£1.9m energy-saving project launched by council

8 November 2006

An energy-saving measure to recycle rainwater and use it to supply toilets and washing machines is being piloted by a council in Surrey.

Banstead Borough Council is leading the initiative which is to focus on Tadworth - a Preston estate, reports the Surrey Mirror.

Part of the area's regeneration scheme includes installing equipment to collect rainwater in flats and external grounds.

Homes are also to be fitted with low volume baths and flow regulator showerheads to conserve water and help save energy.

The government has given the council £1.9 million towards the projects.

Councillor Joan Spiers, leader of the council, told the newspaper: "With this funding we can ensure that new developments are environmentally sustainable and that infrastructure is in place to support them, both for new and existing residents."

Mrs Spiers added that the priority issues were conserving energy and water as well as the promotion of sustainable design.

The University of Nottingham recently announced it was to look at ways of reducing emissions through a research house which it is constructing. The house is to use a rainwater-harvesting system for the toilet, shower and washing machine, the Guardian reports.