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Steve Richmond, head of marketing and technical at REHAU Building Solutions UK, explains how the concept of ‘designing healthy’ can help contractors and specifiers gaurantee sustainability and occupant wellbeing
ustainability and ambitious ‘net-zero’ targets are often the main focus of discussions in the building services industry, yet recently, occupant wellbeing is fast becoming a major priority in residential developments.
Despite substantial disruption and budgetary concerns caused by the global pandemic, there is still pressure on contractors and specifiers to ensure sustainability is at the forefront of all decisions made in the building process.
However, it can be argued that the pandemic has now also made occupant health and comfort just as much of a priority, with excellent air quality and efficient temperature control being required to address these criteria. This has meant projects all over the country must balance these new concerns, and the onus often falls on contractors and specifiers to select the correct building services to meet such requirements.
Delivering on sustainability
New priorities in building design and construction mean an extra element of pressured consideration for contractors and specifiers working on sustainable buildings. That being said, REHAU’s recent survey of 520 M&E consultants and architects, 130 of whom work across multi-residential buildings, reveals that the construction sector is already making progress in adapting to meet these growing needs. The research shows sustainability is the main priority in the development of residential high-rise buildings, with 97% of respondents working in multi- residential construction saying leaving high-quality buildings for the next generation was a medium-to- high priority.
This finding, however, was complicated by the fact that 44% of respondents also stated that wellbeing is often ‘value-engineered’ out of a building’s design later down the line. This means building specification changes from the originally intended high-quality solutions for more cost-effective alternatives, compromising on sustainability and occupant
wellbeing in the process. In order to deliver the futureproof and healthy buildings the country will require in the coming years, these key requirements must be prioritised through, from the design stage, to construction, to ongoing maintenance and operations.
Regulation changes
On top of the unprecedented changes to the industry caused by the pandemic, recent regulation changes have also added an element of consideration for specifiers and contractors working on new build projects. These updates and changes include the Future Homes Standard, which is driving sustainable developments with low carbon heat sources ahead of it becoming mandatory in new homes by 2025. Low carbon heat sources have also already been encouraged in new dwellings, thanks to both the latest SAP consultation addressing the carbon factors for electricity, and Part L of the Government’s
UFH is seen as an efficient means of space heating in a building, particularly when paired with smart controls
Building Regulations. This will also endeavour to mean that the decarbonisation of buildings, especially new builds, is also being accelerated, and will clearly affect construction going forward. The Future Homes Standard also influenced Part F of the new Building Regulations, concerning ventilation. Suitable air quality, enabled by good ventilation, must now be considered as new buildings are sealed to reduce energy waste and promote efficiency. Even though energy efficiency remains key for multi-residential buildings, the maintenance of good air quality to ensure occupants’ health should not be compromised in favour of it.
Efficient aesthetic heating
To meet requirements of sustainability and wellbeing while delivering a high-specification finish, underfloor heating (UFH) is fast becoming an option for many contractors and consultants. Eliminating the need for radiators, this more aesthetically pleasing option can also save room in multi-residential properties when living space is at a premium.
UFH is also being labelled as an efficient means of space heating in a building, particularly when paired with smart controls. Using intelligent algorithms to accurately control the temperature, occupant habits can be learned and the data from temperature regulating sensors can be used. Additionally, UFH is being seen as an effective means of heating and cooling with low carbon heat sources such as heat pumps. It eliminates mechanical cooling and subsequent air quality concerns that come from those sources.
The UK is entering into a residential construction boom as restrictions continue to ease and the demand for comfortable, fit-for-purpose housing continues to rise. With increasingly stringent sustainability targets, this produces many challenges for contractors and consultants. By considering occupant wellbeing and comfort alongside sustainability, building professionals can address these concerns and deliver healthy, future-proof buildings.
www.heatingandventilating.net
18 September 2021
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