Published Reports
Zero Carbon: what does it mean to homeowners and builders?
This project was conducted on behalf of the NHBC Foundation, designed to investigate attitudes towards zero carbon and sustainable homes among builders and homeowners. The programme comprised 10 focus groups, 2 of which were held at the BRE Innovation Park. One consumer group was held with residents of Future World/ Energy World in Milton Keynes to assess how 80s and 90s technology had performed.
In addition, 110 depth and telephone interviews were held with leading housebuilders and 550 personal interviews with homeowners.
Topics included climate change, actions taken to save energy, microgeneration, water efficiency and attitudes towards re-use of grey/ rainwater in the home. Interest in climate change is found across many government sectors and one aim of the desk research was to establish the current policies (sometimes contradictory) within the various departments. The desk research also investigated current and past initiatives to save energy and water and identified differing practices in terms of planning policy and recycling. The final report, which includes detailed conclusions and recommendations, was launched in April 2008. Click here to see the report:
Traditional Craft Building Skills in Ireland: Assessing the Need, Meeting the Challenge
This project was conducted on behalf of ConstructionSkills and the Office of Public Works, Dublin and is the latest in a series that also covers England, Scotland and Wales.
The aim of the study was to establish the demand for heritage building skills in the island of Ireland. This project focused on the use of traditional materials and also examined current training provision and needs. In addition, the research covered the potential clash between 'heritage' demands and the needs relating to climate change eg improved insulation, double glazing etc which could potentially compromise use of traditional materials.
The work comprised extensive desk research, 60 depth interviews and 600 telephone interviews. Respondents include contractors, building professionals, trainers, property owners, manufacturers and heritage organisations. To see the report click here:
Traditional Craft Building Skills in Wales: Assessing the Need, Meeting the Challenge
EPR also conducted this research which was completed in 2007. Click here to see the report.
