The NHBC Foundation has developed a programme of research projects designed to address key issues within the industry where there is a current "information gap". The launch project for the Foundation was the creation of a web-based resource tool on Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) which is available at www.homein.org and was followed by the publication of research findings on MMC.

Throughout 2007 the key focus of the Foundation has been the zero carbon and sustainability agendas. The Government has targeted housing as a key national priority, with a strength of political focus not seen for nearly two decades, and in this landscape the work of the Foundation, and the need for its contribution to the industry, Parliament and stakeholders, has never been more pressing or relevant.

Meeting its aim to develop pragmatic and relevant research for the industry the Foundation has addressed the challenges of the Code for Sustainable Homes in the “Conserving Energy and Water, and Minimising Waste” and “Ground Source Heat Pumps” research documents. The broader issues of the impact of Global Warming on the industry are addressed in “Climate Change and Innovation in House Building” and spatial and density issues are addressed in “Risks in Domestic Basement Construction”.

In the first major study of its kind in the country the Foundation, in 2007, launched a survey of attitudes and understanding among consumers and builders on zero carbon and sustainability. Incorporating interviews with hundreds of consumers and more than 100 builders across the UK the research project is the largest in the industry to date to specifically address the targets and drivers outlined by the Government in the Housing Green Paper, Code for Sustainable Homes and related reports and legislation.

It is hoped the findings of the study will move the agenda forwards and address the challenges facing the industry by producing results which will benefit and shape industry thinking on sustainability issues as the Code for Sustainable Homes and the 2016 zero carbon target come ever closer.

Issues which will be addressed by the Foundation's research programme in 2007/8 include:

• “A Review of Microgeneration and Renewable Energy Technologies” - The work has focused on how these technologies will work in, and impact on, homes and homeowners and considers the energy implications of building design, fabric and services systems. It will outline the different types of technology currently available, detailing issues they present and their carbon saving benefits.
• Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) - In line with legislative changes which came into force in 2007, the Foundation is developing a checklist and toolbox talk on SWMPs for builders, providing important guidance on how to implement an effective site waste management plan. With the Code for Sustainable Homes targeting waste as a mandatory aspect this research will lay out a framework for builders and developers to address the relevant issues.
• Drainage Provision for Sustainable Development - A project is currently underway to address improvements in drainage provision for sustainable developments. As well as looking at simple design and construction guidance for soakaways and the feasibility of providing drainage and ground treatment for building the project will also examine the provision of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) for small developments.

The Foundation will continue to examine areas of public policy relevant to the house-building industry, government and other stakeholders. Its sister organisation, the National Centre for Excellence in Housing, also set up in partnership with BRE and chaired by Rt. Hon. Nick Raynsford MP, is focused on policy work for both new and existing housing. It was appointed in 2007 by the joint industry/Government led 2016 Taskforce to oversee zero carbon research.

A list of published projects can be found below. Please click on the relevant project to download the PDF version. Hard copies are also available - please contact the Foundation Press Office if you would like to receive a copy, contact details are available by clicking here.