DEFRA launches Part G consultation

The government has launched its long-awaited consultation on Building Regulations Part G, with proposals including water saving measures to drive down usage in new homes to 105 litres per person per day.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published the 12-week consultation which suggests the inclusion of fittings in new homes such as aerated taps and showerheads and dual flush toilets to tackle water shortages.

DEFRA is proposing strengthening Water Efficiency Standards in Part G, last revised in 2010. It gives the option to reduce the current mandatory standard through fittings from 125 litres per person per day (l/p/d) to 105 litres, and the Optional Technical Standard from 110 to 100 l/p/d.

Launching the consultation, DEFRA said that the proposed “simple water-saving measures” could save families in new homes more than £100 a year on bills, “while supporting a wave of new housing across Britain”.

And the switch to water saving features in new homes would reduce the amount of water needed from rivers, lakes and chalk streams for public supply.

The current Part G, DEFRA said, was insufficient to satisfy both housing delivery and water conservation. A reduction of 20 l/p/d …