One of the UK’s largest water companies is encouraging developers to drive sustainability in new homes after a project supported by Ideal Standard.
Steven Wilkinson, our National Account Manager for New House Builders, has been working closely with the company over the past year to improve their understanding of how they can reduce water usage in their region.
Severn Trent Water had previously introduced an incentive for new house builders to install flow limiters in bathrooms but, because of outdated guidance on the issue, it was impossible to achieve.
Thanks to Steven’s involvement, a new scheme has been introduced which will enable builders to save hundreds of pounds on connection charges per home if they meet water usage targets.
Water starvation is a huge issue in the majority of the UK and hard-hit areas are reducing their targeted water usage from 125 litres per person per day in new build homes to below 100, as required by Part G of Building Regulations.
This is achieved by reducing flow in toilets, taps, showers, baths, dishwashers and washing machines, and is rewarded with a cash rebate of almost £400 per property.
Steven said: “Unfortunately, Severn Trent Water misunderstood the application of flow restriction as a way to achieve this.
“Following dated guidance, originally from the Code for Sustainable Homes, they had worded their scheme in such a way that it was impossible for developers to actually achieve the environmental discount they were offering by banning the use of removable flow restrictors.”
As a result of this, the company saw a hugely reduced uptake in developers achieving the discount during 2022 and set up a forum to help understand why this was and what could be done to promote water saving onsite.
Steven said: “Alongside business partners of all sizes, including Vistry, Persimmon, Lovell, St Modwen and Wheeldon Homes, I have helped them improve their understanding of what flow restrictors do, how they are used in a property and most importantly why they need to be removable.
“This has only been possible with the incredible support of our marketing and NPD teams, and in particular I’d like to say a huge thank you to Chris Pearson and Terry Moss.”
Severn Trent Water have now issued a revised scheme, using values based on Ideal Standard product – with lower flow rates than some of our competitors – which all developments must now adhere to.
Steven said: “Not only has this been a huge win for the developers environmentally and financially but it’s also great for Ideal Standard to be seen by existing and potential customers as an authority in this area, with clear potential for benefits to the business too.”