Network - The free AECB newsletter - April 2010
Network - The free AECB newsletter - April 2010 |
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Network is free and distributed to members of the AECB and those who have subscribed to it. If it is passed on or reused, acknowledgment should be given to the information sources directly (newspaper and periodical titles, web site owners, events organisers etc.). Information contained in this mailing does not represent the views or policy of the AECB or the editor, nor does any reference contained herein imply any form of endorsement. |
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If you have any news, events or courses you would like to publicise in Network then please email details to network@aecb.net, or post to Chris Lord-Smith, y Graig, Llidiart-y-Waen, Llanidloes, SY18 6JT. |
Passivhaus TrustAs Network readers may already know from the recent news bulletin, the AECB has established a subsidiary company, previously known as Passivhaus Buildings, which is now known as the Passivhaus Trust. More detailed information about this body and the planned range of activities can now be found on the AECB website, www.aecb.net, by following the links from the home page. More information on our exciting initiative will be added to the website over the coming weeks. To avoid confusion, the AECB would like to make clear that the organisation called Passivhaus Network recently set up by Liz Reason, John Walker and Daniel Nabarro has no connection with the AECB or with our subsidiary organisation, the Passivhaus Trust. |
New AECB Conference Dates And VenueAECB 2010 Anniversary Conference - Celebrating 21 years of the AECB New Dates: Friday and Saturday 1st and 2nd October 2010 New Venue: WISE, at the Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth A wonderful programme, in a beautiful location -- more details and booking on www.aecb.net soon |
Passivhaus CertificationA list of Passivhaus Certifiers who can certify Passivhaus projects in the UK is available on the AECB website, at www.carbonlite.org.uk/carbonlite/accreditation.php. |
Articles On The AECB WebsiteSelected articles from Green Building Magazine, written by AECB members, are now available to re-read (complete with all the original photos and diagrams) at www.aecb.net/article.php. Highlights include an account of the eco-renovation of AECB CEO Andy Simmonds' Victorian Townhouse, and some clear building physics "primers" on air and moisture movement in buildings, and on why Passivhaus is good for the planet and great for building occupants too. The recent AECB PASS-NET EcoBuild presentation on the Victorian Townhouse renovation can be downloaded from here http://simmondsmills.com/projects/files/EcoBuild_2010_Grove_Cottage_FinalPPt.pdf |
AECB Regional GroupsAECB regional groups continue to flourish, with successful meetings recently in Brighton and Gloucester. The next London event, a visit to one of the first English Passivhaus buildings, takes place on Saturday 24th April: for information please contact Carine Oberweis, Carine.Oberweis@bere.co.uk. |
Please Help With This ResearchThe AECB has been supporting research being undertaken on the theme "Is there a business benefit to be gained by developing environmental and social practices?" This is a question that many businesses ask themselves. This is now being
researched both here and in Sweden. We have helped in the development
of this survey and feel that the results may be useful to some of our
members. The link to the survey is - http://questionpro.com/t/ADvzEZHKgl |
Dissertation Help RequiredMy name is Luke Thornton and I am final year Building Surveying student at Sheffield Hallam University. I am currently carrying out research on water efficiency in the UK in relation to the Code for Sustainable Homes and its Water Calculator and it's overall accuracy. The questions relate to research that I have already carried out, and will hopefully further validate these claims, if you could please spare around 2 minutes of your time to complete my survey I would be most grateful! If you feel that you have anything to say in regard to anything in my questionnaire, feel free to email me at luke41187@msn.com. The link to the survey is www.surveymonkey.com/s/DHZMNR7 |
AECB Member Wins AwardsConker Construction Ltd has won the following awards: Kent design awards 2009/10 Winner - Special Award for Sustainability, Residential Category The Greenhouse, Shepherdswell, Dover Designed to avoid overlooking and privacy issues with neighbours. Built
using both cavity wall construction and timber frame. Ashford Building Design & Construction Awards 2009 Winner - Residential Development Category Zweena, Charing, Kent The winning project is a replacement dwelling located in the Kent Downs
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For more information contact Paul Mallion, Conker Conservation Ltd, 01227 786900, www.conkerconservation.co.uk |
