SUSTAINABLE FM INNOVATION AWARD
government’s agenda to cut carbon dioxide emission by 80% by the year 2050. Through the Brentfield project, BHP and its residents are doing their part in helping Brent Council to lower its carbon emissions and achieve government targets. As it is a sustainable project; there will be continuity and long-term reduction in emissions.
The Brentfield Estate uses photovoltaic solar panels which use the energy of the sun to generate electricity, these panels emit zero carbon dioxide. Solar panels reduce emissions be reducing the demand for fossil fuel powered power plants. If more electricity can be produced by renewable means, we do not have to burn as much of our already dwindling supplies of fossil fuels in power plants. As well as reducing carbon dioxide emissions, these panels also reduce air pollution caused by fossil fuel powered power plants, such as soot from coal, and sulphur dioxide, which mixes with rainwater to form acid rain.
rating was 53. After the work was completed the energy efficiency rating is now 80 and the environmental impact CO2
The energy efficiency rating of the Brentfield Estate before the work began was 60 and the environmental impact CO2
rating is 76. These are all based on the SAP rating and the figures show a major improvement.
HOW COULD THIS PROJECT BE REPLICATED BY OTHER LANDLORDS? BHP’s Brentfield Estate project is a shining example to other social landlords. It is a project that has achieved measured success.
The project has shown other social
landlords that they too can achieve substantial energy savings and carbon dioxide reductions with their existing stock. BHP has proven that it is possible to retrofit homes by researching and choosing specific materials which will achieve long-term gains. BHP’s Brentfield Estate project also dispels myths that retrofitting can prove to be costly. In fact, retrofitting can present a major financial benefit. Housing providers will be faced with a shortfall of £260 million due to the government’s recent decision to cut social housing rent in 2010 and may be looking at other ways to recoup this money. BHP is showing housing providers the financial benefits that investing in solar power brings. As well as a much needed income boost for the organisations, solar power helps low- income families cope with the financial hardship caused by rising fuel prices. Housing providers own an estimated 2.4 million homes across the UK. Many of these tenants live in fuel poverty, spending more than 10 percent of their household income of heating and powering their homes. It is hoped that projects such as these will change this. As well as retrofitting, it is hoped that this project will encourage landlords to build energy efficient homes from now on because of long-term benefits.
HOW HAVE RESIDENTS BEEN INVOLVED?
Residents were consulted in August 2009. All residents were invited to attend a consultation about the project and there was a very good turnout. The scene was set clearly with a discussion about climate change and how energy use in the home
could help reduce the effects of climate change. There were several options presented that could save energy and the environment and in the long run save residents money from their electricity bills. The consultation was met with positivity and enthusiasm from residents of the Brentfield Estate.
There were a few resident
representatives on this project who worked closely with BHP’s Major Works Team. One of the main representatives is Karin Jaeger, one of BHP’s Resident Board members who lives on the Brentfield Estate. She has been involved in meetings and has communicated residents’ views on the project to BHP. She has also been involved in regular site visits while the work has been going on.
The company who designed the solar panels (Solarcentury) will be working with residents closely and running through how they can export electricity and maximise their savings. Daisy Farci, aged 13, lives on the Brentfield Estate and is also part of BHP’s Youth Editorial Board. She is working on an article to see how the project has made an impact on the younger residents of the Brentfield Estate.
Mr Himanshu Joshi, resident of the Brentfield Estate said: “I am very happy with the work that is being carried out by Brent Housing Partnership. We have had new double glazed windows put in, and have also had external insulation and solar tiles fitted as well. There has been a major improvement to my home. It is well insulated now and we are no longer feeling the cold. I also feel like my family and I are contributing to a positive change for the enviroment!”
To register for information
regarding the Sustainable FM Awards 2011 please email your details to Ralph Scrivens:
ralph@abbeypublishing.co.uk or complete & return the form at
www.abbeypublishing.co.uk
SUSTAINABLE FM AWARDS 2010 |37
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