We’ll live in polystyrene homes soon, says group

May 2 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

THE team behind a new environmentally aware housebuilding company in Gateshead is boldly predicting the beginning of the end for conventional bricks and mortar houses within eight years.

Coinciding with introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes this week, UK Sustainable Homes (UKSH) is promoting a construction method known as ICF, based on interlocking polystyrene bricks filled with concrete. It has not been used on a large scale yet.

While the concrete is not known as an environmentally sound building material, UKSH, established only last December, says the savings in energy and emissions are green.

The company’s David Thomson says the new sustainable homes code is specifying such high standards of energy efficiency, which will be ramped up in the years to 2016, that the construction industry will have to alter its approach radically to keep pace.

UKSH says the materials used to build homes, and the way we construct them, will gradually change out of all recognition – and the company is busy pitching its construction system to the North East’s big housing providers.

Mr Thomson said: “These changes are radical. After 2013, continuing to build with traditional bricks and blocks – even with extra insulation – is unlikely to be an option. Homes will not necessarily look any different, but they will be better insulated, more energy efficient, up to 90% cheaper to run, quieter, healthier and more comfortable to live in, and be environmentally more sustainable.”

As much as 27% of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions come from the gas and electricity used in homes.

Beyond insulation, UKSH says the water used, waste generated and the amount of polluting materials we use, can all be reduced.

With the Code for Sustainable Homes coming into force yesterday, every new home will have its energy efficiency and environmental sustainability assessed and measured against nine design criteria which are linked to building regulations. The rules will be tightened in 2010, 2013 and 2016.

The Housing Corporation, registered social landlords (RSLs) and councils are already specifying new-build requirements of at least code level three (the 2010 standard), with many looking at levels four or six (the 2013 and 2016 standards).

Mr Thomson said: “We are in talks with many RSLs and councils about these developments. We build to code level four as a norm and if required, to level six.

“Everywhere we have been, we are seeing directors of planning and regeneration and we’ve been staggered by the response. It’s been very well received with definite interest and intent. It’s a hot topic at the moment.”