We are looking to recruit an Assistant Environmental Consultant…

If you have an interest in Sustainable Design and the Environment, we’d like to hear from you. Its not essential, but we’d prefer any applicants to be licenced BREEAM assessors or have experience in this field, alternatively if Renewable Energy, Ecology or Waste Management is your thing why not write to us and arrange an informal introduction.

If you are interested in joining our team, or would like a detailed copy of the job description, please forward a CV and covering letter with a bit about yourself to Sam Grimstone at Sam(at)eightassociates.co.uk

Eight Associates appointed to carry out a BREEAM assessment of the refurbishment of the NHBC (National House Building Council) office in Milton Keynes.  They are striving for exemplary environmental performance with a photovoltaic array, a detailed ecology plan and a state of the art BMS (Building Management System) to allow them to thoroughly monitor the performance of the resulting building.  Eight will be working alongside Winvic to achieve an Excellent rating.

We have joined the 10:10 campaign,

The aim is to reduce emissions by 10% in one year – or as close as your company can get. By reducing emissions you’ll be cutting costs, getting ahead of the curve and helping Britain show the rest of the world how it’s done… join now at http://www.1010uk.org

Eight Associates hosts Cath Hassell's Code for Sustainable Homes Water Talk (http://www.ech2o.co.uk/pages/background.htm).

The recent update in the Code for Sustainable Homes has brought with it a new Water Calculator that is much less demanding than previous editions. This is mainly due to the ‘Normalisation factor’ in the calculator - this makes it easier to comply.

Water Carbon Emissions
Water industry accounts for 0.6% of total UK emissions. But when include heating the water this rises to 6%.

In Summary:
New calculator is a definite improvement but re-using grey/rain water still allows 6 litre WC’s and does not take into account carbon load.
The Code should recognise reducing water consumption as the best option, not encouraging rain/greywater reuse in the home - as in BREEAM or AECB standard - you get rewarded for installing 4/2 dual flush etc…
CSH levels 5/6 requirement should be reduced to 85/90 litres/person/day.
CSH should reward rain/grey water used in garden more significantly.