Wienerberger at HOMES UK 2023

Innovation at the forefront of building

Our Wienerberger exhibition space showcased forward-thinking solutions designed to help housing providers meet regulatory requirements, including Part L and the upcoming Future Homes Standard. Products like Eco-brick, Porotherm, and our in-roof solar offering were on display, offering a glimpse into compliant building materials that can contribute to homes and buildings that meet and exceed sustainability related legislation.

John Christopher, Anna Parfitt and Carl Denny from our Housing team were on hand to discuss Wienerberger’s products and support services with visitors.

A voice for sustainability in panel discussions

Beyond the exhibition, we played an active role in panel discussions, emphasising the importance of protecting biodiversity, achieving net zero, and promoting resilient placemaking.

In the "Protecting biodiversity and green spaces" panel discussion, our Biodiversity Manager Maisie McKenzie highlighted how protecting biodiversity and preserving habitats for wildlife in our homes and places aids the recovery of nature and improves the well-being of those in our communities. For example, Wienerberger offer Eco-habitats, integrated wildlife boxes, from Wienerberger Habibat which help to increase the biodiversity value of projects and complement eco-friendly house designs. Alongside preserving habitats, all the panel stressed the importance of engaging communities with their natural surroundings for both health and climate benefits.

In the discussion surrounding "What's necessary for a planning system that is ready for net zero", our Head of Sustainability Stephanie Palmer emphasised the importance of consistency when addressing climate change. A key objective that emerged from the discussion was the need for the acceleration of net zero homes delivery and nature restoration. The conversation then focussed on planners and the crucial role they play in interpreting national policy direction and developing local planning policies that encourage retrofitting, adoption of low-carbon heating, reduction in dependence on vehicles, and integration of climate adaptation measures. To mitigate delays, expenses, and legal complications, a unified approach to net zero planning at national and local levels is imperative.

Finally, Stephanie chaired a session on the topic of "Regenerative and resilient placemaking", where the panel spoke on the need to apply a systems approach to improve community resilience to climate change. The panel discussed how decision makers could involve community members in resilience planning, and a live project in the west midlands where this is being trialled.

Wrapping up a successful event

Thank you to the HOMES UK team and all the visitors who visited our stand and attended panel discussions for making this event a memorable one.

We know that housing providers face a growing list of responsibilities, including enhancing housing standards, addressing disrepair, empowering tenants, achieving net zero targets, ensuring building safety, and boosting housing supply. As a result, with resource constraints, collaboration becomes crucial to align strategic goals and maximise collective impact. Here at Wienerberger, we remain dedicated to supporting our customers to deliver sustainable housing, and we look forward to continuing these important conversations in the future.