A major new report has revealed the attitudes of consumers to sustainable home developments, ahead of the full implementation of the Future Homes Standard expected later this year.

The Sustainable Housing: What do Consumers Really Think? report was commissioned by market research experts Eureka in partnership with Midland-based integrated marketing communications specialist HROC, which counts some of the leading names across the housebuilding and construction supply chain as clients.

The report took the temperature of more than 1,600 UK adults, with a strong focus on those in the market to buy a new home within the next five years.

The results of the survey show that UK housebuilders face mounting pressure to align with shifting buyer expectations, with the report finding that sustainable construction methods are now as important to some prospective buyers as other, more traditional metrics.

Indeed, while build quality (62%) and price (60%) remain the top priorities for those buying a new home, sustainable building methods now sits level with location (both 48%) in the buyer hierarchy – a striking result given location’s traditional dominance in property valuation.

The entire report points to a maturing consumer mindset, with 78% of all respondents saying it is important for the government to prioritise energy efficiency and decarbonisation in new housing. Crucially, this is a cross-generational concern, with strong support from potential first time buyers (46% of 25-34 year olds) and downsizers (61% of 65+) – two groups who are expected to drive new build demand in the short to medium term.

Dave Ruston, Director at Eureka, said: “The results indicate a real sea-change for the housebuilding industry. For a long time, sustainability has sat at the fringes of buyer behaviour, but it is increasingly a core consideration. With full implementation of the Future Homes Standard imminent, it is clear housing developments can’t just view sustainability as a box-ticking exercise – today’s consumer is better informed than ever, and they want to see real change.”

The report also analysed the types of sustainable innovations homeowners were looking for.

When it comes to home improvements to bolster sustainability, insulation (58%) and triple glazing (44%) are the most favoured features, indicative of wider public concern over spiralling energy bills. These were followed by solar panels (35%), and — lower down the list — technologies such as underfloor heating, battery storage, and smart energy management systems. This indicates that homeowners are most amenable to spending out on sustainable home improvements that deliver the quickest return on investment.

Appetite for sustainability varies widely by region. Consumers in the East of England (86%), Scotland (83%), and Greater London (82%) showed the highest levels of eco-consciousness. In contrast, the South West (65%) recorded the lowest support.

Overall, half of all respondents believe the industry should absorb the cost of meeting the FHS — estimated at around £5,000 per home — but there is greater flexibility among those actively in the market. Among this group, 45% said they were willing to pay more, with a higher likelihood among younger and environmentally engaged buyers.

The report comes as the sector awaits final clarity on the Future Homes Standard, whose full implementation — including the phase-out of fossil fuel heating in new homes — has faced delays and revisions since last year’s General Election and subsequent change of government.

Steve Sherran, Director at HROC, said: “Our research shows that demand for greener homes is not just real, but accelerating – driven not just be environmental concern, but continuing uncertainty around increasing energy costs.

“With policy yet to fully catch-up, there’s now a real opportunity for housebuilders to show real leadership in this area. There’s clearly a case to be made for more investment in consumer education around the benefits of sustainable homes, and for future-proofing plans now before it becomes a legislative requirement. Those who take this initiative will be best placed capture emerging demand and trust.”

To download a full copy of the report, please visit: https://indd.adobe.com/view/4eded1cd-3235-4961-bd50-3931be532b4e

To learn more about the complete range of serviced offered by HROC, visit: https://www.hroc.co.uk

For more information on Eureka, please visit: https://www.eurekaresearch.co.uk

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Sustainability is a core topic and key consideration within the built environment. But what role does time have to play? Here, Aimee Fletcher, Product and Design Manager at EGGER UK, explores the concept of sustainable future design in more detail…

When it comes to sustainability and constructing the greener homes of the future, it’s not enough to just look at how a building product or material is manufactured. While the raw materials and production processes are integral to its environmental credentials, true sustainability goes far behind that, requiring a careful consideration of the future.

Sustainable future design, or designing for the future, is about more than just a box ticking exercise – it’s about changing the way we think. It’s on us as manufacturers, specifiers, housebuilders and developers to ensure that our building finishes and aesthetics remain on trend for longer, that the products and systems being specified are built to last, and that interior living spaces are designed with ergonomics in mind.

