Abbey Consultants: EcoHomes Advice: BRE Update

The Mat 4 Issue of EcoHomes is concerned with the provision of recycling facilities. With this in mind, it is worth clarifying what is required to demonstrate part 2 of the Issue’s guidance (given below).
2. Three bins for recyclable materials should be provided in addition to the normal waste bins, both externally and internally to award all credits.
As developers are not required to provide bins for non-recyclable household waste under the Issue, this point can prove hard to assess or provide evidence for.

In recognition of this as assessors we will no longer be required to submit evidence to this effect. However, in accordance with note 3, as assessors we must still check whether bins are dedicated for recyclables and not normal refuse (i.e specifically designed for purpose and labelled for recycling). So that occupants are not forced to use recycling bins to store normal refuse, it is also good practise (but not an evidential requirement) to check whether adequate space for storing non-recyclable waste, internally and/or externally (depending on the number of credits sought), has been provided elsewhere.

Contact Abbey Consultants on 01923 274427 for further advice and help on EcoHomes and Code for Sustainable Homes Issues.

Abbey Consultants (Southern) EcoHomes Assessors