How Does It Work

Sustainability Works is easy to use. There is no installation on your computer and you can access your work from anywhere in the world as long as you have basic internet access.

A unique combination Sustainability Works combines an extensive reference database with interactive software. This unique combination allows you to write, edit and store your own sustainable development policy and project development details with the benefit of our expert research and guidance. BRE EcoHomes standards are also fully integrated with the software, allowing users to rapidly generate an EcoHomes rating prediction.

What topics are included

Below is a list of the 8 key themes and 68 issues. All issues are referenced to show which are also EcoHomes issues, Sustainability Toolkit factors and Housing Quality Indicators.

  • E EcoHomes issue
  • H Housing Quality Indicator
  • T Sustainability Toolkit factor
Land
Use of previously developed land   H  
Location -      
  Demand     H
  Access to amenities E H H
  Reputation     H
  Quality of existing environment     H
  Quality, design and layout of existing housing     H
Land use -      
  Mixed-use buildings E    
  Complementary land uses      
Urban design   H  
Density
 E    
 
Buildings
Adaptability   H  
Durability   H  
Accessibility   H  
Low environmental impact -      
  Ozone-depleting potential E H  
  Timber specification E H  
  Material specification E H  
  Low-pollution boilers E H  
Re-use and recyclability      
Health -      
  Thermal comfort   H  
  Light E H  
  Noise E H  
  Indoor air quality      
  Electro-magnetic fields      
Procurement -      
  Consultant/contractor selection      
  Contractual relationships      
Asset management   H  
 
Society
Social exclusion and poverty     H
Social cohesion     T
Community involvement      
Mix -      
  Mix of tenure    
  Mix of community   T
  Mix of unit type and size   H  
Crime   H H
Environmental awareness      
Local economy      
Regeneration      
Housing management      
 
Travel
Reduce the need to travel      
Alternatives to cars -
      
  Public transport E H  
  Cycling E H  
  Walking   H  
Cars -      
  Traffic calming   H  
  Car pooling      
  Alternative fuels      
  Parking   H  
 
Waste
Pollution -      
  Noise   H  
  Water   H  
  Air   H  
  Land contamination   H  
  Electro-magnetic fields   H  
Waste -      
  Domestic waste E H  
  Construction waste      
 
Landscape
Ecological value E    
Microclimate -      
  Modification      
  Climate change      
Local food production      
Access to open space E H  
 
Energy
Policy, standards and strategy E H  
Low energy design -      
  Site layout      
  House planning  E    
  Construction E    
  Systems issues E H  
Renewable energy      
Carbon offset      
 
Water
Water conservation E H  
Storm water      
Sewage treatment