The government looks like it means business at last, with Yvette Cooper ruling that all commercial buildings must join the residential sector in the national drive to achieve carbon zero energy ratings by 2016...

But, to return to housebuilding, and the Code for Sustainable Homes, which came in as a force to be reckoned with in April. Designed to complement the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) this month, the Code rates the home as a whole package on six starring levels, one being relatively low, while six achieves a zero carbon rating. All new appliances will need an A+ rating, while the Code provides more scope for variation on materials and features.

The papers would have us believe that going sustainable will net the housebuilder bigger profits than ever - a recent building supplement issued in the Guardian featured an article by Kirsty Gogan which argued that the "vast majority" of homebuyers will pay a premium for a sustainable home. But the market may not be ready to add masses of value to sustainable new-builds, particularly where outlandish, gimmicky eco models are concerned.

Savills' recent research on the state of the market works to prove this case in point. "Although required by law, our research suggests the value of sustainable homes is not going to be realisable by developers through high prices as buyers are primarily interested in features that will save them money," says Yolanda Barnes, Savills' research director. "To recoup costs, developers will have to go further in design to create products that will stand out..."

So what features will add the most value in reducing overall build and running costs to please both builder and buyer?

GADGETS AND GIZMOS

Energy efficient lighting is always likely to be a winner with buyers...

On the appliance front, Electrolux offers a range of energy saving products. These include the UK's only A-rated tumble dryer...and an AAA dishwasher fitted with an auto programme that's designed to sense load size and dirt so it only washes what it needs to...

With water becoming an increasingly valuable commodity as summer droughts intensify, rainwater havesting units may see a rise in popularity amoung buyers over the coming months...

HEATING

Heat conservation, recovery and ventilation are big business for those canny enough to have got into the market at the right time. Total Home Environment, supplier of Genvex heat recovery ventilation and heat pump technology, aims to marry the requirements of building regulations Part F (adequate ventilation) and Parl L (energy conservation). "Telling potential buyers that your homes can save them up to 95 per cent of the heat that they [normally] lose is likely to go down a storm," says Michael Hunt, the group's director. "Modern, low-energy homes are highly insulated and airtight, which can lead to a build up of mould growth and carbon dioxide, which can trigger illness." The Genvex system offers the user energy and cost savings through heat recovery and the reuse of waste heat for heating and hot water, while the enhanced range offers air source heat pumps that often prove cheaper than oil or gas heating alternatives...

As we have recently had new premises specifically built for us, we can now extend our clients and customers a showroom facility for both the Beam and Genvex range of products.

If you would like to arrange a visit to discuss your requirements in more detail, please contact us in advance to arrange a suitable date and time on 0845 260 0123.

Unlike upright vacuum cleaners that can re-circulate dust, a Beam Central Vacuum system removes nearly 100% of contacted materials...reducing airborne emissions of dust, pollen and other allergens in your home. Tests show a Beam system provides sustained cleaning performance with virtually no decrease in soil removal ability.

In 2004, a study was completed that compared a Beam central vacuum system with leading upright portables including Dyson, Hoover, Bissell, Dirt Devil and Eureka vacuum brands. Soil removal and emission tests were conducted by the Professional Testing Laboratory Inc, in Dalton, USA.

The cleaning capability of each vacuum was tested on carpet loaded with:

In an effort to minimise the build-up of allergens, the American Lung Association Health House program will install a Beam Central Vacuum System in its National Demonstration Health House in Minnisota.

The research:

Indoor air pollution is the primary cause of allergic reactions in sufferers and Central Vacuums are often recommended for removing pollutants and allergens. The Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology at The University of California set out to determine whether a Central Vacuum could be proven to relieve allergic symptoms.

The findings:

Unlike conventional vacuum cleaners which can re-circulate dust, a Beam Central Vacuum removes dust, mites, pollen, animal dander and other allergens from living areas and is therefore superior to conventional vacuum cleaners, actively reducing allergic symptoms.The study proved that a Beam system reduces allergy symptoms on average by 50%! The exact findings are below:

Nasal: 47%         |          Non-Nasal: 48%              |          Eye: 61%           |            Sleep: 44%