Ecohomes XB

What is it?

EcoHomes for eXisting Buildings (XB) is a voluntary environmental assessment method for existing managed stock. It was developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), using a similar format to EcoHomes for new build, in recognition that, as with new build, there is a need to improve the environmental performance of the existing housing stock. The purpose of XB is to provide a range of housing stock-holders with an easy to use environmental assessment tool. It is designed for self-assessment and does not require accreditation from an external assessor.

How can Sustainable Homes help?

Sustainable Homes Ltd can assist your organisation in using EcoHomes XB through training on how to use the standard, or by assisting with actual XB assessments.

EcoHomes XB training

Aimed at asset management and property maintenance professionals, this full day course provides you with:

• A hands on workshop on the EcoHomes XB methodology
• Workshop on establishing a benchmark
• Case studies of implementation
• How XB works with EU Building Performance Certificates
• Repeat assessments of stock using the XB methodology

This course can be provided in house, or we hold several courses in various locations throughout the year. For further information or to please contact us on 020 8973 0429 or sustainablehomes@hastoe.com.

EcoHomes XB Assessments

Sustainable Homes can provide assistance to your organization in actually implementing the standard. We can help:

• Provide a sound understanding to your asset management team on the principles of XB and how to undertake an assessment.
• We can assist and advise on data collection issues.
• We can provide expertise on fulfilling the Management section of the XB assessment, such as the development of energy and environmental policies.

For further information on how we can help with assessments please contact us on 020 8973 0429 or sustainablehomes@hastoe.com.

EcoHomes XB - The Guide

The Housing Corporation, through an Innovation and Good Practice Grant, commissioned Sustainable Homes Ltd to produce a best practice guide on the XB methodology. 'EcoHomes XB' was published in September 2007, and provides prompts and recommendations for using the assessment tool, along with 11 housing association case studies.

Download the EcoHomes XB guide

BRE XB Case Studies

BRE were commissioned in 2006 by the Housing Corporation, through an Innovation and Good Practice Grant, to facilitate the use of XB by a select number of housing associations, with a view to turn their experiences into case studies. The resultant case studies are outlined and available to download in this section.

The purpose of the case studies is to illustrate how XB is being used within housing associations to drive forward environmental improvements in existing housing stock. The case studies will help other associations who wish to use XB by providing real life examples looking at the practicalities of implementing XB, steps that should be taken and what can be achieved.

Sovereign Housing Group, Gentoo Sunderland and Hexagon Housing, were the associations involved in this work carried out by BRE. All three associations are at varied stages with using XB giving the case studies each a different angle. The detail of the case studies highlight how XB can be implemented across associations and can influence management policies and maintenance programmes into considering environmental issues more widely in order to reach an aspirational target of high environmental performance.

Case Study 1 - Sovereign Housing Group

This case study looks at the results of their initial assessment, their initial one year target, and how they plan to improve their score on an ongoing basis with a focus on management policies.

Download Sovereign Housing Group case study

Case Study 2 - Gentoo Group

This case study focuses on their initial rating of how the issues from XB are being implemented across their stock as part of their environmental policy and strategy. There is also a focus on how educating tenants is key to reducing environmental impacts and XB's role as part of this.

Download Gentoo Group case study

Case Study 3 - Hexagon Housing

This case study looks at a retrospective assessment of a recent refurbishment project 'Malibu House', identifying lessons learnt for future projects. It is also an example of how XB can be kick started for associations at an early stage through the development of environmental policies.

Download Hexagon Housing case study