Pelsmakers Sofie For SusCon © bere: architects

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment About me Environmental architect & academic

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment About me Environmental architect & academic Mostly public sector work/for RSL’s

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment About me Environmental architect & academic Mostly public sector work/for RSL’s Co-founder of not for profit building organisation ‘Architecture for Change’

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment About me Environmental architect & academic Mostly public sector work/for RSL’s Co-founder of not for profit building organisation ‘Architecture for Change’ Author of ‘The Environmental Design Pocketbook’

Low carbon construction © bere: architects

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment contents Why low carbon construction matters

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment contents Why low carbon construction matters What is low carbon construction?

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment contents Why low carbon construction matters What is low carbon construction? & what it is not

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment contents Why low carbon construction matters What is low carbon construction? & what it is not Barriers

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment contents Why low carbon construction matters What is low carbon construction? & what it is not Barriers Opportunities

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment contents Why low carbon construction matters What is low carbon construction? & what it is not Barriers Opportunities Followed by discussion/exchange of ideas

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Why low carbon construction?

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Why? BRE (2010) Energy Efficiency in new and existing buildings Buildings responsible for ≈ 50% UK CO 2 emissions

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Why? Climate Change Act, % CO 2 reduction by 2050

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Why? Fuel/energy security: if we manage to reduce our reliance on increasingly imported fossil fuels

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Why? energy demand reductions ≈ lower bills and reduced fuel poverty Hamilton(2011), The impact of housing energy efficiency improvements on reduced exposure to cold: the 'temperature take back factor'

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Why? SDC 2006, Stock Take: Delivering Improvements in Existing Housing. ≈ 75% of buildings which exist today will still exist in 2050, so a potentially large market

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment What is low carbon construction?

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment thoughts?

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment it is:

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment It is: Construction which is energy- efficient through increased insulation & draught-proofing & energy efficient supply systems; which also considers embodied energy.(i.e. what it is made out of and where materials come from)

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Let’s pause with supply systems

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Energy efficient: MVHR, under floor-heating (30- 40ºC)

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment inefficient:

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment inefficient: (60-80ºC)

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Let’s pause with insulation

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment insulation Going to zero carbonInsulation & increased airtightness reduce winter heat loss but also summer heat gains.

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment How hot? (2080) © The Environmental Design Pocketbook

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Going to zero carbonInsulate new + existing buildings to high standards insulation

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Going to zero carbonInsulate new + existing buildings to high standards insulation ….Passivhaus/EnerPHit or similar

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Spot the Passivhaus? © bere: architects

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Going to zero carbonWe need to think about external insulation (retains thermal mass, reduces thermal bridging & other risks) insulation

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Going to zero carbonParticularly in view of the millions of existing houses in the UK that need improving. (7.6 million solid walled dwellings alone) insulation

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Going to zero carbon © Anne Thorne Architects

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Going to zero carbon © Anne Thorne Architects

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Going to zero carbon depth of insulation is substantial © Anne Thorne Architects

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment © Anne Thorne Architects

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Low carbon construction: what it is not

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment It is not ‘Business as usual’

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment It is not ‘Business as usual’ (or the usual made slightly more sustainable)

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment It is not A building with just renewables or other technology stuck on, because:

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Energy-efficiency is the first renewable (and lasts for the building’s lifetime)

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment It is not A proxy for sustainable design

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment because Some environmental impacts cannot be measured in ‘carbon’(CO 2 )

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Such as Water use

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Such as Water use Biodiversity

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Such as Water use Biodiversity Health

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Such as Water use Biodiversity Health Comfort

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Such as Water use Biodiversity Health Comfort Waste

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment For example

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment For example while increasing airtightness we need to allow for biodiversity habitats!

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment © Architecture for Change biodiversity …because striving for increased airtightness reduces opportunities for birds to nest & bats to roost in gaps & cracks of old buildings.

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment © Architecture for Change

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment biodiversity We need to be aware of this and actively propose solutions to counteract loss of biodiversity

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment One way,… © bere: architects

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment For example increased airtightness requires more careful choice of internal finishes to protect occupant health

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Off-gassing

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment For example Designing to ‘zero carbon’, limits maximum densities considered sustainable to support public transport, walking, cycling & mixed- use communities

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment © The Environmental Design Pocketbook

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Approx. 100 dw/ha – low energyApprox. 30 dw/ha – ‘zero carbon’

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Energy efficiency

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment = first renewable

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Barriers?