Centre for Disability Studies, Essex by Simmonds Mills ArchitectsSeveral projects have now been designed using the detail design guidance contained in AECB's CLP Volume 5 ( see www.carbonlite.org.uk/carbonlite/). One such project that has recently been completed and is undergoing Passivhaus Certification is the Centre for Disability Studies, Essex by Simmonds Mills Architects. The recent air pressure test carried out by STROMA show that the buildings
(Blocks A & B) achieved an impressive result of 0.33 m³/(hr.m²)
and 0.34 m³/(hr.m²) respectively. This success in one of the
key area of concern for AECB members aiming for the Passivhaus or Silver
levels of thermal performance, further reinforces the value of CLP design
guidance for designers and contractors. |
ech2o Launches New Website!ech2o consultants ltd works with local authorities, developers, housing associations, water companies, community groups, architects and engineers, at both a strategic and individual site level, to successfully incorporate sustainable water and low carbon solutions into the built environment. We provide both technological and behaviour change solutions to reduce the environmental impact of the built environment and the people who live, work, study and play in it. We have just re-launched our website at www.ech2o.co.uk. The site is comprehensive and informative and there are links to lots of other websites. You can download reports, conference presentations, abstracts and articles. You can read about some of the interesting water and carbon projects we are involved in, or see the wide range of CPD seminars that we offer. If you are a school or a community group or a housing association, have a look at our interactive workshops to make pupils, tenants or users more carbon and water aware. |
From Cob In Cornwall To ClayworksIt is almost 10 years since we first started working in the application of unfired clays to buildings, new and old. And two years ago since we first discussed what it would be like to increase the scale of our offering, to reach out to a significantly wider audience. The result is Clayworks. We are delighted to announce the launch of our new brand, which now represents the former Cob in Cornwall brand and is both our building services division and our new products division. The products division will manufacture and supply natural building materials for the next generation of low carbon homes. We start with the fundamentals and a system unique in the UK: unfired clay masonry blocks and clay plasters; bringing the ultimate inner walling system to every home, new or existing. You can follow progress through our blog at www.clay-works.com. |
Integrated Habitat Design CompetitionIntegrated habitat design inspires development that maintains the health of the natural systems that we all depend on. The IHDC competition emphasises that working with nature, adapting to climate change and enhancing biodiversity is integral to the design of our urban, suburban and rural built developments. For example, a bee should never be further than 20 metres from a food source within the site and a hedgehog should be able to cross the scheme in safety. This competition is open to individuals and teams. Submissions can be for any built environment design project (new build, retrofit) in an urban, suburban or rural location, of any size, anywhere in the UK, but must take into account each of the 6 Design Criteria - Ecosystem Services, Biodiversity, Water, Energy & Low-carbon, Livability, and Economics. Winners will be selected by judges from the worlds of ecology, architecture, engineering, landscaping and climate change adaptation. The overall winner will be the design that best integrates nature and the built environment with innovation, imagination and practicality, and will be awarded a cash prize. All finalists will receive free entry to CIRIA's World Green Roof Congress in London in September, as well as having their work published and displayed at a 5-week exhibition at The Building Centre, London. For more information on how to enter, please visit the IHDC website: www.ihdc.org.uk Participants have until 30th June 2010 to enter. |
New Building Regulations To Improve Energy EfficiencyThe UK Government has issued amended building regulations, which will come into force in October this year, to improve the energy efficiency of new and refurbished homes. The amendments to Parts L, F and J of the building regulations aim to make homes 25% more efficient and save around 2 million tonnes of carbon every year by 2020. Part L of building regulations will increase minimum levels of energy efficiency for building materials and services, and will apply for new builds as well as extensions or conversions. Homeowners and builders will now have to use more efficient windows and boilers. As homes are made more energy efficient, they become more air tight so amendments to Part F of building regulations will ensure that this is carried out without adversely affecting air quality. Part J will require that carbon monoxide alarms are fitted when solid fuel appliances are used for similar reasons. The amendments should also smooth the way for wider use of biomass heating systems. The changes to building regulations are part of the Government's wider efforts to meet a target of zero-emission new homes by 2016 and all other buildings by 2019. For further information go to www.communities.gov.uk/ |
