Modern methods for modern developers
Urgent need for homes, environmental impact, efficiency
#constructionindustry #sustainable #architects #localauthorities #contractors #developers #efficiency #environment #mmc #housing #watermanagement #smartmeters
In recent times, three major themes have emerged for developers: satisfy the urgent demand for homes, minimise environmental impact, and how best to make those homes more efficient or “smarter”.
Water Services on Tap – The business benefit of plug and play systems
Modular Construction systems are probably the only way by which the UK can achieve the necessary build program to meet demand, quality, consistency and speed of construction. However, utility connections can often be the weak link in this improved efficiency.
Water supply is perhaps the most important item within the critical path of construction and is probably the most difficult to achieve. Imagine a situation where your services can be fully installed prior to moving on site, with surface mounted meters allowing ‘plug and play’ style installation.
With Groundbreaker water management system, you have that ‘plug and play’ option – no need to imagine.
The only system of its type, it is designed to be installed at any time during the construction period. Fully compliant with Water Regulations, it provides an accessible, safe and secure location for the water meter and controls to a specific property.
The concept is simple. Water services are connected to an externally mounted, pre-installed water service control. The pre-installation and certification of plumbing can facilitate early approval of water services to a plot. This allows flexibility in the management and scheduling of connection to the mains supply.
There is no need for boundary boxes or meter housings in the footpath, and this simplification of the connection allows for improved efficiency and reduces the time required for highway closures.
Smarter water management:
Government initiatives, directives and plain common sense are driving the construction industry towards the smarter home where an internet speed of 1Gb/second is the standard specification. With Groundbreaker water management system, properties are future proofed to allow for easy installation of ‘Smart Water Meter’ technology as it is introduced across the UK.
Utility companies have not been slow in recognising the benefits of a ‘Smart Home’. The ability to interrogate and manage energy usage at any given time of day or night has been recognised as an effective way for householders to reduce usage and manage costs
The reductions in energy usage have not been matched in the water industry. The perception of the environmental impact of increased demand on water is not as widely recognised. Indeed many, certainly in the UK, see water as a limitless resource. Knowledge is the key to changing minds. Trials have shown that metering reduces consumption, and ‘Smart Meters’ improve awareness of usage further.
Gas and electricity meters located on external building walls have enabled easy upgrades and any introduction to countrywide ‘Smart Meter’ programme. However, the traditional location of a water meter in a metal-covered hole in the public highway is not conducive to this new way of thinking. A ‘Smart Water Meter’ located in such a situation is exceedingly poor in transmitting a signal even to a local pick up.
The best location for a ‘Smart Water Meter’ is on an external property wall – co-located with other utility meters. Recent field trials of Groundbreaker have proven that the range of such meters can be over 3Km (2 miles). The impact on data collection is massive. The improved data transmission range could allow for single point data capture in towns the size of Norwich or Coventry.
Design out leak paths: comply with Water & Construction Industry Guidelines comply with “Water Safe” initiatives
The increasing demand on this limited resource has resulted in a focus on water network losses. The water and construction industries have launched a joint initiative to reduce leakage from water service pipes, reduce demand and to provide a smarter platform as noted above.
Groundbreaker supports this initiative, meeting the best recommendations of Water UK and the Home Builders Federation. The unique location of the Groundbreaker water management system allows for an unjointed water supply, minimising the risk of developing future leaks.
For further information, check the Home Builders Federation Guidance. https://phpdonline.co.uk/news/watersafe-partners-with-the-home-builders-federation-to-reduce-water-leaks-in-new-properties
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