Energy saving
At Green Building Store we believe that the most cost-effective approach to reducing the carbon dioxide emissions from the home is to first pay attention to the energy efficiency of the building fabric, before looking at such options as micro-renewables or other forms of 'carbon offsetting'. This approach, sometimes called eco-minimalism, focuses on ways of saving and retaining energy in buildings, rather than looking for bolt-on energy-generating approaches which, while appearing 'green', can often be expensive and ineffectual. This approach leads us to be passionate proponents of Passivhaus design, which concentrates on super insulation, airtightness and use of passive solar gain to cut a building's space heating needs by 90% compared to the average UK building.
The 'Great British Refurb'
In order to tackle the threat of climate change, there is an urgent need to refurbish the UK's existing building stock.
The UK Government has
announced its intention of undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of
existing housing stock ('The Great British Refurb') so that all UK
homes produce near zero carbon emissions by 2050. Put out to
consultation early in 2009, the new 'heat and energy saving strategy'
is aiming for "all homes to have received by 2030 a whole house'
package including all cost-effective energy saving measures, plus
renewable heat and electricity measures as appropriate. All lofts and
cavity walls will be insulated where practical by 2015". In addition,
building regulations for new build are likely, over the next few years,
to move towards triple glazing, with 2013 regulations likely to
stipulate triple glazing for windows and doors.
Triple-glazed windows
Green Building Store believes triple glazing should become the standard choice for
windows and doors in the UK to help combat climate change. Triple
glazed windows are around 30% more efficient than double glazed and can
significantly improve the energy efficiency of homes, saving money on
energy bills and reducing CO2 emissions. The windows and
doors installed in 2009 should still be around long after 2030, so it
is important that they are as thermally efficient as possible. Green Building Store believes that it is necessary to start installing
triple glazed windows and doors as soon as possible. Green
Building Store argues that only triple glazed windows and doors will be
the correct specification to complement the necessary super insulation
measures which the existing housing stock needs to address the threat
of climate change.
As part of our commitment to promoting ultra low energy building design, we have switched our own Yorkshire-based Ecoplus window production to focus on triple glazing and, from 1st June 2009, will be making argon filled triple glazing more affordable by offering it at the same price as double glazing*. Currently, buildings can lose 10-25% of their heat through windows but this can be considerably reduced by using energy efficient glazing. Ecoplus argon triple glazed windows have a window U value of 1.0 W/m2/K, which is 50% better than the requirements of current building regulations.
*Offer does not apply to solar spaces and conservatories.
Insulation
Insulation, insulation, insulation! Insulating your loft is not sexy but it is probably the single most important step you can make in the battle against climate change. Green Building Store advises insulating your loft to depth of at least that required by the current Building Regulations (275 mm) and more if possible, to maximise energy efficiency. Natural insulation is available from Green Building Store, including Thermafleece sheep's wool insulation and Warmcel recycled newspaper insulation.
Passivhaus design
The term 'Passivhaus' refers to a specific construction standard for buildings which have excellent comfort conditions in both winter and summer. By using the simple 'tea cosy' effect of super-efficient insulation and excellent airtightness coupled with a 'comfort ventilation' system, Passivhaus design can create healthy and comfortable homes that require minimal heating. Heat generated from the sun through windows, occupants' body heat and cooking and showering activities are often all that are needed to warm a Passivhaus home. Passivhaus dwellings typically achieve an energy saving of 90% compared to the average existing house and 75% saving in space heating compared with a new house built to our current Building Regulations. Earlier this year, Green Building Store launched a range of Passivhaus products to help facilitate the uptake of Passivhaus design in the UK.. If you are thinking about undertaking a new build or are contemplating a radical refurbishment of an existing property, we would strongly recommend the Passivhaus approach for your project.
Airtightness
Insulation is central to low energy construction but airtightness and windtightness are also important to reduce unnecessary heat loss. Research shows that up to half of all heat loss in buildings can be due to air leakage and uncontrolled ventilation. Insulation levels have increased substantially over the last few decades but heated air is still escaping and can be pinpointed as a major source of energy loss. In addition, heat that escapes from buildings carries a significant amount of moisture which can lead to damage to the building fabric.
Green Building Store now supplies the Pro Clima range of Intelligent diffusion open airtightness solutions to reduce the risk of condensation within structural elements and offers technical expertise and advice on a range of Pro Clima airtghtness products, to help build airtight and windtight buildings