Leaders of the building merchant Jewson have launched the Making Better Homes Awards scheme, aiming to recognise businesses that are creating energy-efficient, safe and comfortable homes. Award winners are to be revealed at the Jewson Live event in December.
There are three categories: Best use of renewable energy in a project, Best building fabric in a project, and Best sustainable project of the year. Winners are set to receive a trophy and £1,000 in Jewson credit. Any runners up are due to receive £250 in Jewson credit.
The awards’ launch – which is a first for Jewson – follows the business’ promotion of research showing that millions of people’s health is suffering due to poor-quality homes. In the last 12 months, 55% of homeowners have experienced problems in their homes relating to poor indoor air quality or ventilation, including condensation (52%), mould in at least one room (26%), leaks (25%) and damaged walls (23%), according to representatives of Jewson. More than two fifths (44%) of the 2,031 UK homeowners surveyed indicated that they had experienced side effects and symptoms ranging from allergies, dry eyes and chest infections to poor sleep, low mood and difficulty concentrating.
“There’s been an increased awareness on the dangers of mould, condensation and other issues relating to poor indoor air quality in the last 12 months due to shocking news stories that show why ventilation is such an important part of our homes,” said Matthew Handley, Jewson’s category innovation manager. “But poor indoor air quality is just one challenge our research highlighted.
“Homeowners are also struggling with keeping their homes cool in the summer, as many of us experienced with the recent heatwaves, and are worried about rising energy bills this winter. These problems all impact people in terms of comfort, health and wellbeing, which is why it’s so important to build homes that are energy efficient and benefit people and the planet.
“We know what a pivotal role that the nation’s tradespeople, builders and installers have in improving the nation’s housing stock – whether through retrofit projects or building new homes. That’s why we’ve launched the Making Better Homes Awards, to recognise those who improve the day to day lives of their customers, as well as build properties that are sustainable and comfortable.
“There are three different categories to choose from. We encourage anyone who’s playing a key role in this transformational period for UK housing to enter.”
For more about the Making Better Homes Awards, click here.
