Features

A big, fat zero

Is zero carbon housing a pipedream? Chris Windle looks into the questions hanging over renewable technologies and the challenges ahead as the clock ticks down to 2016

The tide turns

As the April introduction of the code for sustainable homes looms, the industry is gripped by concerns about new eco homes policies. Mark Smulian weighs up the business implications, in the first of our green feature special

Mixed agenda

I am delighted to be writing my inaugural column in Housebuilder. For those who have attended any recent HBF events, this will come as a welcome confirmation that the environment is not the only issue on my agenda

Top tips

Clare view

Barratt’s new chief executive Mark Clare tells Allison Heller why, despite being tipped for a major acquisition or two, he plans to prioritise the plc’s focus on organic growth

Signed, sealed, delivered

Thermal and acoustic manufacturers have undergone a period of rapid product development, driven by recent Building Regulation changes. Andrew Leech reports on some of the latest innovations

Social Service

Having slipped into physical and social decline, the Cleadon Park estate in South Shields was in desperate need of rejuvenation. Steve Menary finds out how Bellway is giving the place a facelift

Go forth and qualify

NHBC’s Training Services department has provided an essential service to the industry for the past ten years. Satvinder Sahota considers why site manager expertise is key to improving housing quality

Hallowed Ground

To avoid having your scheme held up by the latest advancements in village green legislation, Robin Grove of Manches offers some words of warning

Tightening market

A raft of acquisitions have made their mark on the league tables of housebuilding activity across the regions, as Steve Menary reports on the results of our latest exclusive survey