From April 1, the Housing Corporation requires social housing developers to achieve a “very good” rating in EcoHomes, rather than “good”, for all homes funded under the £4bn National Affordable Homes Programme 2006-2008, which will involve the building of 84,000 new homes.
British Woodworking Federation director Richard Lambert said raising the EcoHomes requirement would encourage more sustainable building practices.
He said: “As EcoHomes awards extra credits for using certified timber products we expect this will increase developers’ willingness to specify timber. I think it will also prompt more joinery manufacturers to seek chain of custody certification and increase the already growing demand for certified timber.”
Pace Timber Systems managing director Phil Key said: “It’s good news for the timber frame industry. About 60% of our business is from registered social landlords.”
Mr Key said timber frame could easily comply with the higher rating.
He also said the decision, coupled with guidance issued by the Central Point of Expertise on Timber, would lead to a quick growth in chain of custody certification.
Meanwhile, Palgrave Brown says it can guarantee 4.5 of the extra 12 EcoHomes credits needed to meet “very good”, saving builders an average of £550 per unit if they source all their timber elements from the company.
The company has set up a specification table on its website to help developers assess potential timber credits under EcoHomes.