Timeless trends

From flooring to built-in bedroom furniture and kitchen cabinetry, these are the exciting finishing touches chosen by a homeowner. With the rise of social media and the digital world, the desire to be ‘on trend’ is more prevalent than ever, having a strong influence on purchasing decisions. No one wants to invest in a new kitchen, for example, only for it to look tired and dated after just a couple of years. Indeed, with all the work and resources that have gone into its production, you will want it to remain inuse for as long as possible. With this in mind, opting for timeless aesthetics when it comes to flooring, builtin furniture and cabinetry is invaluable. As well as providing longevity to the space, ensuring it remains ‘on trend’ for longer, it also ensures the carbon contained within the products and materials is locked away for longer. One safe bet is biophilic design – a trend that is clearly here to stay – and its nuances of natural looking finishes like timeless stones and elegant wood effects. In fact, when you consider that the very word ‘sustainability’ often conjures up images of nature, the outdoors, leaves and trees, biophilic design really is the perfect match.

At EGGER, our focus is on curating collections and colour concepts that can be easily combined and updated, creating a harmonious, complementary and on trend look throughout a home.

Quality that is built to last

Whether it’s a new home or new kitchen, either is a significant investment by the buyer. As such, it’s important that the finishes provided stand the test of time. Specifying quality materials and products is another way you can indirectly deliver on sustainability, providing long-lasting, reliable performance. This mindset is particularly important when you consider the time invested into timber products. While wood is an inherently renewable and natural material, the trees we are planting now won’t be ready to harvest and use within manufacturing for another 40-50 years.

Today’s forestry teams are really out working for the future of the built environment. With trees taking such a significant length of time to grow to maturity, it’s only right that we are making a product from this investment that mirrors its longevity and continues to lock away carbon for decades to come.

Designing for future users

Thinking about the end user is an obvious part of housebuilding and interior design, but this shouldn’t be limited to just today’s end user. What about 10, 20 or even 30 years down the line; how will their needs have changed? This is where ergonomics should be considered, the scientific discipline that involves designing products and environments to match the individuals who use them.

It’s no secret that we have an aging population. In 2026, 26% of the population will be over 65 and by 2050, the world’s 60+ population will account for over two billion people. This raises the question of how can we ensure we are designing homes today that are fit for these future generations?

By designing with functionality, accessibility and use-ability in mind, it not only increases the longer-term use of the furniture or space (linking back to. sustainable futures), but it can also support healthier aging outcomes for the users. By adopting the mindset that design inspiration cannot come at the cost of functionality, we are truly contributing to legacy pieces of household furniture.

Looking to the future

It’s no longer enough to just examine a product’s environmental credentials. Instead, it’s important to ask other questions of it, including how long it will last? Is it suitable for today’s users or also someone 20 years down the line? Is the colour on trend and will it remain a timeless aesthetic?

At EGGER, longevity is at the core of everything we do – not just from an environmental perspective but also from that of design, production and functionality. Learn more about our decorative solutions for flooring, furniture and surfaces online or by visiting our EGGER LONDON showroom at 1 Dallington Street, London, EC1V 0BH.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dbh028

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Grass Concrete explains the key to sustainable practices when specifying grass paving systems.

Today’s wide choice of grass paving systems means that specifiers now have a massive choice of products and specification. As a supplier of grass paving systems for more than fifty years, Grass Concrete sees a strict fit for purpose policy as the key to achieving sustainability in any construction project.

Take for example a daily used access road or housing development car park in daily use; “will the grass cover and then the structure stand up to that sort of regime?” If the application is to slopes, “will it function as an armouring layer and will it offer grip?” These are the sort of challenging questions that that should be asked to ensure a correct specification.

The Grass Concrete policy is to guide clients to the most appropriate system – in-situ-concrete, pre-cast concrete or plastic systems. This strict fit for purpose policy is the key to achieving sustainability in any construction project, with careful consideration of grass paving types, particularly when likely to be subjected to frequent traffic and weights of vehicles.

With a long-established track record of grass paving installations, Grass Concrete is uniquely placed to work closely with housebuilders and architects alike to recommend appropriate systems.

