THE FUTURE IS GREEN

The issue of global warming is coming to the forefront of everything we do in the commercial and domestic environment. In the construction industry we have to help reduce energy consumption by designing more efficient buildings.

While construction methodology in the commercial sector is adapting to new regulations on energy efficiency with the use of techniques like combined heat and power units and the ever increasing benchmarks in the code for sustainable homes, the private domestic housing market is some way off the pace.

We feel that over the next 10 years energy efficient construction will become more popular by client choice and by changes in government legislation, with efficient construction techniques like Passivhaus making up a greater percentage of new homes constructed in the UK.

The Passivhaus standard results in exceptionally low energy consumption through very high levels of insulation and air tightness coupled with good orientation and controlled ventilation with heat recovery. A Passivhaus dwelling will meet the government’s definition of zero carbon.  This means that all energy used for heating, lighting and appliances is generated on site cleanly, with any excess going back to the grid.

We take great interest in this sector of the market and have direct contacts with specialists in energy efficient construction and the construction of Passivhaus dwellings. Please see the energy consumption graph below of a scheme in West Berkshire, which will be one of the first domestic Passivhaus projects to be constructed in the UK.

If you are interested in building energy efficient or zero carbon homes please contact us and we would be delighted to discuss this with you.