Thermie

The houses being developed by Catalyst Communities HA at Amersham Road will use much lower levels of energy for heating and lighting than similar properties. As a result they will cost less to run - a factor which is particularly important for families on low incomes. They will also stay warmer and have fewer problems with condensation.

Energy savings are expected to be at least 25 per cent in houses with gas combi boilers and 32.5 per cent in houses with solar panels and gas condensing boilers.

Energy Ratings

The houses will have energy ratings as follows:

The extra costs of the innovative energy efficient works are covered by the THERMIE grant. The additional Environmental Standard requirements cost an extra £325 per home.

UK Environmental Standard

All Catalyst Communities' THERMIE housing and all the rented homes in Amersham Road are being built to comply with the UK Building Research Establishment (BRE) Environmental Standard which requires the following:

• use of softwood timber from well-managed sources or reused timber
• reduced CO2 emissions of 19 kg m2 per year
• insulation materials which do not damage the ozone layer
• provision of storage containers for recycling household waste
• minimising formaldehyde emissions by using timber treated industrially only when necessary
• no asbestos
• lead-free paint
• lavatories with a maximum 6 litre flush instead of the usual 7.5 litre.

In addition, the houses:

• use at least 50 per cent recycled or reused materials in walls and roof coverings
• increase the ecological value of the site
• include rain water butts, and
• include a house log book for each house to monitor energy savings.