Pictured above: (R-L) Michael Farnsworth, managing
director of Stormsaver with Billy Byrne, electrician on DIY
SOS
A local eco-business is set to feature on the nation's favourite
DIY programme this Thursday.
Following a recommendation from celebrity architectural
designer, Charlie Luxton, Stormsaver, the UKs leading supplier and
manufacturer of rainwater systems, was asked to provide a rainwater
harvesting system for a project as part of BBC One's hit series DIY
SOS.
Presented by Nick Knowles, this special episode, to be broadcast
on Thursday 26 August, is a showcase for sustainable technologies
and offers viewers advice and a guide on how to green-up a property
on a budget.
When contacted by the show, Michael Farnsworth, managing
director of Stormsaver was delighted, "Charlie Luxton was the
presenter on FIVE's Build a New Life in the Country when we were
renovating our eco-home. He was completely bought by the idea of
rainwater harvesting - so much so that he has even had one
installed in his own home. We are thrilled that he put us forward
for DIY SOS. As an avid watcher of the show, I was very happy to
contribute a system to help renovate a family home, especially one
which is kind to the environment."
The Price family, who live in South Wales, were selected to
feature in the episode due to their misfortune, with Dad Ceri being
made redundant and his wife being diagnosed with a life-threatening
illness. Due to the poor state of the property, the couple's three
children were having to live in their grandparents in a two
bedroomed flat nearby. DIY SOS stepped in to create a green,
safe and comfortable environment to reunite the whole family.
"My colleague Gary and I went to Wales for the day to help the
DIY SOS team install and commission our rainwater harvesting system
and also give advice on water saving and water management
technologies," said Michael.
"The Stormsaver system will allow the Price family to save in
the region of 50% of their annual water consumption. In an
environment where there are escalating utility costs and VAT
increases, this offers a cost-effective solution. The investment in
a system also future proofs the property against further increased
costs, so if utility costs spiral, the family need not worry as
they have their own sustainable resource.
"Rainwater is also softer and kinder to washing machines and
clothes than mains water, allowing a reduction in limescale damage,
so a longer life for the washing machine- great news for a family
with three children. As it is softer, it also reduces the need for
fabric detergent, which again saves money and in the long-term less
lorry miles for the detergent producers and another reduced
environmental impact.
"We had an absolutely great time on site with the team. Nick
Knowles and Billy Byrne were delightful - they really were as much
fun in real life as they are on the TV!," added Michael.
The green property also includes a number of other
eco-technologies, including low energy lighting, low flushing
toilets and solar panels. This means increased efficiency, lower
carbon emissions and a reduction in resource and energy usage.