‘Renewables alone not the answer’

The Stewart Milne Group claims developers need to concentrate on fabric improvements rather than renewables to implement the Code for Sustainable Homes on a mass market basis.

The assertion comes after the housebuilder carried out research at its prototype home at the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in Watford, which was for periods of evaluation occupied by a family.

“The evaluation clearly indicates that if the Code for Sustainable Homes is to be met on a mass market basis, there is a need to concentrate on low energy homes before zero carbon,” read the report.

“Add-ons, in the form of micro renewable technology such as wind turbines, photovoltaic panels and solar thermal, do not consistently deliver the required performance levels and the cost savings that would make them viable.”

The report also stressed that consumers needed to change their behaviour in terms of how they use their homes to make a positive impact on reducing their energy consumption.

As a result, Stewart Milne concluded the answer lies in delivering innovative integrated ‘fit and forget’ fabric solutions that are proven to deliver results, require minimum aftercare and provide straightforward and efficient whole-life solutions.

The Group has embarked on a second generation build system, Sigma II.