Experienced insight

At Grass Concrete, our 50 years plus of grass paving experience and installations has given us considerable insight into sustainable permeable paving and, more recently, with the attention around Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). Recent high rainfall and flash flooding puts extreme pressure on the drainage and sewer network which is often unable to cope with this peak demand. SuDs schemes are designed to mitigate these scenarios. Grass Concrete’s view is that Smart Permeability is what is required.

Incorporating SUDS using Grass Concrete’s permeable paving helps mitigate the implications of surface water run-off and its implications for the functioning of the local storm water network.

It’s not simply about getting water from A to B, it is about what you do with it along the way. Smart Permeability, using source control to manage the rate of permeability, both mitigates downstream impact and provides essential root nourishment for grass coverage.

Compare the systems

Sustainable grass cover is best achieved by a system that promotes permeability. The depth and shape of the soil pockets can have a critical part to play. Both Grasscrete and Grassblock offer substantial capacity for soils and root systems to promote maximum grass coverage.

A grass reinforced system can permeate at up to 90% the rate of natural grass and a safe lag time can be achieved. Storing water within the system with low risk of ponding until the ground can naturally re-charge is a significant benefit. Lag time is beneficial in the prevention of flooding and can be extended by introducing an underlying drainage blanket across the full extent of the paved area. The drainage blanket can be used to either attenuate permeation to the water table or be a vehicle for rainwater harvesting.

Fit for purpose policy

Grass Concrete offers both cast-on site Grasscrete and precast Grassblock systems and follows a strict fit-for-purpose policy as the key to achieving sustainability in any construction project.

To find out more, talk to the experts in permeable grass at www.rdr.link/dbe036

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Bellway’s Future Hub launches to give practical insight on how to build all-electric low-carbon homes.

The Future Hub at Barton Quarter in Horwich, near Bolton, is a collection of four houses, demonstrating how heating, power, energy conservation, ventilation and the building materials themselves are expected to perform when the Government’s Future

Homes Standard is introduced. The homes are built in the style of Bellway’s House to Home plots, with elements left uncovered to show the workings of the different systems. The Future Hub will serve as a training centre for teams from Bellway, its subcontractors and the wider industry.

For more information go to www.rdr.link/dbe004

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Calum Forsyth, Managing Director, H+H UK examines why the sustainability debate needs to move beyond assumptions and calls for consistent embodied carbon reporting.

The debate on sustainability in construction can sometimes be influenced by perception rather than data. Timber is frequently positioned as the most environmentally responsible choice, largely due to the intuitive appeal of trees absorbing carbon as they grow. But does this perception hold up when we scrutinise the facts?

Masonry, by contrast, is often seen as playing catch-up in terms of sustainability, despite offering advantages that are often overlooked. If we are serious about making informed, sustainable choices in housebuilding, we need to ensure that comparisons between materials are fair, evidence-driven, and account for the entire lifecycle of a building.

The challenge of embodied carbon comparisons

Embodied carbon – the emissions associated with the production, transportation, and disposal of building materials – is a crucial factor in sustainability. Yet inconsistencies in how it is measured and reported make it difficult to compare different materials accurately. The construction industry relies on Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to assess embodied carbon, but these are not always standardised. Different methodological approaches are taken, different units of measurements used, and sometimes generic (rather than product-specific) data is used. Some EPDs include non-required fields such as the construction and building use stages, where others do not. Some EPDs highlight only the ‘cradle-to-gate’ emissions (up to the point of construction), omitting end-oflife impacts.

We believe the focus should be on ‘whole life’ or ‘cradle-to-grave’ carbon emissions to enable a more accurate comparison. It’s worth noting that some legacy EPDs include biogenic carbon credits, which can be misleading. The 2013 EPD standard permitted ‘cradle-to-gate’ assessments for biomass materials. This allowed some timber products to report carbon storage as a credit, factoring in sequestration during tree growth, but not the emissions released when the wood is ultimately burned or disposed of.

The RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) for the built environment acknowledges this discrepancy, requiring that biogenic carbon be fully modelled in lifecycle calculations. However, inconsistencies persist. If we are to make meaningful sustainability choices, embodied carbon must be assessed using a consistent methodology that allows for true like-forlike comparisons.

