Dec 15 2006
Proposals for minimum standards of water efficiency in new homes and new commercial buildings in England and Wales are published for consultation today.
This meets the commitment made by Government Ministers earlier this year to bring forward proposals to underpin the voluntary standards for water efficiency in the Code for Sustainable Homes.
Angela Smith, Minister for Sustainable Buildings said:
“This is an important step in transforming the way we use water in the home and the workplace. By installing products such as low flush toilets and water efficient taps in new homes we could reduce household consumption by 15-20 per cent. There will be equivalent savings in new offices and shops from reductions in the everyday uses of water there.
“These are relatively cheap and effective ways to reduce water demand. These regulations will ensure that water efficiency becomes the norm in all new homes and workplaces”.
Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Ian Pearson said
“Protecting the long term sustainability of the water supply needs joined up action from Government, businesses, water companies and consumers. These proposals are not about cutting back on the essential water we need, but minimising the water we needlessly waste. They will support the wider programme of efficiency measures under consideration by the Water Saving Group.
“Setting minimum standards for new buildings will not deliver all the savings we need to make, but will provide a strong signal to consumers and to manufacturers of water appliances, fixtures and fittings that they have a role as part of that joined up action, and that we all have a responsibility to find ways of using water wisely.”
The consultation seeks comments on the Government’s proposals in five areas:
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Whether a performance standard for the water efficiency of a whole building is preferable to setting standards for categories of fixtures and fittings to meet the objectives;
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What the level of performance standards should be to support transformation of the market for water efficient fixtures and fittings;
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Whether additional measures are needed for high water use fixtures and fittings;
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Whether the Building Regulations are the right mechanism for delivering these changes; and
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Whether and how we should set performance standards for residential institutions, such as hospitals or schools.
The consultation will last for 12 weeks and will close on 9 March 2007.