Funding Gap Could Put UK Renewable Heat Sector Into DisarrayThe UK renewable heat sector could be plunged into disarray, warns the Solar Trade Association (STA), because of a gap in government funding. Homeowners and public sector buildings can currently apply for funds to support the installation of renewable heat technologies, including solar thermal, from the Government's Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP). But the scheme's funds will expire in the next two months, ten months ahead of the start of the Government's new Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), which will operate just like the feed-in tariffs due to come into force for renewable electricity generation on April 1. The STA believes that the funding gap could stifle growth in the sector, which has blossomed in recent years thanks to the LCBP programme. The impact on jobs and the economy will be negative, says the Association. Together with the Renewable Energy Association, the Heating and Hot Water Industry Council, the Heat Pump Association, Ground Source Heat Pump Association and the British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers Association, the STA is calling on the Government to allocate £10 million to plug the funding gap. For further information go to www.solar-trade.org.uk/ |
Government Overhauls Rules For 'Green' Planning And Unveils New Eco-TownsUK Housing and Planning Minister John Healey yesterday announced an overhaul of 'green' planning rules and a second wave of eco-towns. New planning policy statements on Climate Change, Natural Environment and Coastal Change will give local councils a "green planning rulebook" that will help support new sustainable developments that reduce emissions and use renewable energy. Local councils will also receive £10 million under the announcement to help update their know-how and planning tools. Meanwhile, Healey also confirmed that two more local councils, East Devon and Fareham in Hampshire, have expressed an interest in hosting an eco-town in the second-wave of development. The two councils will receive £200,000 each to develop the plans for 3500 homes in Cranbrook near Exeter and 7000 homes north of Fareham. The policy statements on Climate Change, which aims to ensure development happens in the right place and Natural Environment, which provides guidance on 'green infrastructure', as well as Coastal Change are now for comment. Go to www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/ppsclimateconsultation |
Wales Sets Out Plans For Low-Carbon RevolutionThe Welsh Assembly Government set out its plans to move to a low-carbon energy economy in the region earlier this week. According to Environment Minister Jane Davidson, Wales has the potential to produce twice as much electricity as it uses from purely renewable energy sources by 2025. The new Energy Policy Statement, A Low Carbon Revolution, sets out a three-tiered approach based on maximising the energy efficiency of homes and buildings, moving to electricity produced from marine, wind, water and biomass renewable sources and using the transition to create jobs. Davidson indicated that around 40% of the region's renewable energy could come from marine sources, a third from wind and the rest from biomass and smaller microgeneration projects. Go to http://wales.gov.uk/ |
EC Grants Wales £34 Million To Improve Household Energy EfficiencyThe European Commission (EC) has changed its rules to allow the Welsh Assembly Government to spend £34 million improving the energy efficiency of existing homes in the region. The rule change to the European Structural Funds programme will enable investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy measures under the scheme for the first time. The Welsh Government plans to target homes in the region's most deprived communities first. The investment will provide a major boost to the Welsh Government's commitment to cut annual emissions by 3% a year starting in 2011. Go to http://wales.gov.uk/ |