Longevity matters

Another key factor in sustainability is the lifespan of the materials used. A home built today needs to last significantly longer than current policy assumes. The rate at which we replace housing stock suggests that homes built now may need to endure for hundreds of years. Given this, the choice of materials becomes critical.

Masonry products, including aircrete blocks, have a lifespan exceeding 100 years, and are resistant to fire, mould and damp, ensuring structural resilience for generations. Some timber products, while effective in certain applications, require careful maintenance and, in some cases, replacement within a much shorter timeframe. If we are serious about reducing whole-life carbon, the longevity of materials must be factored into the equation. A material that lasts twice as long should not be penalised by short term carbon assessments.

The question of resource availability

Environmental impact is about more than carbon; it’s about responsible resourcing. The government has been encouraging greater use of structural timber in housebuilding, but this raises an important question: where is this timber coming from?

The UK is already the world’s second largest importer of timber, behind only China. Approximately 80% of the timber used in the UK is imported, exposing the industry to supply chain vulnerabilities. With global demand for timber expected to quadruple by 2050ii, securing a reliable and sustainable supply will become increasingly challenging.

Even if the UK were to prioritise domestic timber production for structural use, it would take decades for new forestry initiatives to contribute meaningfully to the supply chain. In contrast, aircrete products are produced using locally sourced raw materials, with UK-based manufacturing ensuring accurate control and reporting of all carbon emissions associated with their production.

Furthermore, in the time it would take for the UK to grow enough construction-grade timber to meet demand, other industries will have decarbonised their own production processes. This will have a significant impact on embodied carbon numbers. While timber’s embodied carbon is likely to remain the same aircrete’s carbon footprint will continue to decrease as manufacturing processes evolve and the UK’s energy grid shifts to renewable sources.

A balanced approach to sustainability

The sustainability debate cannot be reduced to simple narratives. While timber has its advantages, it is not the automatic environmental choice it is sometimes perceived to be. The key to sustainable housebuilding lies in accurate carbon reporting, long-term durability, and responsible resource management. By adopting standardised methodologies for assessing embodied carbon, taking a longer-term view of material lifespan, and considering the resilience of supply chains, we can make informed choices that prioritise genuine sustainability. When all factors are considered, the most sustainable choice may not be the most obvious one.

More information on H+H UK

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Russell Roof Tiles explores meeting the demand for sustainable new-build construction with considered roofing materials.

In recent years there has been an upturn in the number of consumers wanting to live in sustainable homes. This extends to not only cover energy efficient features but the construction of the home too, an independent study found that a third of households surveyed when asked about “eco-homes” wanted their property to be constructed sustainably as well as to include renewable energy systems, recycling and food waste disposal.

For housebuilders and developers this demand means minimizing the environmental impact of all areas of construction from site management to the technologies used. Sourcing sustainable products is one key element that can help reduce the carbon footprint of the construction process and help ensure that new housing is efficient.

Greener Products for Greener Building
Specifying sustainable building materials, that are renewable, recycled or have low environmental impact, can be the foundation to building homes with a reduced ecological footprint.

When it comes to roofing specifically, concrete roof tiles can offer a more sustainable solution. Typically, they require less energy for production than their clay counterparts; since clay needs to be fired in a kiln at a much higher temperature for up to two days, whereas concrete only needs to be cured for around 24 hours at a much lower temperature, amounting to a 30 per cent reduction in energy usage. Specifically thinner leading-edge concrete roof tiles can be a good sustainable roofing solution. Generally, these tiles use 15 per cent less raw materials than a standard concrete roof tile and the product has less depth. This means that around 20 per cent more tiles can be packed onto a pallet which equates to a much lower carbon footprint when transporting them.

Alongside this, they offer easy installation, are aesthetically pleasing, require little maintenance and can be used with renewable energy systems like solar panels – making them a great option for planners and developers.

Putting it into Practice
Leading housebuilders are already ensuring new build developments meet the exacting demands of the sustainably minded consumer.

