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role in promoting more low carbon homes by setting clear performance requirements.
• Capital cost uplift in well-planned, well- constructed low carbon developments is minimal, and not a deterrent to delivery, and wider uptake would likely reduce this further. Highly complex designs aiming to deliver zero carbon or energy positive homes are likely to have on-costs considerably greater than the market will pay for.
• The homes studied were no more costly to buy based on ‘standard’ homes, but easy-to-access information about them remains an issue.
Another of the case studies for the Building for 2050 research – Marmalade Lane Cohousing in Cambridge
• There would likely be increased demand if developers marketed low carbon homes with details of features and running costs, and provided post-occupancy support.
• The construction and energy services sectors need to engage better to support deliver while avoiding signifi cant energy infrastructure costs.
Etopia Homes has developed 47 ‘Energy+’ homes in Corby, Northamptonshire, which were monitored in the study
developers; each of whom had different funding models. The views of multiple stakeholders were incorporated, including the wider construction industry, and the energy services sector. A wide-ranging consumer survey plus a general industry survey added further depth to the fi ndings. The case studies include interviews with developers and residents, the latter sharing their expectations and experiences of living in their homes, for example energy bills, comfort, and the usability of low carbon technology. We undertook a design review of the homes as well as site observations during construction and post-completion on the buildability of the designs, and assessed cost impact of low carbon solutions.
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Post-completion testing of thermal performance of building envelopes and mechanical ventilation systems was undertaken, and we compared SAP modelling undertaken by the development teams and by the project team. Energy and environmental performance in use was monitored, and the operational data was considered within the context of a changing energy system. Key fi ndings included: • The industry needs certainty on the scope and timing of regulatory requirements and clarity on the role of planning policy for low carbon homes.
• Local planning policy is a key driver for low carbon homes.
• The public sector can play a signifi cant
As architects, we brought expertise in the design of housing including low carbon housing, plus modern methods of construction, research and guidance to the industry on low carbon homes. We undertook onsite audits including assessing the performance gap, and conducted interviews with building professionals. AECOM project managed the research team, contributing expertise in housing design and construction, modern methods of construction, low carbon housing, and innovation, as well as delivering Government research projects. The report’s technical lead, AECOM director Alison Crompton, commented on the research’s critical importance for the industry: “By unpicking the barriers and challenges to at-scale low carbon housing delivery, we can support industry in making informed decisions, based on evidence and insight.” Four Walls are experts in building performance evaluation, and led on analysis of the dwellings’ energy and comfort performance, including advising on and testing building fabric, and undertaking monitoring. LCP Delta (incorporating Delta-EE) specialises in ‘new energy,’ providing detailed insight on innovative energy solutions for housing.
Tom Dollard is a partner at architects Pollard Thomas Edwards
ADF JANUARY 2023
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