UK Government Sets Out Plans To Cut Household Emissions By A ThirdThe UK Government yesterday laid out its plans to cut household emissions by 29% by 2020 via a green loan scheme aimed at boosting the take up of energy efficiency measures. The Warm Homes, Greener Homes Strategy aims to install loft and cavity wall insulation in every household that it is practical to do so by 2015 and provide loans for more substantial upgrades for up to seven million homes by 2020. A 'pay as you save' (PAYS) scheme, which was first announced late last year, will provide financing for the installation of more expensive measures such as solid wall insulation or renewable microgeneration systems. Loans will be tied to a property, but will be less than the savings on energy bills that they produce. The strategy will bring together energy companies and local authorities to help homeowners and landlords improve the energy performance of their properties. The Government's strategy also includes £2.5 million to set up 'Green Show Homes' across the England. Energy Performance Certificates will also get an overhaul to provide more useful information for householders, including the ability to model an energy efficiency makeover before undertaking any work. The Government also says it plans to set up a one-stop-shop energy helpline produce advice and information, as well as new standards covering products and workmanship. In the process, the plans will create up to 65,000 jobs in the green homes and building industries. Later this month, a second initiative will launch that will fund a group of employers, including Aviva, HSBC and Sainsbury's, to help their employees insulate their homes. The 'Insulate Today' pilot programme aims to make it cheaper and easier for the participating companies' 250,000 employees improve the energy performance of their homes. Go to www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/consumers/saving_energy/hem/hem.aspx |
UK Government Invests £17 Million In Social Housing RetrofitThe Government announced plans yesterday to invest £17 million in 87 social housing refurbishments using low-carbon technologies. The 'Retrofit for the Future' programme aims to demonstrate how existing housing can be made more energy efficient through improved insulation, heat recovery, draught-proofing and improved glazing. The 87 projects have been selected from more than 190 housing associations, architects and construction companies, which received £20,000 to come up with plans and feasibility studies. The successful projects will now receive up to £142,000 to install energy efficiency and carbon cutting measures. Each property will also be assessed by the Energy Saving Trust for at least two years to determine whether measures should be rolled out across the country's entire social housing stock. The Government's plans for social housing across the UK will be laid out in more detail in the Household Energy Management Strategy, which will be released shortly. Go to www.innovateuk.org
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Green Construction Code Aims To Improve Commercial BuildingsThe International Code Council (ICC) earlier this week launched the first public version of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC), which aims to bring together standards for the environmental performance of commercial buildings. The draft code aims to reduce energy use through installation of efficient appliances, conserving and recycling water and employing renewable energy systems. It also covers indoor air quality, site development and land use. Work on the code started in 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2012, after which it will be available to municipalities and local governments to customise to meet regional requirements and priorities. The code has been developed in partnership with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and global standards organisation ASTM International. The standard for high-performance green buildings developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the US Green Building Council (USGBC ) has also been worked into the IGCC as an alternative option. Local governments across the US and around the world are clamouring for a green code, says the ICC, and will adopt the code immediately. For further information go to www.iccsafe.org/Pages/default.aspx |
Conservatives Outlines Energy PolicyLeader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, said his government would inspire consumers to use less when he outlined his vision for the country's energy policy earlier this week. In the "post-bureaucratic" age that his party will usher in, he said, the country will face challenges from the cost of the energy we consume, the security of its supply and its affect on the climate. A Conservative government would introduce financial incentives in the form of feed-in tariffs for those individuals who generation their own energy, he said, as just introduced by the present Government. He also backed the current Government's pledge to put a smart meter in every home to help consumers monitor their energy use and see how much they are selling back to the national grid. In a new move, however, he said that a Conservative government would apply "gentle social pressure" to get consumers to reduce their energy consumption. Go to www.conservatives.com/News/Speeches/2010/02/David_Cameron_From_central_power_to_people_power.aspx |
