Showersave heat recovery system gives the housebuilder more options for achieving Part L compliance

(22/04/2010)

The housebuilding industry is actively seeking new ways to achieve a 25 per cent improvement in the energy efficiency of each new home, in compliance with the proposed changes to Part L of the Building Regulations.

Wavin has announced the exclusive UK launch of Showersave, a simple cost-effective heat recovery system designed to reduce CO2 emissions and improve the energy efficiency rating of new build properties. Included in Wavin’s Certus range of solutions, Showersave is a copper counter-flow heat exchanger that is installed as part of an integral waste system.

By reclaiming the heat from water used for showering, at an average of between 40-41oC, the Showersave system is capable of recouping a 300kg - 1,000kg CO2 saving per year, which equates for up to 40 per cent reduction in total water-heating outlay and directly complies with the new regulations by achieving Code 3 and above on the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Within the renewable energy market, Showersave performs well against its competitors, achieving comparable improvements in a property’s Dwelling Emissions Rate (DER) at around half the cost of solar thermal water heating, which is why it is listed as an eligible product for Appendix Q of the SAP assessment procedure for all new properties.

Steven Skeldon of Wavin commented: “SAP assessments measure the efficiency of a property at the initial design stage and recommend the appropriate carbon reduction solutions in Appendix Q. Relative to other technologies, Showersave’s proposition, in terms of the cost per percentage point improvement on a home’s DER, is extremely difficult to beat. While it is recognised that although certain methods of renewable energy or energy conservation have recorded excellent DER reduction levels, Showersave stands out against its competitors for its simple installation, low maintenance and the fact that it works all year round.

“In selecting the best options for reducing CO2, Showersave combines well with solar thermal and flue gas heat recovery in SAP, giving the housebuilder more options for achieving Part L compliance. The adaptability of Showersave makes it easy to specify alongside other renewable technologies or alone, reducing expenditure and installation times, whilst still achieving energy efficiency savings in line with the new regulations. Its lack of moving parts, ability to operate in any climate and none-electrical requirement will ultimately remove all costly maintenance issues and provide a long-life and reliable system.”

Independent expert in renewable energies and SAP assessor Jon Walker, commented: "I've assessed a variety of house types and found Showersave to be a most cost effective way to reduce DER by around 8 per cent, which is why I advise clients to make it their first choice before even considering other compatible technologies such as solar or flue gas heat recovery.”

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