Designing Homes for Sustainability Flashcards
Designing homes for sustainability
In 2004 more than a quarter of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions came from energy used in the home. Although compliance with the government’s Code for Sustainable Homes is voluntary, the government intends to make it mandatory in 2016. Zero carbon homes costing less than £500,000 will be exempt from stamp duty.
There are a number of ways that homes can be designed for sustainability:
- Installing double glazed or triple-glazed windows, draught-proofing, cavity wall insulation and roof insulation, will improve the thermal efficieny of the windows, walls and roof. The amount of energy need for heating will also be reduced as a deficit in heat loss will be evident.
- Installing energy-efficient boilers (they’re more efficient because a greater proportion of the heat energy they generate is used to heat the water in the boiler and less energy is lost to the surroundings) or being part of a district heating system such as the one set up by Southampton District Council.
- Installation of energy-efficient lighting and domestic appliances e.g. computers, printers and TVs that turn themselves off after a period of time instead of staying on - advanatageous as stand-by mode can consume nearly as much energy as being turned on permanently.
BedZED
Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) is the UK’s first large-scale, mixed use sustainable community with 100 homes, a college, office space, and community facilities. Completed in 2002, this pioneering eco-village in south London suburbia (Hackbridge, Sutton) remains an inspiration for sustainable neighbourhoods and the One Planet Living Communities across the world. One Planet Communities is a network of developers around the world who apply the following 10 principles to create sustainable communities; zero carbon, zero waste, sustainable transport, sustainable materials, local & sustainable food, sustainable water, land & wildlife, culture & heritage, equity & local economy, and health & happiness.
BedZED started in 1997 as a zero carbon development, but ever since the attitudes towards sustainable living became more mainstream, it has now become government policy.
There are many conventions of BedZED which promote sustainable use of resources:
- The great majority of BedZED’s houses and flats are passively solar heated using multi-storey glazed sun spaces facing south, to maximise solar gain. The homes are all very highly insulated but also well ventilated using the distinctive and colourful wind cowls on the roofs. Here, fresh outside air is drawn into the building and pre-heated by outgoing stale air via heat exchangers.
- Extensive photovoltaic (PV) panels, on the roofs and incorporated into south facing windows, supply some of BedZED’s electricity. Any surplus PV power is exported into the local grid. Energy efficient appliances and lighting were installed when BedZED was completed in 2002.
- The eco-village also saves water, with dual flush toilets, aerated flow taps and shower heads and low water consumption washing machines installed throughout. Water meters are easy to view in the homes as well.
Zero Carbon principle has been met - It is estimated that BedZED produces 37% less carbon dioxide emissions from gas and electricity use than an average development of the same size and mix of uses
Sustainable Water principle has been met - Water consumption per BedZED resident is about 50% of the London average.
Lots of other principles have been met too.
