Lack of understanding puts green build practice at risk

Published: Wednesday, August 31, 2011

With spiraling fuel costs and an increasingly ‘eco-conscious’ public, more and more people want to incorporate eco-friendly features into their projects. For others it may simply be the need to improve the energy efficiency of their home such as replacing the boiler.
However according to Anthony Botibol, Marketing Manager at HBXL, there is a myth that sustainable construction costs significantly more than conventional construction which is not only untrue but places an unnecessary barrier in front of those wanting to be more carbon friendly. He said: “Not only do the public think eco-friendly features cost more, but so do some builders.”

OVER ESTIMATING COSTS
Anthony’s concerns are backed by studies that have shown that some professionals in the build sector estimate the cost of constructing a ‘green’ building to be 17 percent higher than the cost of building a conventional structure*.
In fact this estimate is over three times higher than the real figure, which is only about five percent higher and  proves the misunderstanding which is a major obstacle to the construction of environmentally-friendly buildings*.
He added: “There has to be a consistent message to the public that incorporating eco-friendly features into any project whether new build or to an existing property does not mean a huge hike in the cost.”
From a new build perspective, Anthony agrees that to achieve Code Level 3 of the code for sustainable homes is challenging, but it can be done. For example, improving the thermal efficiency of the walls, windows, and roof by using the latest materials, carefully designing the fabric of the home to further reduce thermal bridging and heat loss or installing a high efficiency condensing boiler are all ways to do this.
He said: “By planning ahead and taking s more strategic approach, builders can take every opportunity to improve the performance of the properties.
“There are concerns that ‘bolt-on technologies’ such as a solar thermal panels or photovoltaic tiles on the roof to heat the hot water mat bit be perceived as adding value – but with a combination of good design and imagination, many of the performance standards can be met without any additional costs.”**
For existing homes, the National Refurbishment Centre (NRC) suggests the focus should be on achieving affordable reduction in all homes’CO2 emissions and this is a view supported by HBXL.
Existing homes account for 99 percent of the UK’s housing stock and it’s obvious that improving what already exists will help with energy efficiency, and spending £10,000 on a property could cut CO2 emissions by up to 40 percent.***

BASIC MEASURE IMPROVE EFFICIENCY
Insulating the walls and roof, upgrading the boiler and replacing glazing are relatively easy ways to improve efficiency and is work that can be done concurrently with other projects such as a kitchen refit or loft conversion.
Anthony continues: “Customers rely on the advice given to them by tradesmen and contractors so when for example a new boiler has to be fitted many people are prepared to act on their advice.
“But trust has to be gained first and in order to gain t his trust builders need to be able to estimate accurately and produce professional quotations which outline the works being undertaken in a clear and understandable fashion.
“And that’s where HBXL’s software helps. It enables jobs to be prices quickly, accurately and in a highly professional manner not only gaining the trust of the customer but making the user more competitive.
“There is no doubt that all builder will have to change the way they approach a project and I’m convinced the starting point is utilising software packages like EstimatorXpress for better planning and costing.”