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment What are the barriers you experience to deliver low carbon construction?

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment barriers

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment barriers Capital cost

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment barriers Capital cost Reduced bills not enjoyed by freeholder

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment barriers Capital cost Reduced bills not enjoyed by freeholder Separate maintenance cost

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment barriers Capital cost Reduced bills not enjoyed by freeholder Separate maintenance cost Lack of incentives for take-up by public

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment barriers Capital cost Reduced bills not enjoyed by freeholder Separate maintenance cost Lack of incentives for take-up by public Lack of consistency in policy

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment barriers Capital cost Reduced bills not enjoyed by freeholder Separate maintenance cost Lack of incentives for take-up by public Lack of consistency in policy Lack of support for SMEs

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment barriers Capital cost Reduced bills not enjoyed by freeholder Separate maintenance cost Lack of incentives for take-up by public Lack of consistency in policy Lack of support for SMEs Lack of skills

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment barriers Capital cost Reduced bills not enjoyed by freeholder Separate maintenance cost Lack of incentives for take-up by public Lack of consistency in policy Lack of support for SMEs Lack of skills

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Opportunities?

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment What are the opportunities to deliver low carbon construction?

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Become a specialist. And do it well. 1.specialise

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Become a specialist. And do it well. Don’t say you are good at everything. 1.specialise

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Become a specialist. And do it well. Don’t say you are good at everything. Create a niche market: Check out competitors; what will give YOU the edge? 1.specialise

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Become a specialist. And do it well. Don’t say you are good at everything. Create a niche market: Check out competitors; what will give YOU the edge? Collaborate with other specialists 1.specialise

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Become a specialist. And do it well. Don’t say you are good at everything. Create a niche market: Check out competitors; what will give YOU the edge? Collaborate with other specialists Build up a profile as an expert so you are known as such. 1.specialise

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Practice what you preach (run your business ethically and exemplary. 2.Be exemplary

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Practice what you preach (run your business ethically and exemplary. Reflect this in your company’s sustainability statement with a ‘waw’ factor’. 2.Be exemplary

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Practice what you preach (run your business ethically and exemplary. Reflect this in your company’s sustainability statement with a ‘waw’ factor’. Content matters: refuse work that goes against your ethos. 2.Be exemplary

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Practice what you preach (run your business ethically and exemplary. Reflect this in your company’s sustainability statement with a ‘waw’ factor’. Content matters: refuse work that goes against your ethos. Look at alternative business structures: not- for profit; a research arm etc 2.Be exemplary

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Practice what you preach (run your business ethically and exemplary. Reflect this in your company’s sustainability statement with a ‘waw’ factor’. Content matters: refuse work that goes against your ethos. Look at alternative business structures: not- for profit; a research arm etc Support staff – let them grow & share inside and outside the office. 2.Be exemplary

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment To do the above you need to have a clear VISION for your business 3.Have VISION

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment To do the above you need to have a clear VISION for your business have a standpoint in the environmental debate: Let your voice be heard. (twitter/blog/opinion pieces etc) 3.Have VISION

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment To do the above you need to have a clear VISION for your business have a standpoint in the environmental debate: Let your voice be heard. (twitter/blog/opinion pieces etc) be in it for the long run – build up your profile over time. Not crash and burn. 3.Have VISION

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment FOLLOW UP and get feedback on projects as standard practice: you should care enough to want to know how occupants/consumers use/experience it. 4.Get feedback

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment FOLLOW UP and get feedback on projects as standard practice: you should care enough to want to know how occupants/consumers use/experience it. Rectify mistakes/issues immediately 4.Get feedback

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment FOLLOW UP and get feedback on projects as standard practice: you should care enough to want to know how occupants/consumers use/experience it. Rectify mistakes/issues immediately Share good and bad practice with others. (you will earn an excellent and ethical reputation for this and will lead instead of follow the debate) 4.Get feedback

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Be consistent in your message 5.No to fashion

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Be consistent in your message do not cave in to pressures or demands you know not to be true or fashionable. (such as the preference for renewables if they are inappropriate) 5.No to fashion

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Thank you

The UK Doctoral Training Centre in Energy Demand Reduction and the Built Environment Over to you