in retrospect. 

 

Thankfully, we are all currently looking into our builds, and undertaking essential works to ensure energy efficiency. This is partly due to the Government schemes, which have allowed more people to make the essential changes. 

 

Ultimately, if you’re looking to self-build, consider a passive house. The benefits outweigh any negatives!

Friday 1 October 2021


 







Common Problems with New Builds

 

New build homes are enticing, they’re ready to move into, and sometimes, you can even have a say in the materials used for the flooring etc. What’s not to love? Well, they can also come with their own problems. You must always do your own research on the development, and even the developer. 

 

Developments are built quickly, but this is sometimes viewed as a bad sign. To perfect a build, you need to ensure every stage is spot on, the materials are right, and the craftsmanship is top quality. 

 

Now I’m not trying to put down developers. They’re good at what they do, but because of their schedule, and the tight deadlines, they sometimes don’t have the time to put in to ensure everything is just right. 

 

Don’t let this put you off from buying a new build though. There are plenty of excellent houses out there, you just have to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying into. 

 

Some of the most searched questions regarding new builds relate to the problems you might encounter. So with that in mind…

 

What are the most common problems with a new build?

 

Cracks 

 

Cracks are common with new builds. This can often put off potential customers, but cracks are quite normal. Most new builds will experience some settlement cracks. This is literally where your build is simply settling on its foundations. 

 

The time it takes a build to settle is disputed and can vary from anywhere between 9 months to 3 years. The only time you need to worry about this is when the cracks keep growing or if they become very wide. 

 

If you’re concerned, contact your developer or tradesman, and they will inspect the cracks and put your mind at ease. 

 

Living in England doesn’t help, as the weather plays a huge part in cracks and when they develop. 

 

Condensation

 

When you buy an older property, you can experience damp and mould, but don’t think new builds are an exception. The problem here is that condensation can happen due to the amount of moisture in the building process. A new build property can take up to 12 months to dry out fully. 

 

Homes these days are constructed to be airtight. Yes, they have to have the right ventilation, but this is for the homes use, not to include the building process. 

 

Again, you need to research your builder, look at their portfolio. This isn’t a small purchase, and you need to make sure you have all the information. 

 

Make sure you ventilate your home. This is the first and foremost point when talking about damp and mould. 

 

Insulation Problems

 

We’ve all bought into the idea of being energy efficient, and looking after our planet and its future, and new builds are part of this. 

 

Once again, this comes down to research. You need to ensure that you’re getting sufficient insulation. In recent past, it has been reported that some new builds didn’t actually have the insulation required. This can be costly if you don’t find out until it’s too late. One way to ensure you know is to get the necessary surveys and checks done first. These can tell you what insulation you have and if it’s sufficient. 

 

Floors Separating 

 

This actually relates to cracks in the walls, in the same way they form, newly laid hardwood boards can also crack. This can often happen in the winter, but it’s completely normal. 

 

If the cracks become big or you experience cupping, this is when you need help from the professionals. 

 

So, there you have it, the basic list of problems common with a new build home. Just keep an eye on everything, and if you have any problems, go back to your developer. Homes need time to settle in, just like us.

Friday 24 September 2021








Exciting Prospects For Up-and-Coming Construction Talent.

 

The construction industry is huge, and if you’re lucky enough to be part of it, you’ll know how important it is that each trade works together, and no position is left unfilled. 

 

Covid19 has made its impact on our industry, and we’ve been left with the highest levels of vacancies since records began. We need to ensure that we continue to grow as an industry. If we don’t, we won’t be able to keep up with the demand for builds, and the impact from this could be huge. 

 

Thankfully, there has been a new initiative, backed by the Government, launched this month! Talentview Construction also has the backing of the Construction Leadership Council, Universities, Colleges and Construction Industry employers. It was launched on September 21st 2021 and helps support early careers in the construction industry. 

 

Talentview Construction

 

The idea behind this initiative is to fill the vacancies left in the construction industry. There are already over 600 apprenticeships listed! Considering it’s recent launch, that’s an impressive number. Employers can register with TVC and use this to promote their early career jobs. It’s a huge directory for construction careers. This will be the go-to site for anyone starting out in construction. 

 

Yes, we can put up our jobs anywhere and advertise them anywhere, but this allows us to open up all opportunities to a wider audience. This could also encourage more construction managers to open more opportunities on their sites. 

 

You can sign up for alerts for both jobs and training, and you can get advice on particular roles, as well as start building your own network. This is a fantastic tool for anyone starting out in our industry. I can’t wait to see how this website evolves, as if done correctly, this could have a huge positive impact on our industry. 

 

As an employer, you can search for a candidate directly. Do you have specific qualities you’re looking for? Does a potential candidate stand out for you? Don’t worry, you can headhunt them for your position. Build your own network, work closely with universities and colleges, build a future for our younger generation. 

 

The construction industry is a leading industry to work in. It’s fast paced, energetic, talented and vital. We need to ensure that the next generation is as eager to be in our industry as we are.

 

TVC is free to use! The construction industry currently employs around 3 million people and still needs to recruit 217,000 new workers between now and 2025 to continue on the same trajectory and support the current demand. This figure is subject to rise! TVC can hopefully start to bridge this gap and open up the opportunity for new talent!

