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Tuesday 10 May 2005
| Coming up next time (10 June): | |
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Ecobuild event report |
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Research reports |
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News and reviews |
Thanks to:
BRE, who hosted the small-scale wind event reviewed below
A good month for (hot) air
The 2005 General Election is over, and all the hot air generated on the hustings has drifted away. Little seems to have changed - apart from the ‘re-naming’ of the DTI as the Department of Productivity, Energy and Industry, to be led by Secretary of State Alan Johnson.
But air is itself the focus of this month’s Get Sust!, as we take a look at the future for micro-wind technology in the UK.
We also have one eye on the future, and kick off our new careers service with two great candidates looking for opportunities in sustainable construction. Scroll down to CANDIDATE PROFILES for more details.
This trial service will run again next month, so:
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if you are seeking an opportunity, send an e-mail to editor@get-sust.com stating your name, e-mail address, qualifications and what sort of opportunity you are seeking |
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if you have a vacancy or run a course that has spaces, send short details to editor@get-sust.com. |
Please send details to Get Sust! by 1 June in order to be included in the 10 June issue. We reserve the right to edit submissions (for length etc).
Afore ye go
Finally, best wishes to all our readers who are currently facing examinations. And if you are moving on to pastures new in the next few weeks, don’t forget to update your Get Sust! subscription at http://www.get-sust.com/signup/default.html. (Please don’t use a Hotmail e-mail address, as these tend to have a short shelf-life, and we’d hate to lose you. Thanks.)
And as usual, please do keep the ideas and comments coming in. Send to: editor@get-sust.com.
| © Melanie Thompson 2005 |  |
Will wind-power take off?
The debate over on-shore and off-shore windfarms is well rehearsed, but there is another way that wind might be able to make an impact on all our futures. More than two hundred delegates gathered at BRE’s Watford headquarters last month to learn more.
Micro-turbines have been used for many years to deliver the relatively small amount of electricity needed by boats and caravans; so why not adapt the technology for houses, shops and offices? In a country as windy as Britain, it seems like a pretty obvious solution, and you have to wonder why no one has thought of it before...
Turbine technology is reasonably well advanced. There are basically two options - horizontal turbines (like traditional windmills) and vertical turbines which are not so familiar, but have bags of potential.
Alan Powell of Proven Energy Ltd explained that the company has spent ten years researching its product, which went on the market late in the 1990s. There are now more than 700 of their units in operation; many of them are mounted on the flat roofs of office blocks or similar properties. They have even survived hurricanes.
The micro-turbine developed by Windsave, on the other hand, is just poised to hit the domestic market. David Gordon says that his company’s product can be attached to the roof of existing or new homes, and each unit could save half a tonne of carbon dioxide per year. Meanwhile Andrew Horsley of Ecofys has invented the ‘urban turbine’ which is a large vertical axis turbine that he hopes will be adopted by major companies as a ‘symbol of corporate social responsibility’.
So far, so positive... But there was a whiff of frustration in the air, and the clouds began to gather.
The most significant problem facing the industry is - you won’t be surprised to hear - ‘planning’. It appears that the not-in-my-back-yard brigade who tend to mobilise against wind farms may also want to start a ‘not-in-my-neighbour’s-back-yard’ break-away movement. Even small turbines for the domestic market which are about the same size as a large TV aerial will need planning permission. To a degree, their concerns are justified. What about the noise? Will the blades cast a whirling shadow across the lawn? Will the local birds be harmed?
These questions (and others) partly explain why the government-funded Clear Skies project has received so few applications for grant funding for micro-turbines. Chris Roberts of Clear Skies reported that out of 4000 domestic-scale projects funded through the scheme, only 116 are for wind power, and a further 50 community projects (mostly schools) have received financial support to install micro-turbines. But the scheme is keen to increase the number of wind projects it does assist because, in terms of reduced emissions of carbon dioxide, wind power is far more cost-effective than the most popular option (solar thermal).
Another issue is grid connection. One member of the audience claimed his electricity supply company was, in effect, stealing his power, because they have failed to negotiate a credit system.
And finally there is the question of safety and structure. Most buildings-integrated turbines will only be suitable for new build, because the building design will need to compensate for the vibrations and noise when the turbine is operating.
The good news is that none of these problems is insurmountable. Marcus Rand, Chief Executive of the British Wind Energy Association, is campaigning hard to find solutions to these problems; and Rachel Crisp of the DTI (as it was then known) reported that this technology is moving up the political agenda, and that Planning Policy Statement 22, amended last year, has a role to play in encouraging local authority planners to take a second look at wind-related proposals. The government has also widen the market for ROCs (renewable obligation certificates) so that people with small-scale generating systems can receive financial credit for their efforts. Meanwhile energy supply company Good Energy has its eye on a potentially developing market, and has set up a 4p per unit buy-back scheme for domestic generators.