Carbon Trust To Raise £350 Million Fund To Transform Commercial PropertiesThe Carbon Trust is joining forces with fund manager Threadneedle and developer Stanhope to raise £350 million for the refurbishment of commercial properties. The Threadneedle Low-Carbon Workplace Trust aims to raise £100 million in its first year, with the remainder within three years, to fund the transformation of up to 50 commercial buildings. The refurbished properties, which will meet best practice low-carbon standards, will be offered to occupiers at market rates along with ongoing advice on how to realise their full potential. Non-domestic buildings currently account for around 18% of the UK's emissions and much of it is over 10 years old and unlikely to be compliant with current or future efficiency standards. For further information go to www.carbontrust.co.uk/ www.threadneedle.co.uk/ |
Getting An Appetite For Feed In Tariffs? Thursday 15th AprilUnderstand the Government's new financial incentive scheme with BRE's half-day awareness seminar. Feed-in tariffs, or FITS, are to be introduced by the Government on 1st April 2010. The scheme will provide financial incentives for organisations, businesses, communities and individuals to install electricity-generating technologies such as solar electricity panels and wind turbines. This is achieved by guaranteeing a minimum payment for the electricity generated as well as the electricity exported to grid. Go to www.bre.co.uk/eventdetails.jsp?id=3828 for the latest programme and speaker information and to book your place. |
Ecos Sustainable Building EventsSpecialist technical event - Building Performance - Thursday 15th April. 2pm - 4pm. The Old Apple Store, Stawell, near Bridgwater, Somerset. Fee: £40 plus vat (£47 inc). Building Performance- all you ever wanted to know about monitoring but were afraid to ask! This joint event with the Good Homes Alliance is limited to 20 places
so please book early if you are interested in attending. The seminar is for: building technicians, architects with an interest in sustainable building, energy assessors, building researchers and anyone else wishing to know more about new techniques used to monitor the performance of buildings. Seminar - Sustainable Building Materials - Health, Carbon, Life - Tuesday 20th April. 9am - 4.45pm. Great Bow Wharf, Langport, Somerset. Fee: £160 plus VAT (£188 inc). This seminar will help to increase the understanding of what makes building materials sustainable. The choice of materials is governed by a host of factors including function, cost, and sustainability. The seminar will help to identify the synergies between these factors and answer questions such as: How does materials choice affect design and how can more sustainable materials enable more sustainable design? What are the links between materials choice and the health of buildings? How can sustainable materials help to protect and enhance historic buildings? How can these materials help to gain additional credits as part of a Code for Sustainable Homes or BREEAM Assessment? Make Mine an Eco Home - Wednesday 28th April. Great Bow Wharf, Langport, Somerset. Fee: £96 plus VAT (£112.80 inc). Book online for this event. This course is for: homeowners, self-builders, landlords and anyone else wishing to get great ideas and a good grounding in how to carry out a sustainable building or refurbishment project. In brief, the course covers: Sustainable Construction, Designing a Sustainable Home, Sustainable refurbishment and Renewable Energy Technologies. For all event enquiries tel: 01458 254349 or email: corina@ecostrust.org.uk |
Eco Architect Pioneer: Brittany Groundhouse - Tuesday 20th April 2010-As featured on Grand Designs programme, Channel 4 - 6.00pm for 6.30pm start till 8.00pm At Seven Dials Club, 42 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9LA Daren Howarth is a sustainability pioneer based in Brittany, France.
His home - the Brittany Groundhouse - which he designed and built with
Adi Nortje, featured last year in one of the Grand Design programmes presented
by Kevin McCloud and broadcast on Channel 4. Go to www.theplanetoids.net/events.php for more information. |
The Prince's Mayday Business Summit On Climate Change 11 - 13th MayBusiness in the Community Wales will again convene representatives of the Mayday Network, the largest group of businesses committed to tackling climate change in the UK at a roadshow in May. In partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government, the Carbon Trust and Energy Saving Trust, BITC will host three separate events across Wales - Ewloe (Tuesday 11 May), Pembrokeshire (Wednesday 12 May) and Cardiff (Thursday 13 May).
