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The guides, 'EcoHomes XB' (EcoHomes for eXisting Buildings) and 'A Guide to Developing a Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan', were developed by Sustainable Homes Ltd, a leading consultancy in environmentally friendly housing, and were commissioned by the Housing Corporation as part of its Innovation and Good Practice Programme.

Steven Douglas, Chief Executive of the Housing Corporation, and Paul King, Chief Executive of the Green Building Council, launched the guides to senior representatives from Communities and Local Government, WWF, GLA, BRE, local authorities, leading housing associations, the National Housing Federation and leading sustainability experts in a ceremony at the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn last Thursday morning.

EcoHomes XB outlines how to improve the environmental performance of existing homes through maintenance programmes using the EcoHomes methodology for existing buildings.  A Guide to Developing a Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan provides advice and examples of how to develop a sustainability strategy that covers an entire organisation's remit.  This guide also acts as an additional resource for organisations wishing to use EcoHomes XB, which includes the development of environmental, energy and maintenance policies as a core part of its Management section.  Both guides provide detailed case studies.

Andrew Eagles, Head of Sustainable Homes Ltd., said:
"This is quite a pivotal moment.  Sustainable Homes Ltd has already noticed a rise in interest in reducing the environmental damage of existing buildings, and it is likely that this interest will soon become the mainstream.  There is no doubt that everybody from housing associations managing large numbers of properties, to residents renting the properties, will in the near future be learning how to refurbish existing homes to reduce environmental impacts, such as carbon emissions and water use.  It is expected that the EcoHomes XB guide will be a useful part of the journey."

Steve Douglas, CEO of the Housing Corporation, added:
"I am delighted to launch these Sustainable Homes guides to EcoHomes XB.  We commissioned these, as we commissioned BRE's original work on the EcoHomes XB assessment tool, to support social  landlords as they assess and raise environmental performance across their existing stock.  The sheer size of the carbon footprint made by the domestic housing sector makes tackling this issue especially urgent.  I believe these guides will help build on the lead the social sector is establishing, and spread the techniques and best practice we are pioneering across the entire housing sector."