Constructing Excellence: Gallions Ecopark 25 th October 2005 Rebecca Miller Sustainability Manager

Why did we build Ecopark? Commitment to environmental sustainability Accent on innovation Replicable project not just a ‘one off’ The big picture…

Why it makes sense to build environmentally sustainable homes Low Carbon, energy efficient homes are better for the environment Energy efficient, well insulated homes can help reduce incidents of fuel poverty Lower consumption of energy means lower utility bills which is a great selling point for private developers and a great incentive for housing associations Water shortages across the South East Improve tenants’ health levels

Ecopark Aims Transfer the best of European thinking into a UK setting Affordable project that can be replicated Conduct an experiment – human & scientific & share results Project that can reduce costs for consumers Not about cutting edge technology Tried & trusted materials Raise awareness in UK

Why is Ecopark a good example of an environmentally sustainable? Dutch Green Financing Model Pass EcoHomes ‘Excellent’ Focus on reducing energy demand and water consumption Gas in comparison to electricity is better for the environment and better in terms of cost Ecopark is a realistic, pragmatic approach to environmentally sustainable development. Haven’t tried to ‘push the boat out’

Affordability Common complaints about building sustainably are that it costs too much Practical, cost-effective approach to environmentally sustainable development Ecopark achieved cost parity in comparison to our traditional new build schemes and was developed for £1,056/m² Financial Analysis has been published and can be downloaded off website

Predicted Savings Expected energy consumption reduced by 50% CO 2 emissions reduced by up to 60% Water use reduced by up to 50% Monitoring will give scientific results Consultation will give human results

Site Plan

Ecopark Specification - Components Walls - double insulation, U value Windows - Argon gas filled double glazing achieves U=1.1w/m2k

Ecopark Specification - Components Heating- Aqua-sol solar collector panels for preheating domestic water - Valient Eco max gas condensing boilers % efficient - Radiators - 70/40 short DHW piping low temperature heating

Specification - Components  Sun rooms - South facing properties to heat incoming air

Additional Energy/Water Saving Features PV powered street lights Energy Efficient lights used internally Designed to maximise solar gain Lower energy mechanical ventilation and heat recovery units Water butts for rainwater harvesting Spray taps fitted with flow restrictors Ultra-low flush toilets Small, low volume baths Water saving showers

Monitoring and Evaluation Telemetric monitoring systems installed in each house type collecting data on: Solar collector output, temperature and humidity, energy consumption – extraction and heat recovery systems, onsite weather station Resident Liaison Interviews: 20 out of the 38 houses have been evaluated to review the practical success of the homes Dutch Green Financing Report Financial Analysis Report

Recorded Savings Up to 60% reduction in gas bills Up to 45% reduction in electricity bills Solar thermal unit provides pre-heated domestic hot water 30% reduction in water consumption

Types of Monitoring – Telemetric 4 houses fitted with telemetric data-loggers for remote collection: Temperature and humidity Energy Consumption – heat recovery and ventilation systems Water flow – production from solar collectors Weather station on site to put information into context Energy and water bills collected from 22 of the 38 occupied properties

Types of Monitoring - Human ‘Toolkit for Collecting Feedback from Tenants Living in Innovative Housing’ devised by BRE and Sustainable Homes 19 of the 38 occupied properties reviewed Ecopark Manager met and interviewed all residents – interviews lasted approximately 1 hour each and covered a wide range of subject areas Each house type was represented as follows: Block A – 4 out of 13 Block B – 5 out of 9 Block C – 6 out of 9 Block D – 4 out of 8

Results of Energy Report Good savings are being made on gas and water, but electricity consumption is higher than expected – Due to solar collectors being accidentally over-ridden by switching off he solar and in effect turning on the emersion heater Better ventilation is needed for houses with sunspaces Humidity within properties meets recommended conditions for a comfortable indoor climate Houses outperform specifications for air-tightness

Results of Tenant Feedback Report Overall feedback is that the tenants are very happy with the homes Almost 1/4 th residents have reported annual energy savings of £250 on their previous dwellings One tenant recorded annual saving of £536 in contrast to previous dwellings All tenants are experiencing some form of reduction in utility bills Most instances where difference is small the tenant has moved from a smaller property into a larger one

Conclusion Constructing Excellence ‘Demonstration Project’ Status DGFM Pass EcoHomes “Excellent” rating Gold Award ‘Best Energy Saving Development’ – What House Awards Overall purpose – Inform Debate and Educate

Exhibition Centre Dissemination strategy IGPG School children to Academics to Politicians Practical explanations, seminars etc Exhibition space with meeting facilities

More information on Ecopark