Buildings Sustainable homes
> able to meet the lower levels of the code with the same still quite an unknown area in terms of installation and Specialist sub-contractors
approach. However, if they are aiming for higher levels, understanding how they work,” Lynch says. “Sometimes
were used for installations on
they may need to use new materials and building planners expected buildings to look a certain way, more
the scheme sites
systems. similar to local vernacular styles. I think it’s totally
It is also essential to ensure enough time and possible to build to the code – and to a high level code –
resources are made available to meet the detailed to that type of design, but [planners] need to understand
requirements of the code, as this can be time where [developers] are coming from.”
consuming and labour intensive. Suitable systems
should be put in place to deal with the administration Energy savings
of the code from the beginning of a project, with The reaction of the different planning authorities
contractual obligations made for suppliers and varied, with some restricting the architecture to suit the
contractors to provide the relevant information. It is area – which sometimes conflicted with the simplest
advisable, therefore, that a good code assessor is used sustainability solutions – while in other cases planning
from the start of the project. officers allowed a more modern look because of the
It can also be beneficial to use specialist sub- sustainable approach being taken. Yet despite no
contractors for the design and installation of a project, official energy-saving data being available, residents
as well as preparing well coordinated construction and in some of the units are already reporting reductions
Our success
delivery management programmes early in a project, in their utility bills. has been where
in order to understand and avoid likely difficulties. Lynch says: “All of the developments seem to show
we have learned
One problem which is yet to be overcome, says savings in energy use. None have been occupied very
GHA, is the fact that some specialist mechanical long, so we didn’t put that data into the reports – to be
to build to a high
ventilation heat-recovery suppliers have failed to realise meaningful and realistic, we need a whole year’s data code level, born
the potential of their systems in smaller scale, highly for it to make sense.”
out of strong
insulated developments. And even though it is not part of the GHA’s remit to
Another problem is a lack of awareness throughout carry out post-occupancy evaluations (POE) on these
team work and
the construction industry about how to achieve low- case studies, the developers that are members of the collaboration
carbon solutions and the implications of this when GHA have agreed to carry out monitoring of their
between
building to the code. developments. The GHA is currently in the middle
It is also advisable to note that the supply chains for of accessing funding to start a monitoring and POE
different sides.
some of the items required to achieve code level 3 and programme for some of its developers’ specific projects,
above are sometimes still in development, says GHA. although nothing has yet been confirmed.
Enough money should therefore be made available Says Lynch: “I think the success of the case studies
for the extra costs associated with choosing, sourcing, has been in showing where we have learned to build
buying and installing appropriate renewable energy to a high code level, born out of strong teamwork and
technologies. collaboration; design and construction teams learning
In rural locations for small dwellings, using wood to work well together to build good low-energy housing
pellet boilers can be an attractive option to consider. – we need that.”
Also, shared heating systems can be a practical and She says the properties appear to be selling well, but
cost-effective solution, but the performance of such stresses that it is still a very difficult market, making
schemes is dependent upon a good relationship and it hard to gauge. Despite this, the developers involved
an understanding between the design and construction believe the sale value of these code properties should
teams. be worth 10 per cent more than conventional homes
But whatever design options are selected, pivotal to overall. l
the success of a project is demonstrating how heating,
ventilation and renewable energy systems work to
www.goodhomes.org.uk
the occupants, with clear written guidance supplied.
www.communities.gov.uk
“Renewable energy technologies are for many people
www.cibsejournal.com August 2009 CIBSE Journal 31
CIBSEaug09 pp26-31 Homes.indd 31 23/7/09 14:53:50
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