One of these being MyPad who are an established residential developer specialising in the delivery of partnership housing schemes from land to living, creating dwellings for communities in need of them. As part of its ethos, the company strives to provide highly efficient homes enabling residents to save on running costs and live comfortably

Russell Roof Tiles has supported a number of projects in the midlands with leading East Midlands Residential Developer, MyPad for which it’s Lothian Tiles in Slate Grey were specified, a popular thinner leading edge option. For these recent projects the housing developer was in search of an eco-conscious roofing solution that would help the developments meet high sustainability standards, with the housing itself on some sites being constructed with a timber frame. Russell Roof Tiles’ Lothian Tiles provided a high-quality but cost-effective solution that will help to ensure the development meets these requirements.

Michael Broadhurst, Commercial Manager at MyPad comments: “Customer demand for sustainably built and maintained housing has really pushed the standard of housing forward, over and above just the recent enhancements in Building Regulations.

“At MyPad we pride ourselves on providing high quality, highly efficient homes. We achieve this through providing a fabric first approach, highly insulating the structure of the building and using sustainable building materials throughout. This then makes running their home efficiently, that much easier for residents. “In the market of social housing this is becoming increasingly important. We are seeing a much higher demand for such housing as many feel the ongoing effects of fuel poverty. It is our responsibility to ensure the homes we are building are as efficient as possible to ensure people can live in them comfortably.”

One step further
The sustainability of a product can go beyond its manufacturing process to include how it is stored, and how it is transported. For example, signing up to a pallet return scheme and making the switch to electric equipment is something that Russell Roof Tiles have done to reduce emissions across its sites and as a result its products.

All of the timber pallets used to transport goods are FSC-approved, and the logistics team works to consolidate delivery shipments to reduce our fleet emissions. Russell Roof Tiles has also redesigned its packaging with increased amounts of recycled material, in an effort to make the entire process more sustainable.

As a prominent manufacturer of concrete pitched roof tiles, the company has made major investments in sustainability across its three sites and are proud to be leading the task force to analyse new initiatives and develop methods that can help us foster a more sustainable future for the construction and housebuilding industry.

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Alexis Potter, Managing Director of BauWatch UK discusses Crime vs carbon and explains a few clever site-security solutions that won’t harm the planet.

Developers are under intense pressure to reduce costs and greenhouse gas emissions across all factions of their business. But there’s another issue rearing its ugly head that they can’t cut corners on – theft. It’s an uncomfortable problem to acknowledge – let alone face – but theft on UK construction sites is out of control, and the problem needs to be addresses as a matter of urgency. Our 2024 Construction Crime Index, which investigated construction workers’ experience of crime, revealed that theft causes delays to over a third of projects, for instance, costing companies thousands of pounds.

Luckily, recent developments in security technology are making it easier for construction sites to protect workers resources, in a way that’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Let’s investigate the options:

1. Use solar-powered CCTV towers
   By leveraging renewable energy sources, developers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring round-theclock security coverage. In contrast, relying on towers equipped with short-life, disposable batteries not only contributes to environmental degradation but also poses logistical challenges and ongoing maintenance costs.
2. Green Perimeter Fencing
   Traditional perimeter fencing often consists of materials that are resourceintensive to manufacture and transport, such as concrete and steel. Instead, opting for eco-friendly alternatives such as bamboo or recycled materials can significantly reduce the environmental impact of site security measures.
3. Low-Impact Lighting Solutions
   Illuminating construction sites during the night is essential for security and safety purposes but can contribute to light pollution and energy waste if not carefully managed. Utilising low-impact lighting solutions such as LED fixtures with motion sensors and timers helps minimise energy consumption while maintaining adequate visibility. Furthermore, directing light downwards reduces light spillage and disturbance to local ecosystems and wildlife.
4. Eco-Friendly Personnel Practices
   Training personnel to adopt eco-friendly practices can further contribute to sustainable site security efforts. Encouraging patrols on foot or bicycles instead of petrol-powered vehicles reduces carbon emissions and noise pollution while promoting physical activity among staff. Providing reusable and recyclable uniforms and equipment reduces waste and supports a circular economy. Additionally, offering environmental awareness training empowers personnel to identify and report environmental hazards and implement ecofriendly security protocols effectively.
5. Sustainable Security
   By adopting a forward-thinking approach and investing in renewable energy technologies, developers can future-proof their security infrastructure while minimising environmental impact. Navigating the “dos and don’ts” of “sustainable” security requires a holistic understanding of the challenges at hand. It’s not just about implementing green technologies but also fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within the construction industry. By prioritising sustainability alongside security, developers can set a precedent for responsible development practices and contribute to a greener, safer future.

