Sustainable building design
photovoltaics), the initial capital costs could be stretched; this has resulted in a sizable reduction in carbon emissions emanating from the built environment and a standard which has been set for future developments of this kind with the local authority. Additionally, a high level of building control and automation was provided to measure and optimise the energy efficiency. This included an energy sub- meter for gas, electrical and heat services, plant control and monitoring for all central plant, along with fault indication and reporting. Metering of the renewable energy systems together with monitoring of energy consumption was necessary to allow the client to claim the applicable feed in tariffs and renewable heat incentive payments. As the project neared completion, the commissioning and setting to work of all systems was carefully managed and demonstrated. The result was effective and efficient plant operation with planned ongoing seasonal maintenance and commissioning to monitor performance. Regular monitoring of energy consumption now takes place as part of the planned maintenance strategy. This information is fed back through the design team and influences future projects helping to inform and improve on published energy consumption guidance.
A sustainable structural solution Sustainable options were also fully considered for the structural engineering solution, and a joined-up approach was taken across the engineering team and the whole of the design team. The team investigated and specified
vibro stone columns to be used to treat the ground. Further analysis work by specialists proved the viability of this method and, subsequently, vibro stone columns were used instead of concrete piled foundations saving embodied carbon and costs to the project. The superstructure was load-bearing
blockwork, with steel transfer beams where required, and the floors were formed from prestressed, prefabricated hollow core floor concrete planks, which are a lower carbon option than solid concrete or composite floor systems. The roof was provided by a timber
specialist to form an efficient trussed system, creating the geometry required to enable the sustainable ventilation system to operate. Architectural features were formed
from efficient combinations of masonry and steelwork.
The construction phase During the tender review stage, a key factor in the selection of a suitable contractor was the responsible sourcing of construction materials and waste management. The successful contractor, Speller Metcalfe, provided certification to this effect and offered further assurances during the tender interviews, which included the responsible sourcing of FSC certified timber and recycled aggregates. The building was constructed with high performance building fabric, which significantly reduced heat losses in the winter and acted as thermal storage in the summer to reduce heat gain. This ensured the building only needed a small heating load from the renewable energy system and did not require additional active cooling measures, greatly reducing the building’s energy consumption. Together with specifying insulation, materials, and finishes which offered improved air tightness, this contributed towards a significant reduction in carbon emissions, and low flow sanitaryware was selected to reduce water consumption throughout the building. Waste management and recycling was also site- managed with segregated waste disposal and regular collections for recycling.
Engagement across the whole project team Organised and efficient construction management from the main contractor,
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com June 2022
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