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Energy efficient fixed appliances and building control systems
Posted on: 29 August 2012
By: mackene
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This primary research report examines the range of energy efficient fixed appliances and building control systems that are either currently available, or are under development and may be available before 2016 and considers how these may be introduced into new homes. The report considers a variety of technologies that would influence the reduction in energy consumption and associated CO2 emissions for a typical home built in 2016, and identifies those that show merit of further investigation by designers, house builders and the wider industry. Importantly, the research shows that a number of technologies offer significant potential for saving.
Animations on sustainable building solutions
Posted on: 3 August 2012
By: mackene
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Sustainable Business Building Solutions, part of the Travis Perkins Group, has developed a series of LABC registered animations that detail how to build within efficiency regulations using traditional building methods. The first four animations are now available to view on the SBS website and feature new build solutions for installing windows, ground floor beam and block construction, intermediate floor installation and the creation of a non-habitable roof. Further installation videos, featuring retrofit projects will be released in the near future.
Funding low carbon cities: Mapping the risks and opportunities
Posted on: 3 August 2012
By: mackene
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The Centre for Low Carbon Futures has published a report in its Climate Smart Cities programme. The objective of the paper is to provide a contemporary account of how UK local authorities might approach the question of how to ensure the funding of retrofits and investments in low carbon options, with a particular focus on the major obstacles that need to be overcome and the key financial and non-financial risks that need to be managed.
Guidance to English Energy Conservation Authorities issued pursuant to the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995
Posted on: 30 July 2012
By: mackene
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New guidance to help local authorities in England improve the energy efficiency of their residential housing has been published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The guidance, issued under the Home Energy Conservation Act (HECA), asks local authorities to publish a report on their plans to achieve improved energy efficiency by 31 March 2013. Local authorities will be required to identify practicable and cost-effective measures likely to result in significant energy reduction in all residential accommodation in their area. The guidance also asks local authorities to consider the role key local partners, such as social housing providers and community organisations, can play in supporting their plans. The Green Deal, which allows the cost of new energy efficiency measures to be attached to a building’s electricity meter, will be significant in helping local authorities to achieve their aims.
BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Homes on the London 2012 Olympic Park: Lessons from the Velodrome, Aquatics Centre and the Olympic and Paralympic Village
Posted on: 20 July 2012
By: mackene
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This publication contributes to the ‘learning legacy’ for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and shares the lessons learned about sustainable design and construction on this exceptional project with the construction industry. The report examines the achievement of high levels of sustainability on two of the key venues at the Olympic Park: the use of the BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) in the design and construction of the Velodrome and Aquatics Centre; and the use of the Code for Sustainable Homes on the Olympic and Paralympic Village. The findings of these projects will be especially valuable to clients, designers and contractors. [ISBN 978-1-84806-274-0 £36]
Retrofitting district heating systems: Creating replicable retrofit models in Hackbridge
Posted on: 20 July 2012
By: mackene
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District heating networks are being planned across the country in most instances these will only supply new buildings. This study investigated whether connecting our existing buildings to these networks would be a better route to carbon saving than extensive energy efficiency retrofitting. The study is based on connecting district heating to flats, but the approach can be applied to other building types. The study found that district heating (using a variety of heat sources) achieved considerably more carbon emission savings than the full traditional retrofit option (whereby a building’s energy efficiency is improved by improving the building fabric and installing energy efficient or renewable sources of heat and electricity in the building itself) and at a lower cost. Unlike the district heating approach, however, traditional retrofit tackles other issues such as fuel poverty and thermal comfort. These were important considerations for the residents surveyed who, whilst in favour of both approaches, would prioritise the retrofit.
Investigation into overheating in homes: Literature review
Posted on: 20 July 2012
By: mackene
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This literature review focuses on three main areas: whether overheating is occurring in new dwellings, in existing dwellings and whether or not retrofitting/refurbishing existing dwellings is likely to increase the risk of overheating. The review has been carried out on behalf of Government by a consortium led by AECOM, and supported by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and University College London. A second output from this work is an Analysis of Gaps and Recommendations report identifying the main gaps in the literature, and areas where further work might be of most value.
Understanding overheating: where to start – an introduction for housebuilders and designers
Posted on: 10 July 2012
By: mackene
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The NHBC Foundation has launched a new guide to tackle the concerns of overheating in new homes. Traditionally, overheating has not been a problem in housing due low levels of insulation and gaps in building fabric that allow ventilation. As we make progress towards the zero carbon homes standard, new homes built to high standards of airtightness and insulation may be at risk of overheating. While there is no clear definition of the term or the specific conditions under which overheating occurs, it is generally understood to be the accumulation of warmth in a building to an extent where it causes discomfort to the occupants. There is currently no statutory maximum internal temperature in UK Building Regulations or current health and safety guidance. This new guide is a useful introduction to the topic of overheating and covers the principles of overheating as well as factors that increase or reduce the risk. Seven case studies are provided to demonstrate a number of reasons for overheating, including location of the site, errors in design or the way in which the home is being used by its occupants. Registration is required to download the document.
EeBGuide
Posted on: 9 July 2012
By: mackene
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The European Commission’s EeBGuide, the next-generation Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) online guide for buildings and building materials, has been published for consultation. The European research project Energy Efficient Buildings Public Private Partnership develops methods and operational guidance for the preparation of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies for energy-efficient buildings and building products. Comments are requested by 31 July 2012.
Impact of the Energy efficient Buildings PPP. Brussels, 14-15 March 2012
Posted on: 9 July 2012
By: mackene
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Through the Energy Efficient Buildings Public Private Partnership (EeB PPP), the European Commission works with industry to drive a research and demonstration programme aiming to design, build or renovate all European buildings to high energy efficiency standards by 2050. EC representatives, E2BA and projects funded in the 2010 and 2011 call of the EeB PPP met at this workshop. The overall objective of the sessions was to assess the impact of the PPP not only as a funding instrument but also as a mechanism that can help to achieve the European Commission targets for carbon, energy and economic development. Thirty nine projects presented on their objectives and achievements to date. They presented innovations on new technologies in energy efficient buildings and their integration in buildings and districts. Other projects focused on ICT integration for effective energy management and decision making from buildings to neighbourhoods and cities. Another set of projects presented on large scale demonstration of the most promising solutions and their contribution to future smart cities. Presentations and a report of the workshop are available online.
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