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Stuart McWhinnie, Assistant Product Manager at Grant UK, explains how advances in technology and the use of new refrigerants are enhancing performance and making heat pumps more sustainable than ever before.

With ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, housebuilders are increasingly considering energy-efficient technologies and solutions, like heat pumps, when constructing new properties. By 2025, the proposed Future Homes Standard will require all new homes to produce 75 to 80% less carbon than those built under current regulations and natural gas boilers will be banned. From then on, it will be a mandatory requirement to fit low-carbon heating systems in new buildings, meaning heat pumps will likely become essential installations.

Heat pumps have long been recognised as an energy-efficient heating solution, but recent advancements in technology, particularly with the introduction of new refrigerants, are driving their sustainability to new heights. This makes them an increasingly attractive option for homeowners looking to lower their carbon footprint. For housebuilders and developers, this shift presents a prime opportunity to stay ahead of the curve. By mastering the installation and maintenance of these advanced systems, professionals can position themselves as leaders in the growing market for eco-friendly, efficient heating solutions.

Refrigerant
One of the latest developments in heat pump technology is the adoption of R290 refrigerant as the heat transfer medium. Also known commercially as propane, R290 has been used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems for several years, but its entry into the UK heat pump market is relatively recent. What makes R290 noteworthy is its very low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of just 3, compared to 2088 for the previously used R410a and 675 for R32, the refrigerant most commonly used in heat pump models. This reduction in GWP allows for a smaller environmental footprint.

One of the potential benefits of heat pumps using the R290 refrigerant, is the possibility of long-term energy benefits for homeowners. R290 has excellent thermodynamic properties which enables it to capture heat energy and release it again in a very effective way within a heat pump, which in turn makes the system itself very efficient – appealing to buyers who are interested in energy efficiency. R290 requires proper handling and safety precautions to be taken during installation and subsequent maintenance operations so units must therefore be installed by someone suitably qualified and trained.

Grant heat pumps using R290 have been designed to ensure that all reasonable steps have been taken to enable safe operation during use, with significant safety features built-in as standard such as a larger casing to contain R290 in both gas and liquid state and an R290 leak sensor. Grant UK’s Aerona 290 heat pump range, launched in October 2024, takes full advantage of the energy efficiency and low environmental impact of R290 refrigerant without sacrificing performance. Available alongside Grant’s AeronaÑ models, the 4kW, 6.5kW and 9kW Aerona 290 units are available now, with larger outputs of 12kW and 15.5kW coming in early 2025. These units have earned A+++ energy efficiency ratings (at 35°C flow temperature) and have been tested to perform in extreme temperatures ranging from -25°C to 35°C, making them suitable for homes in a variety of climates.

Grant UK has also taken on board research that highlighted homeowners’ concerns about both the look of heat pumps and the potential noise factor. The Aerona 290’s appearance has been developed following in-depth analysis of customer feedback; it has a powder coated black casing for a modern aesthetic that blends well with various types of architecture. It has also been accredited with Quiet Mark certification due to its sound-reducing technology, including acoustic insulation and antivibration feet, making it suitable for both urban and rural developments where noise might be a concern.

System design is paramount when installing a heat pump so Grant UK’s Design Team are on hand to help installers and other customers correctly size their new Aerona 290 system. Onsite technical support from Sales Support Engineers is also available to assist installers during the setting and commissioning phase of an installation.

Once installed, the units can be monitored and managed remotely, giving both installers and their customers ultimate control of their heat pump system and assisting offsite diagnostic support when required. Designed for use with the Aerona Smart Controller, the Aerona 290’s operation can be easily managed through straightforward set-up and commissioning and innovative control thereafter.

Due to rising consumer awareness around sustainability and the regulatory landscape, the housing market is increasingly prioritising energy-efficient solutions. The introduction of R290 refrigerant in heat pumps is a significant leap forward in heat pump technology, making it a standout choice for further reducing the environmental impact of heat pump systems, while also boosting their performance. As the push for greener homes intensifies, keeping pace with trends and incorporating new technologies will both ensure compliance with future building standards while also responding to changing market expectations.

