Mansell Launches Client Guide to Code for Sustainable Homes

Leading affordable housing provider, Mansell Partnership Housing, has launched A Guide to the Code for Sustainable Homes for the benefit of its customers.

The document has been produced in response to concerns raised by customers, particularly in terms of cost and future maintenance. 

Mansell has worked with two leading consultants to develop practical cost-efficient specifications. The guide focuses on Levels 3 and 4 of the Code, and details effective and efficient solutions that have been designed for ease of use and future maintenance based on a range of Mansell standard dwelling types.  

Mansell has been at the forefront of understanding and implementing the requirements of the Code.  Working with Accord Housing in the West Midlands, Mansell completed the first project in the country to achieve BREEAM Level 3 compliance. Another first for the 20 unit development in Redditch was the use of an off-site manufactured Norwegian timber frame system. The inclusion of photovoltaic roof panels helped the development reach the new Code requirements.

The skills and experience gained from projects such as this means that Mansell has a number of new sustainable housing projects in progress and planned for the future.  

Marcus Keys, Mansell’s Affordable Housing Director commented:   “The introduction of the Code for Sustainable Homes is not a simple upgrade of the EcoHomes process, but a significant step forward in reducing energy and water usage for domestic dwellings.   Some clients are specifying Level 4 or 5 without a full understanding of the cost implications and ongoing maintenance. Our advice is to follow an incremental move from EcoHomes to Level 3 and then 4, before specifying higher Code requirements. This is why the Guide produced by Mansell in association with calfordseaden and Sustain focuses on offering practical advice for meeting Levels 3 and 4, with a view to adding more information at a later date.  

One of the strengths of Mansell Partnership Housing is that we can draw on regional expertise throughout the UK to benefit the whole company and clients. This guide is the product of a specialist working group and underlines our commitment to sustainability and offering proactive solutions to our customers.”  

The guide will be launched at the Chartered Institute of Housing South East conference (4 - 6 March 2008, in Brighton).  Copies will also be available from Mansell Partnership Housing’s regional housing teams, and on the Mansell website - www.constructingcommunities.com – from 4th March 2008.