Cover story


How to get a net zero building


Whether you’re in the exciting position of creating a new building, or adapting an existing one, there are plenty of ways to make it greener, says Mark Brown


Working towards net zero involves both reducing the amount of energy used in a building’s construction and in its day-to-day operation (through heating and cooling systems, cooking, lighting and plug loads). In 2020, the Government issued the following guidelines:


Building construction: n Natural, sustainable materials


should be prioritised n Efforts should be made to use


fewer materials generally n Transportation to the build site should be reduced by utilising


off-site construction n Waste and site works should be minimised.


Operational energy: n Glazing should have high U values and, where possible, a low surface area, balancing the need for natural


daylight and thermal comfort. All windows should be openable to


allow cross ventilation n All systems for heating, cooling, pumping and fans should include


demand controls n Fossil-fuelled heating and hot water systems must be avoided and renewable energy sources maximised.


A net zero classroom block at Samuel Ryder Academy, St Albans (above) Since the small (250-pupil) Samuel Ryder secondary school expanded to become an all-through school for pupils aged 4 to 19, demand for places has outstripped capacity. As a result, the local authority provided further funding to extend the school’s provision. Using sustainable materials, contractor TG Escapes


FundEd AUTUMN 2021 17


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