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With kitchens often being one of the make-or-break rooms when it comes to selling a newly built property, housebuilders are best served looking at new ways to really make “the heart of the home” stand out. With tangible water, cost, energy, time and space saving benefits, a boiling water tap may be one of the ways to do it.

PHPD talks to Quooker, the original boiling water tap brand founded in 1970, to find out more.

With increasingly stringent sustainability and environmental regulations for UK newbuilds, what with stricter energy performance standards for constructionand ambitious net zero carbon emission targets, there’s definitely a pressure on housebuilders to use products and materials that do not cost the earth. Add to that the high price of energy bills and a more eco-conscious general public, and the decision to incorporate more energy efficient and long-lasting appliances into a build becomes a no-brainer. Buying a house is a big decision to make and so every minute detail really does matter. Something as small as a kitchen appliance really might be the make or break.

A sustainable alternative
Take kettles, for example, almost every household is going to use one for their teas and coffees, and if they do, they’ll be using it regularly throughout the day, every day. Quooker explains how you can capitalise on this and why one of its taps will really help a house stand out from the crowd: Designed to be incredibly energy efficient, due to state-of-the-art patented high-vacuum insulated tank technology that prevents heat from escaping, all

Quooker taps use minimal energy to keep the water in the tank at 110°C. Unlike an energy-guzzling kettle that uses 2,200 watts to boil 1.7 litres of water, a Quooker only uses 10 watts per day to keep water ready to use. Stored as steam, water only starts to boil when the tap is turned on and the temperature of the outflowing water drops to 100°C. This low standby power consumption has resulted in the company having the best energy rating in Europe (A-rating).

Constantly evolving its technology, Quooker will be launching its new COMBI+ kitchen boiler. A fusion of efficiency and convenience, saving up to 4,200 litres of water per year; maximising every drop for optimal use and significantly reducing wastage. Unique in offering cold, hot, boiling and variable warm water as standard, with the addition of a Quooker CUBE additional benefits of chilled and sparkling water can be enjoyed.

Changing habits
Over the past couple of years, there has been a significant change in how people are drinking their water. Filtered water has become increasingly important, especially in areas of hard water, so much so that around 70% of all Quooker taps purchased are now purchased alongside a Cold-Water Filter or CUBE accessory.

These products fit onto any existing Quooker model and help refine the quality of water, improving the taste and odour of water from the tap. These filters can process around 6,000 litres before needing to be replaced, providing a tangible solution to having to buy filtered water in a bottle. Dispensing precisely the amount of water needed at any given moment, CUBE ensures responsible and more sustainable consumption. As Quooker taps are now KIWA certified, quality comes as standard across the range.

The safer choice
A common misconception is that boiling water straight from a tap cannot be safe, Quooker has homeowners covered. All Quooker taps boast sophisticated, child-safe handle systems that will never automatically dispense boiling water. With a patented double push and twist mechanism, boiling water is safely dispensed following a quick and deliberate motion. While in use, the user is alerted with the glow of a red-light ring around the handle base. For the Flex range, which boasts a flexible pull-out hose, a cut-off lock prevention system is in place to ensure boiling water cannot be used when the hose is out.

Quooker taps dispense boiling water as an aerated flow rather than a solid jet of water, meaning water feels hot but not scalding to touch, should any accidental contact occur. As the tap is properly fitted into your worksurface, away from children, unlike a kettle, there is no risk of tipping over and dangerously scalding the user. The double-insulated casing also prevents heat from escaping, and ensures the tap is not hot to touch when in use, unlike a kettle which presents a far higher burn risk. These safety functions offer additional user reassurance and makes the entire Quooker range the safest on the market.

The most used kitchen appliance
Housebuilders looking to add considerable value to their projects should look to Quooker. Boiling water taps boasting premium features and unique water modes such as sparkling, chilled and filtered water are more favourable to prospective buyers, helping differentiate and elevate their properties.

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Earth-Exchange UK is a platform designed to assist UK developers and contractors with the sustainable reuse of construction materials.

The website enables members to trade materials, save money and improve sustainability credentials by using an interactive map to search and review sites with a surplus or requirement for recycled materials locally.

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