This report by the College of Estate Management, sponsored by BRE Trust, investigated the responses to this question by private and social housing developers and their professional advisers. Although the research points to the benefits of refurbishment in terms of achieving sustainability objectives, it also shows that the uptake of sustainable construction practices is still being held back by higher costs compared to traditional housing, risk aversion, less favourable financial incentives and lack of consumer demand.
Illustrations: 18 line drawings, 5 photos
Format: A4 paperback
Pages: 72pp
Contents
Foreword by Ann Heywood, Principal, The College of Estate Management
1. Introduction
The research commission. Background. Aims/objectives. Methodology
2. Urban renewal and regeneration policy framework
Introduction. Sustainable Communities Plan. Low demand and abandonment of housing. Pathfinder scheme. Agenda for sustainable construction. Improving environmental sustainability of housing stock. Summary
3. Demolition and new build
Introduction. Demolition. Waste from demolition. Summary
4. Refurbishment
Introduction. Conservation-led regeneration. Heritage and regeneration. Heritage and Pathfinder schemes. Energy performance of historic buildings. Embodied energy. The value of conservation. Summary
5. Demolition, new build and refurbishment compared: which is the more sustainable option?
Introduction. Maintenance costs. Performance of the housing stock. Value added tax. Sustainable construction. The nature of housing refurbishment. The costs of refurbishment compared with new construction. Group element prices. Comparison of unit costs. Summary
6. Sustainability indicators and assessments
Introduction. Factors influencing developers' decision-making. Assessment tools and criteria. Critique of sustainable indicators. Summary
7. Survey results and analysis
Background and research questions. Methodology. The survey findings. Summary
8. Conclusions and further research
Introduction. Methodology. Research results. Research recommendations.
References