Chief construction advisor Paul Morrell backed the launch a new refurbishment guide published by the Construction Products Association, which offers small builders advice on increasing the energy efficiency of existing housing stock.

Launched last night (June 9) at the CPA's offices, the 85 page "Introduction to Low Carbon Domestic Refurbishment" is available free to all. It features case study guides aimed to advise not only the builders carrying out the refurbishment but also their architects, surveyors, energy consultants and politicians.

Bill Bolsover, chairman of the Construction Products Association said; 'The UK has a commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 80% by 2050 and the built environment is expected to account for about half of this reduction. The real challenge is to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings that exist today, the vast majority of which will continue to exist in 2050. To achieve this we will need to undertake some form of refurbishment to every one of our 26 million homes and the products and solutions that this industry will provide are key to delivering this.

He added: 'This publication is a first step in setting out the various ways in which these homes can be upgraded. It begins from first principles, highlighting what needs to be done before work starts, then focuses on the main elements of the home - the floor, walls, windows, roof, heating, and hot water".

The guide is also being been backed by the Baxi Group, Kingspan Insulation, Knauf Insulation, Rockwool, Wolseley and the Worcester Bosch Group.


An copy of the publication can be downloaded from the association's website website For hard copies email avani.raval@constructionproducts.org.uk