Norman Piette launches new ecohomes division

Thursday 22 April 2010

Will Kinnersly – Production Manager, Steve Powell – Business Development Manager, Dave Axworthy – Design Manager, Clive Fenner – Managing Director

The new division has been launched in response to the requirement for more energy efficient constructions.

Headed up by Norman Piette’s managing director, Clive Fenner, and his team of highly qualified managers, Steve Powell, Dave Axworthy and Will Kinnersly, ecohomes will provide Guernsey’s construction industry with low carbon solutions for the next generation of building.

Clive Fenner said that Norman Piette had built a reputation on recognising trends in the industry and investing in solutions that adapt to current markets, as well as considering the future impact of construction products and their affect on the environment.

‘ecohomes provides low energy and low carbon buildings that combine highly insulated and low impact building materials with renewable sources of energy.

‘These homes are unparalleled in energy efficiency and low site wastage and will make them the obvious choice for the construction of residential, commercial and public properties.

‘We offer two methods of sustainable construction; Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and Timber Frame. Both provide high levels of insulation, offer flexible design and are renowned for their time saving builds, with a high proportion of components manufactured in Guernsey.’

The systems have already been successfully put to use in a new local housing development for the Guernsey Housing Association at Victoria Avenue and a second project, currently underway, at Mont Arrive.

Steve Williams, Chief Executive, of the Guernsey Housing Association (GHA) said residents at the Victoria Avenue site were already providing positive feedback.

‘The residents we have spoken to are delighted with the properties at Victoria Avenue, particularly in relation to utility bills. Many have already noted a significant reduction in the amount of energy they are expending in heating and the provision of hot water.

‘This is great news so early on. Mainly because we are yet to really appreciate the full value of the solar energy panels as the winter months haven’t yet provided us the opportunity to fully experience their benefits. For our residents things can only get better.’

The solutions provided by ecohomes are able to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 400kg per year and reduce hot water heating costs by up to 60% annually.

‘Sustainable construction won’t end our environmental problems, but is a giant step towards minimising our carbon foot print.

‘It provides a starting point through which architects and property developers can be encouraged to ‘think green’ and naturally, this thought process will filter through from those working on site to the end user,’ concluded Mr Fenner.