Sustainability

Efforts to Reduce Global Warming & Tackle Climate Change

As we all now know, climate change is a major issue, prompting governments all over the world to take action. Just about every industry is altering the way it does things in an effort to reduce carbon emissions. Unprecedented changes are happening such as the reduction in the use of fossil fuels in favour of greener options. Each and every one of us is being encouraged to consider their own carbon footprint and the effects of their day to day activities on the planet. In fact many of these changes are being enforced by law, due to the urgent nature of the global situation.

There are many changes needed to deliver a sustainable way of living for the future, and Chelmsford Roofline supports efforts in this regard.

Zero Carbon Sustainable Living Solutions

We are proud that one of our main suppliers, Eurocell, have an excellent reputation where sustainability is concerned. With the recent emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainable living solutions, innovation is always welcome. We need new ways to heat our homes, and provide power for our appliances. With these challenges in mind, Eurocell has joined with Barratt Developments to work together on a unique construction project. The 'Z-house' is an appropriately named zero carbon concept home, based at the University of Salford campus. The structure will feature an array of the latest green technologies, and will showcase the future of sustainable living within the UK.

It will be the first UK home erected by a major housebuilder that goes the extra mile and exceeds what the Future Homes Standard requires.

Green Design Technology, Heat Pumps, Solar Panels & Electric Vehicle Charging Points

The most recent sustainable homes technology will be tested and monitored during this project, and the Z-house will include:

• an air source heat pump
• plaster that eliminates pollutants
• infrared panels
• a fridge that keeps food fresh for longer
• electric vehicle charging points
• heated skirting boards
• air-powered showers
• PV solar panels
• battery storage.

One of Salford's academics will actually live in the home to get a real feel for zero carbon living and any pros and cons.

Energy Efficient Windows & Doors, Recycling Scheme

Eurocell will be contributing its sustainable window and door solutions to the Z-House concept design. Eurocell recycle post-consumer and post-industrial waste PVC window and door frames. This allows them to produce new and reusable PVC-U profiles through a closed loop recycling scheme. Manchester Metropolitan University supports the use of post-consumer waste plastic window frames to create new PVC-U profiles.

The university has ascertained that this will enable a housebuilder constructing, on average, 2,500 units of semi-detached houses, to save around 627 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year. This is achievable simply by specifying recycled Eurocell windows and cavity closures rather than full virgin PVC-U windows. It's hoped that projects like this will have a positive impact for future generations.