Providing there is a will, there is surely a way to resolve the ‘political’ problems associated with micro-wind power. But what about the technical questions? Unfortunately, these are issues that can’t be solved so quickly, but work is certainly on-going. The University of Nottingham School of the Built Environment, for example, is currently testing the performance and assessing the environmental footprint of the very small turbine developed by Eclectic Energy; while Dr Derek Taylor of Altechnica is studying both turbine design, and innovative building designs that can enhance the ability to capture the power of the wind.
Micro-scale wind generation is an interesting conundrum - an age-old technology that needs to integrate with 21-century life-styles, buildings and power supply systems. If the enthusiasm of last month’s event is anything to go by, there is every reason to think it will catch on.
Learn more:
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• | For more on wind power, visit the BWEA website at http://www.bwea.org. |
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• | See also: http://www.provenenergy.com,
http://www.windsave.com, http://www.ecofys.co.uk, http://www.eclectic-energy.co.uk and contact Altechnica by e-mail to: info1.altechnica@virgin.net. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2005 | |
Your chance to change our cities
The majority of the world’s population live in cities, where they consume vast amounts of energy. Radical changes are needed if we are to slow down the process of climate change, but what should be done, and what should be tackled first?
The web-magazine OpenDemocracy is giving everyone a chance to put forward ideas for the future, and it will present them to the leaders of the G8 nations when they meet in Scotland in July. But hurry, if you have definite plans on the horizon, or a particular axe to grind, you have to move swiftly. Ideas must be registered on the website by 21 May.
The ‘leading article’, which kicks off the debate, is by architect Bill Dunster, who describes his vision of future cities.
Learn more:
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• | OpenDemocracy’s online debate is supported by the British Council as part of its ZeroCarbonCity initiative - a two year global campaign to raise awareness and stimulate debate around the challenges of climate change. |
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• | View Bill Dunster’s introductory article, including images of current and future projects, at http://www.opendemocracy.net/debates/article-6-129-2470.jsp. |
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• | Post your comments and ideas at http://www.opendemocracy.net (choose ZeroCarbonCity). |
| © Melanie Thompson 2005 | |
Modelling energy use in the urban environment
Researchers from Cambridge USA and Cambridge UK have developed improved computer models of the energy performance of buildings in cities.
Their collaborative study tested a number of ‘digital elevation models’ (DEMs). When these models are coupled with an established computer model for calculating energy consumption in buildings (the LT method, which was developed by the authors), they provide an accurate assessment of the interaction between urban buildings. The team describe the results of simulations for three case study cities - London, Toulouse and Berlin - in the latest issue of the journal ‘Energy and Buildings’.
Learn more:
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• | Energy consumption and urban texture, by Carlo Ratti, Nick Baker and Koen Steemers, is published in Energy and Buildings, Volume 37, Issue 7, July 2005, Pages 762-776. |
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• | Subscribers to the Science Direct service can view the full text on-line immediately at http://www.sciencedirect.com. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2005 | |
CIBSE guidance on indoor environment
‘Climate change and the internal environment’ is a new technical manual from CIBSE (TM36). This authoritative publication provides strategies for dealing with the heat gains that we may soon be experiencing as a result of climate change, and uses case studies of offices, schools and dwellings to illlustrate the guidance.
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• | ‘Climate change and the internal environment’ (TM36), is available from http://www.cibse.org/publications. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2005 | |
Natural ventilation in non-domestic buildings
CIBSE has thoroughly revised this popular applications manual, known as AM10, which was first published in 1997. Things have moved on considerably since then, and the new version presents the latest guidance on Design Strategy and calculation methods, including the process of choosing design tools and flow models.
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• | Natural ventilation in non-domestic buildings (AM10), is published by CIBSE, priced 48 GBP (50 percent discount for CIBSE members). ISBN 1903287561. Order copies from http://www.cibse.org/publications. |
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Coming soon: Putting a price on sustainability
Due out later this month is a short report on the real cost of sustainable construction. The report is based on research conducted by BRE Centre for Sustainable Construction and the global QS firm Cyril Sweett. It suggests that, contrary to popular perceptions, a sustainable building can be achieved with very little additional cost. It identifies the costs associated with a range of techniques and technologies, and analyses the life-cycle cost benefits of sustainable buildings.
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• | Order copies of ‘Putting a price on sustainability’ (ISBN: 1 86081 750 5) priced 22.50 GBP from http://www.brebookshop.com. |
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World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC)
Renewable energy holds the key to future prosperity and a healthy global environment. This event, in Aberdeen from 22-27 May, will cover a wide range of renewable energy topics, and speakers include international specialists and researchers, industrialists, manufacturers and government officials. The event features a stream dedicated to ‘Low-energy architecture’, which is spread across the three days.
