NET ZERO & ZERO CARBON BUILDINGS
Knocking on the door of Net Zero carbon homes
I
Director of technical services at Worcester Bosch, Martyn Bridges, discusses the factors Net Zero carbon homes
think many of us in the industry look back over the last 10 to 15 years and see many missed opportunities on our road to Net Zero. One of them was certainly back in 2016 when the then Chancellor of the Exchequer cancelled the intention to only build zero carbon homes from that date. This policy would have ensured that all new dwellings from 2016 would generate as much energy on- site through renewable sources as they would use in hot water, heating, lighting and ventilation. There were probably other mitigating factors in that decision - such as housing volume requirements. But to cancel it now on reflection, looks like it was a bad move that was met with immediate criticism when the decision was made. Moving forward, it’s imperative to recognise the multifaceted benefits of transitioning towards net-zero and zero-carbon homes. Beyond mitigating environmental impact, such initiatives can also spur economic growth, foster innovation, and enhance the quality of life for residents. By investing in sustainable construction practices and technologies, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create healthier, more resilient communities. Furthermore, the transition to Net Zero and zero- carbon homes offers an opportunity to address social equity concerns. Lowering energy costs through efficient design and renewable energy integration can alleviate financial burdens on homeowners, particularly those in marginalised communities affected by energy poverty. Additionally, initiatives aimed at retrofitting existing homes to meet sustainable standards can create jobs and stimulate local economies.
The importance of new homes
On average, around 200,000 homes are built and completed annually. This means that we have built close to 2,000,000 more homes since that date that will need retrofitting, to get them anywhere near to a zero carbon situation. I think it’s also fair to say that looking at some of the government’s technology choices, most low carbon heating and hot water devices are larger than the mainstream technologies of gas boilers. They require more space, they require additional equipment,
such as ancillary equipment, buffer tanks, storage cylinders and so on. To retrofit all that into a home not designed to accommodate it is very difficult. So a new build property where space can be designed in the plans to accommodate almost a ‘plant room’, which is now needed if we want to run that home in a zero carbon way, is the perfect place to do that.
Education and awareness also play a crucial role in driving the adoption of net-zero and zero-carbon housing solutions. By fostering a culture of sustainability and providing resources for homeowners, builders, and policymakers, we can accelerate the transition towards more environmentally friendly living spaces. Public- private partnerships, community outreach programs, and incentives for sustainable development can further help participation and promote widespread adoption of sustainable practices.
Moreover, advancements in technology continue to reshape the landscape of sustainable housing. From smart home automation systems to innovative building materials, ongoing research and development efforts are driving unprecedented levels of efficiency and performance in residential construction. By leveraging these technological innovations, we can create homes that not only lower environmental impact but also enhance comfort, convenience, and overall liveability for occupants.
In addition to technological advancements, policy and regulatory measures play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable housing. By enacting legislation that incentivizes sustainable development practices, governments can encourage investment in renewable energy, energy- efficient design, and green building initiatives. Moreover, regulatory frameworks that mandate environmental standards for new construction and incentivize retrofitting existing homes can help accelerate the transition towards net-zero and zero-carbon housing.
Collaboration across sectors is essential for driving meaningful progress towards sustainable housing goals. By bringing together stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society, we can leverage collective expertise and resources to overcome barriers and accelerate the adoption of sustainable housing solutions. By fostering a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation and create a more sustainable future for all. So perhaps we should take the upcoming Future Homes and Buildings Standard - which should ensure all new homes built from 2025 will produce 75-80% less carbon emissions - and grasp the opportunity to design properties which can successfully accommodate more of the mechanical services plant that is needed to actually operate the home at a zero carbon state. These homes would, of course, have also been built, not only run in a zero carbon way, but also to stop losing the heat that we presently do from most of our properties with higher insulation values and glazing values. air tightness, et cetera. On the whole, I think 2026 should be a year of opportunity when we start building properties at last to suit the future to which we’re moving into.
14 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2024 Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