Friday 10 September 2021


 






Is Your Business Crumbling Due To A Lack Of Materials?

 

I’m sure you’ve read in the news in the last few days that Jewson's have warned that material prices will continue to rise because we are still experiencing a shortage. The building material shortage is one of many problems we, as an industry, have to deal with after the pandemic and Brexit. No one has come out of the last few years unaffected, and it’s likely to take us a while to get back on our feet. 

 

I have written about this topic a few times. In the past, I hoped it would pass quickly, but unfortunately here I am again, because this is more relevant now than ever.

 

Jewson has announced they will have to continue to put up the prices of some of their goods. Timber, insulation, and even wheelbarrows are on the list. We have seen the cost of timber rise considerably recently, and it’s safe to say it doesn’t look like it has plateaued yet.

 

The disruption to supplies has caused havoc across our industry, projects have come to a standstill, and profits have been considerably lowered.

 

Jewson’s are not the only construction material suppliers to speak out about this crisis. Travis Perkins has also warned of shortages of timber and plasterboard, and B&Q has also spoken out on this issue. Even shops including Ikea and Argos have made reference to not being able to get hold of products.

 

But why is this happening? 

 

Unfortunately, it's the mix of the pandemic, limited workers, and Brexit that affects the supply chain. It seems we, the consumers, face the brunt of the impact.

 

The Bank of England forecasts a rise in inflation this year of 4%. That's the highest inflation rate for 10 years.

 

What is being done?

 

It has been noted Hanson has said they are allocating cement to ensure that there is a reasonable supply. Jewson has also limited certain products to 'so many' per customer. I’m sure you’re aware this isn’t an ideal situation, you don’t need me to tell you that. We need to find a way out of this crisis, because we are slowly coming to a halt.

 

Supply and demand is a huge issue. If you’re needing more information on who is limiting what, you can go onto their websites. They have a note on there explaining what products are causing problems. 

 

On top of this, we are still attempting to reach the government's deadline of 2050 net zero carbon emissions. We're supposed to hit this deadline, but how are we supposed to do it when we're also limited on supplies? I don’t want to say it’s impossible. I’m still hoping this will turn around, but any delays will have a massive impact on how quickly this can be done.

 

If you’re still looking for more info or updates, check out these links below. They might not solve your problems, but they might answer some of your questions. 

 

constructionnews.co.uk

Jewson Supplies

The Guardian

Friday 3 September 2021









How Does Construction Affect Our Environment?

 

The world is beginning to realise its impact on the environment. Carbon Footprint is a phrase uttered in almost all sectors, but none as much as our industry. 

 

Do you know your impact?

 

"If nothing changes, nothing changes," there is no truer sentence. If your approach to building does not develop with the world, no positivity can come from it. You will always get people who do not believe they can make a difference, or even believe changes are necessary. 

 

The construction industry employs roughly 2.7 million people! 2.7 million people who could make a difference to the carbon emissions! We are not only in one of the biggest industries, but we also have one of the largest proportions of self-employed people, roughly 36%.

 

How much carbon does the construction industry contribute?

 

With regard to air pollution, the construction industry is responsible for 23% of pollution and 32% of total landfill. They’re huge numbers to be responsible for, and it doesn’t take a genius to work out that these figures need to be reduced. 

 

We are one of the biggest uses of non-renewable energy resources, consuming about 40% of stones, gravel, sand, and about 35% of wood per year. These are NON-RENEWABLES, don't forget. What we have to remember is although we are considered massive uses of materials, we are also a fast-paced industry when considering new technology. We have invested considerable sums of money to ensure that our effects are reduced. Nothing is perfect and it will take a while, but with everyone behind the new plans, there is no reason why we cannot turn it around. 

 

Roughly, domestic buildings contribute 27% of carbon emissions, and non-domestic produce 18% of total carbon emissions, which amounts to a whopping 45% together. 72% of domestic emissions come from space heating and hot water. 

 

What can be done?

 

As I said, huge investments are being made in research, materials, deliveries, techniques and construction methods. But it's up to us, as industry workers, to implement them. Yes, they can come at a cost, and sometimes we don’t have it in the budget, but this is where we need to change our thought process. The more we invest in our builds, the more they are potentially worth. We are not a small industry, so our impact has, and will always be huge, but it doesn't have to be negative. 

 

We can use new technologies, including 3D printers and biodegradable materials, as well as better construction methods. 

 

The staggering figure is that the construction industry in the UK accounts for 59% of total waste. That’s 59% of ALL waste in a year. Why do we create so much? If each of us can reduce our waste as individuals, this figure will drop dramatically. 

 

What is it they say? All actions have consequences, and these are ours. Energy efficiency is becoming one of the most talked about subjects, which is fantastic. But talking alone won’t make the changes, we need actions. The UK government has invested significant time and money to ensure that we can move forward and start taking note of our carbon footprint.

 

If you’re building, think about what you can do. Is a Passivhaus for you? Perhaps you might consider living completely off-grid, growing your own veg and being totally sustainable? Whatever it is, even the smallest changes can have a positive impact on those figures. I think we can all agree that something needs to be done, because ‘if nothing changes, nothing changes’.   

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