Press Release

NHBC PUBLISHES GUIDE TO MICROGENERATION TECHNOLOGY

June 12, 2007

NHBC, the leading standard setting body for new home construction in the UK, has published a guide for house builders on microgeneration technology for new homes. The guide comes after extensive research into the systems and technologies currently in use and gives practical guidance on specification, design and installation.

The guide will enable NHBC’s Registered builders to identify those aspects necessary for systems to work well and deliver real environmental benefits, without creating unexpected problems.

NHBC’s Group Head of Technical, Neil Smith, said: “We are increasingly seeing microgeneration technology installed in new homes in the UK and for most builders this is something quite new for them to get to grips with.

“This best practice guidance will help builders understand the issues involved.  We are keen to ensure that consumer protection is not compromised and that homeowners are not used as guinea pigs.”

The guide covers the most common forms of microgeneration technology:

• Solar thermal – Solar water heating systems
• Solar electric – Photovoltaic systems
• Heat pumps – Ground source and air source systems
• Wind turbines – Small-scale, building mounted systems
• Biomass – Domestic level biomass heating systems

The guide was developed following the Government announcement in 2006 of plans to improve energy efficiency in new homes, including a zero carbon target for all new homes built from 2016 onwards. The house-building industry has specifically been tasked in this drive to reduce carbon emissions. Currently UK homes account for nearly a third of all energy usage in the UK.

It is expected builders and developers working in the social housing sector where the Code for Sustainable Homes already applies will particularly welcome the guide. Equally those building under “Merton Rule” planning regimes which specify a requirement for on-site energy generation will also find the guide a valuable resource.

Copies of the guide are available at http://www.nhbcbuilder.co.uk/Buildersupportservices/Technicaladvicesupport/Publications/NHBCguidetorenewableenergy-May2007/

Notes to Editors: NHBC is the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK. It was established more than 70 years ago as a non-profit distributing company.  NHBC's primary purpose is to help raise standards in the new house-building industry and provide consumer protection for new house buyers.

NHBC's ten-year 'Buildmark' warranty covers more than 80% of homes built in the UK and has protected more than 6 million homes to date.

NHBC helps raise standards by:

• registering builders who agree to comply with NHBC's Rules and Standards 
• setting and maintaining construction standards for new homes
• inspecting at key stages of construction
• providing 'Buildmark,' the most comprehensive warranty and insurance cover for homes in the UK
• offering building control services in England and Wales
• providing a range of services, including technical information, training, health and safety, engineering, energy rating services and home information pack provision for new homes and housing-related sectors