New water efficiency standards proposed for housebuilders

A consultation has launched on raising standards for housebuilders that will require new homes to feature more water-saving measures.

Changes to Building Regulations being proposed will mandate features such as aerated taps and showerheads, and dual flush toilets in new homes as part of measures to meet the government’s target of delivering 1.5 million homes by 2030.

Raising water efficiency standards for housebuilders seeks to make development in areas of water scarcity more viable by reducing the burden new homes could place on supply. Changes expect to reduce water demand of new homes by up to 20 litres per person per day, and enable an additional 1,000 new homes to be built for every 5,250 possible under current standards. Water saving measures also bring the benefit of saving future residents on their bills too.

Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds, said:

“We are getting Britain building faster, and a key element to growth is smarter water consumption.

“Removing the water shortage barriers that have stalled development for too long will mean unlocking thousands of new homes while saving families money.“

The 12-week consultation looks to amend the current Building Regulations 2010 Part G2, which are insufficient to meet the parallel challenges of housing delivery and water conservation. While areas such as Cambridge and Sussex are already seeing development blocked by water demand outstripping supply, changes being proposed will apply across England and bring potential for more homes to be built nationwide.

Defra has worked closely with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to develop the consultation and ensure it supports housebuilding goals. Proposals will also put England on track to reduce water usage to 110 litres per head by 2050.

Future innovations, such as using harvested rainwater to flush home toilets, are also being considered in a call to evidence that is running alongside the consultation.

Dr. Tom Dollard, Chair of the Good Homes Alliance, is among housing sector leaders to have welcomed the consultation, saying:

“Our membership is facing real challenges in delivering new homes due to a lack of water capacity in their areas.

“If we are to meet the Government housing delivery targets and unlock economic growth then we must start building more ‘water smart’ homes and neighbourhoods.

“We would like to see a refreshed Part G that is aligned to the water neutrality hierarchy, and a fittings-based approach combined with a water labelling scheme that would deliver water efficient homes at scale across the UK.

“We encourage all stakeholders from across industry to respond to this important consultation.”