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• | Full details of the ‘Low-energy architecture’ programme can be down-loaded from http://wrec2005aberdeen.co.uk/. |
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Follow the road to renewables at NEMEX 2005
At this year’s National Energy Management Exhibition and Conference (NEMEX), visitors are being encouraged to ‘follow the yellow road’. The road is marked, not by yellow bricks, but by yellow signs that are designed to make it easier for visitors to track down the latest developments in renewables technologies.
NEMEX is at the NEC, Birminghams from 24-26 May; where visitors can also take the opportunity to call in on the environmental technology exhibition, ET.
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• | Visit http://www.nemex-energy.co.uk and http://www.et-expo.co.uk. |
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Ecobuild - designing and building a sustainable future
Ecobuild, in London from 24-25 May, will review the challenges faced by the building and design community to deliver a ‘greener future for Britain’s towns and cities’. The conference will focus on case studies of building design principles, new energy technologies, and methods of assessing building performance, and is supported by an exhibition. The programme includes The RIBA Sustainable Futures Annual Meeting, The Offsite Construction Forum and The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Laboratories.
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• | Ecobuild is at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in central London. See http://www.ecobuild.co.uk. |
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Seeking: Post-doctoral opportunity in energy and the built environment
Candidate 1
Currently studying in France, this candidate is completing a PhD (Title: ‘The study of occupant controlled heating and cooling in buildings, based on human thermal sensation. The impact of behavioural adjustments on energy consumption’). This thesis studies the coupling of occupant behaviour and the building through simulation. This involves detailed analysis of the radiation exchange taking place between the human body and its surroundings using mathematical models of the human thermo-physiology and infra-red radiation, and physical models such as a thermal manikin.
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• | If you have a suitable vacancy or opportunity for this person, please send a blank e-mail to editor@get-sust.com. Type ‘PROFILES: CANDIDATE 1’ in the subject line, and we will pass on your contact details to the candidate. |
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Seeking: a change of direction
Candidate 2
With a First in Environmental Quality and Resource Management from the University of the West of England, and 6 months’ experience as a sustainability officer plus a year out working as a conservation volunteer, this candidate has experience of liaising with design teams and community workers to promote energy efficiency, and good communications skills. Ideally this candidate wants to move into architecture, but doesn’t want to compromise his environmental credentials. Willing to consider a range of options.
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• | If you have a suitable vacancy or opportunity for this person, please send a blank e-mail to editor@get-sust.com. Type ‘PROFILES: CANDIDATE 2’ in the subject line, and we will pass on your contact details to the candidate. |
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Young Lighters of the Year Awards 2005
The closing date for initial entries to the 2005 Young Lighters of the Year Competition is 30 September. The competition is open to anyone under the age of 30 with an interest in lighting. The four finalists each receive a 300 GBP cash prize, a lighting publication of their choice and a certificate, and are eligible for other valuable cash prizes.
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• | Contact Jonathan David for more information. E-mail: jdavid@cibse.org. |
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Lectureships in Bristol
The University of the West of England Bristol Faculty of the Built Environment has several vacancies for lecturers. These are for its Planning and Development courses within its School of Land and Property Management, and courses in the School of Construction Economics Management and Engineering.
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• | Full details can be found and on-line applications can be made at http://www.uwe.ac.uk/jobs. |
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• | Closing date for applications is 13 May. |
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PhD studentships at Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent has several fully funded PhD studentships on offer, commencing in October 2005. The studentships will pay UK/EU fees, and provide a maintenance stipend of 12,000 GBP for up to three years.
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• | Further information and an application pack are available from the University Graduate School. E-mail: gradschool@ntu.ac.uk. |
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• | Alternatively, contact Professor Judith Mottram, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, College of Art & Design and Built Environment Tel: 0115 848 2312. |
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• | Visit the University’s website at http://www.ntu.ac.uk. |
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• | Closing date for applications: 23 May 2005. |
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Part III architectural assistant
Brocklehurst Architects, an award-winning medium sized practice based in Buckinghamshire, is seeking a recently qualified architect or Part III candidate. The company is offering the suitable candidate direct job-running experience, excellent training for Part III examinations, and flexible working conditions.
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• | Send a CV, covering letter and samples of work to John Hancock, Director, Brocklehurst Architects. E-mail: john.hancock@brocklehurst.com. |
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• | See http://www.brocklehurst.com. |
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Part 1 student required
Year out student required by WM Graham Associates Chartered Architects, a small practice in Wokingham, Berkshire. The placement commences in August. Applicants must be computer literate with 2-D and 3-D skills and have a good understanding of CAD software. This practice specialises in the residential and commercial sectors, and also works on listed buildings and Almshouses.
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• | Please send a CV, covering letter and references to: wmg_architects@btconnect.com. |
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