Southwest Environmental Limited

Home User Guide

SWEL can write up Home Use Guides in Lline with Technical Guidance.

Home user guides explain to residents how to make sustainable use of their new home. Some of the content may relate to common sense information such as how to use less water, which might be construed as green wash. But some will relate to building specific systems, which will be useful.

A Typical Plan might Contain the Following.

Environmental Strategy, Design and Features

Details of any specific environmental/energy design strategy/features including an overview of the reasons for their use (e.g. environmental and economic savings and restrictions on making alterations) and how they should best be operated (where they are not passive features such as insulation and SUDS) should be included in home user guides. Strategies/features could include passive solar design, super insulation, energy efficient timber windows, heat recovery systems, solar hot water systems, photovoltaic, passive vents or the use of certified timber or SUDS within the boundary of individual properties.

Energy

A way of complying would be to a provide suitable set of operating and maintenance instructions aimed at achieving economy in the use of fuel and power in a way that householders can understand. The instructions should be directly related to the particular system/s installed in the 
dwelling

Information should also be provided explaining lamp efficacy and the benefits of purchasing high efficacy lamps, Details of the EU labelling scheme for white goods etc.

Waste

Information about the Local Authority collection scheme (if applicable). If the home is not covered by a Local Authority collection scheme, details and location of communal recycling bins/skips/facilities. Also;

• Information on the location and use of any recycling bins

• Information on the location and use of any compost bins

• Information on WRAP which can offer guidance on recycling and sustainable waste disposal

Responsible Purchasing

Home user guides will include information about the purchasing of:

    –  Low energy/low water white goods 
  –  Electrical equipment, including light fittings and bulbs 
  –  Timber products from sustainable sources 
  –  Organic food procurement/food growing/local produce/local food provision, e.g. farmers markets, organic box schemes etc