news from the BRE Group
published: 13/7/2010
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Minister gets a preview of BRE's Victorian Terrace Project
On a visit to BRE on 1st July, Communities and Local Government Minister Andrew Stunell was shown around the recently completed Phase 1 of the Victorian Terrace Retrofit project.
The project, which involves the transformation of a dilapidated and hugely energy inefficient 1850's stable block into housing units fit for low carbon 21st century living, is a BRE, industry and Government collaboration*.
Based on the BRE Innovation Park in Watford the project aims to generate a new evidence base of knowledge on the best and most effective ways to upgrade the UK’s existing housing stock and reduce the CO2 it produces. Currently our existing homes are the UK's single biggest carbon offender, responsible for over 25% of the UK’s total emissions.
The Minister responsible for Building Regulations, Andrew Stunell MP, said “I was impressed with what I've seen at BRE, they are doing a fantastic job looking at different technologies and the kind of skills people need to use them across the spectrum – from designers to tradesman.
"Setting the standards for greener homes is not only about creating new ways of reducing energy consumption in new buildings, it is about updating our existing homes to make them sustainable, so I'm pleased to see the BRE are excelling in this area on the Victorian Terrace project.”
Following a rigourous test programme, the Victorian Terrace Retrofit Project will be launched on the BRE Innovation Park in September.
For further information about the Victorian Terrace project, contact John O’Brien via e-mail: obrienj@bre.co.uk
For press enquiries please contact Linda McKeown at BRE: mckeownl@bre.co.uk
Notes to Editor
BRE
BRE has been building a better world for almost 90 years through cutting edge research, consultancy and testing services. Our unrivalled knowledge in regard to sustainability and innovation is now used across the construction industry and in the corporate world creating better buildings, communities and businesses. BRE is part of the BRE Group of companies owned by the BRE Trust, a registered charity. The profits made by BRE go to the BRE Trust, the largest UK charity dedicated specifically to research and education in the built environment.
www.bre.co.uk
The Victorian Terrace project
*Victorian Terrace Retrofit project is sponsored by the BRE Trust, the Departments for Energy & Climate Change, Communities & Local Government, and Business Innovation & Skills, the East of England Development Agency and the Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders.
Lead partners in the project are BRE, Wates, PRP Architects and EC Harris, with corporate support from BASF, Saint Gobain, CRH, Marks & Spencer and EDF Energy.
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