The Government policy in the UK is to encourage sustainable refurbishment. However, it is not always a simple task to define what is meant by sustainability. The term sustainability in connection with building can be seen as a slight oxymoron in that there will always be a demand for energy within the construction process. Refurbishment reduces the amount of energy that may otherwise be used for demolition and complete rebuilding, which is referred to as embodied energy. For the purposes of SUREURO, this paper needs to define factors like reduced energy consumption, reduction of waste, reduced water use, use of renewable and environmentally friendly materials and encouragement for householders to adopt a ‘greener way of living’.

This research report is partly funded by CEC FP5 City of Tomorrow

There are many guides and recommendations to encourage sustainable refurbishment and construction in the UK. The take up on behalf of the builders and clients is perceived to be a little slow. However with new European legislation and UK strategies and revision to building regulations it is thought that these issues will be the norm rather than ideal targets.

SUREURO
SUREURO Secretariat

01/08/2001

SUREURO

research

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing quality

Housing design & standards