Jewson launches Sustainable Building Guide

Builders working on the estimated 26 million homes in need of refurbishment and repair in the UK can now improve their understanding of sustainable building products and practices thanks to a new guide produced by Jewson.

The “Sustainable Building Guide” was launched to around 140 of Jewson’s customers and employees at the BRE on November 15.

The publication, which is designed to fit in the glovebox of a builder’s van, features easy to follow, but comprehensive advice on “everyday” work, such as suspended timber floors, underfloor heating, insulation, doors, windows, roof trusses and roof and floor cassettes. As well as providing “trade tips”, the guide also identifies “homeowner benefits” derived from using sustainable building materials and practices.

The installation of solar PV and thermal panels, air and ground source heat pumps and water harvesting and recycling are also covered.

The guide also offers clear advice on current and forthcoming legislation – it explains the Code for Sustainable Homes, for example – and outlines various government incentives, such as Feed-in Tariffs and the Renewable Heat Incentive.

“The newbuild sector will get to Code Levels 4, 5 and 6 for sure,” said Peter Hindle, Jewson’s chief executive. “The real challenge is with the 26 million existing housing stock.

“Jewsons has a big part to play in building a sustainable future and key to ‘greening’ buildings is educating customers and enabling them to develop their knowledge and skills.”

Describing himself as “a timber man”, Mr Hindle added that he was pleased to see timber “back on the agenda as a sustainable building material”.

Sixty thousand copies of the 62-page guide have been published and will be available in all of Jewson branches, as an e-brochure and as a downloadable PDF.