Delegates will also hear from members of the Mayday Network, both large and small companies and from various sectors that are leading the way on climate change and keen to share their experiences and learning. Workshops will be available on themes including adaptation, transport and how to measure your carbon footprint. Please register to attend the Mayday event nearest to you by contacting Anne Williams at Business in the Community on 029 2078 0050 or anne.williams@bitc.org.uk. Go to www.bitc.org.uk/events/the_princes_mayday.html for more information. |
AECB CoursesSummer Training Course Dates: Advance notice. New dates are announced for the following CarbonLite training courses Understanding the Passivhaus standard, principles and methodologies 10 May - Bristol, 14 June - York, 19 July - London Using PHPP to design low energy buildings (2 days) 11-12 May - Bristol, 15-16 June - York, 20-21 July - London Thermal bridging 13 May - Bristol, 17 June York, 22 July - London Further information and online booking will be available on the website shortly, or reserve your place now by emailing sally@aecb.net |
TGR CoursesBuilding Fabric Or Renewables - Which Is Better For Sustainable Homes? Bristol - 14th April This April The Green Register (TGR) is launching a new course in Bristol, which addresses the question on the minds of many construction professionals: 'Building Fabric or Renewables - Which is Better for Sustainable Homes?' Building regulations are set to change later this year as we head down the uncertain road to zero carbon new homes in 2016 and tighter standards for domestic refurbishments. This means a further 25% reduction in carbon emissions for all new homes and for our friends in social housing they will have to achieve a 44% reduction. In addition, the Code for Sustainable Homes is under review and SAP is changing - so what are the best options to achieve these tough new standards? New Opportunities for Construction Businesses in the North - 22 - 23 April The Green Register (TGR) is inviting northwest construction professionals to find out how going green can give their businesses a boost by meeting a growing demand for sustainable building products and services. TGR is running its Sustainable Building & Services at Manchester's Merci Centre on 22-23 April. The two-day course covers cutting-edge and often controversial sustainable building practices. Delegates can expect honest and lively discussions on the trials and tribulations of eco-building. Free Green Building Course For Unemployed Professionals The Green Register (TGR) is delighted to announce an additional date for its highly acclaimed sustainable building course - available for FREE through the University of Westminster's innovative Build Up program. A further 2-day course on the 17th and 18th of June has just been agreed following the success of the first course which ran in January. The course will equip delegates with the skills and knowledge they need to meet the growing demand for green building products and services. Build Up has seen an upsurge of built environment professionals registering for one of 1,500 free places on offer to help develop their careers against the recession. The 2-day course is based on TGR's Sustainable Building & Services course which is the UK's longest running green building training course. It will provide an ideal, compact opportunity to learn about the essential issues surrounding sustainable building practices and to network with like-minded individuals across a range of disciplines The course is due to take place this June. Full details to follow at www.build-up.org.uk To book places or to find out more contact The Green Register team on 0117 3773490, mail@greenregister.org.uk or see the website at www.greenregister.org.uk |
Recent Publications From IHS BRE PressComplying with the Code for Sustainable Homes: lessons learnt on the BRE Innovation Park Bringing together the practical experience of building innovative new homes on the BRE Innovation Park, this BRE Trust report identifies key practical lessons for developers and housebuilders. ISBN 978-1-84806-110-1 November 2009 Smart home systems and the Code for Sustainable Homes: a BRE guide This guide identifies the role that smart home systems could play in achieving the performance levels set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes. ISBN 978-1-84806-112-5 November 2009 Sustainable developments in Sweden: lessons for Ecotowns This report of a study tour to Malmö and Stockholm in Sweden offers real opportunities for exportation and further adaptation to the UK Ecotowns programme. ISBN 978-1-84806-114-9 November 2009 Sustainable masonry construction This book counters claims that masonry is an outmoded form of construction. It examines the ways in which the masonry sector can produce sustainable buildings that not only match the environmental targets set by government, but go beyond them. By doing so, masonry buildings can be created with the lowest possible impact on the environment, both now and for future generations, and be a worthy competitor against newer, less established prefabricated construction systems. ISBN 978-1-84806-107-1 December 2009 The move to low-carbon design: are designers taking the needs of building users into account? Through eight case studies, this new guide examines building users' behaviours and their subsequent potential impact on energy efficiency and provides recommendations for designers, facilities managers and building users. ISBN 978-1-84806-116-3 January 2010 The real cost of poor housing This report highlights weaknesses in existing models of the housing stock and proposes a new model which overcomes them. The model uses data obtained from the English House Condition Survey to illustrate the effects of various scenarios and repair options. It clearly demonstrates that money invested in improving poor housing could have a significant impact on improving health and reducing the financial burden on the NHS. ISBN 978-1-84806-115-6 February 2010 Go to http://uk.ihs.com/products/standards/ihs-bre-press-publications.htm |
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