Water and energy efficiency company Cenergist has been appointed by Ashford Borough Council to provide a nutrient neutrality solution for a new 1,000 home development using its patented Control Flow technologies. The site is within a nutrient-sensitive area that requires any new development to mitigate against increased localized waterway pollution.
Cenergist’s patented Control Flow products are pressure-independent flow controllers that provide long-term reductions in water wastage and nutrient emissions from homes as well as improve the performance of existing gas boilers. By eliminating the fluctuations in the water supply caused by system pressure changes, Control Flow provides a steady precise water flow to the home.
Control Flow installations
By installing in existing homes in the area, Control Flow creates the headroom for new builds
Performance tested in both the UK and Europe, Control Flow has been shown to reduce water and energy bills by up to £360 per annum with a 98% customer satisfaction rating. By installing in existing homes in the area, Control Flow creates the headroom for new builds.
Under the contract, Cenergist will determine the precise number of Control Flow installations required to offset all the nutrient emissions from the new development at Ashford. Working with the council, it will then contact and persuade householders of the benefits of the technology and then carry and complete the installations and provide the necessary assurance to allow Natural England to sign off on the development. The project follows on from the use of Control Flow to unlock a development in Crawley that had previously been held up due to water scarcity concerns.
Nutrient neutrality strategies
Paul Mckenner, head of strategic projects at Ashford Borough Council, said: “The retrofitting works is part of a series of measures to unlock approximately 1,000 new dwellings which the Council has a vested interest in.” In England, waterways including lakes, rivers and estuaries are protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Natural England has mandated that developments located near vulnerable watercourses require nutrient neutrality strategies to prevent negative ecological impact."
Caroline Gray Mason, business development director at Cenergist commented: “Nutrient neutrality is a significant challenge facing developers as they look to deliver much-needed housing in a sustainable, responsible way. It is essential to be on the front foot with nutrient mitigation measures to minimize the environmental impact of new developments in vulnerable areas. Securing this contact with Ashford Borough Council is a testament to Control Flow’s role to mitigate nutrient pollution by reducing the level of emissions from existing homes.”
