 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Get Sust! Issue 20
It's your shout
To round off this academic year we’re planning a special ‘It’s your shout’ feature for the last issue of the season (out on 10 June)... in other words, we want you to tell us about the great sustainable construction projects you’ve been involved in recently.
Whether it’s a piece of course-work or research, developing a new product or technique, or designing a building or system - we want to hear about it.
Students, academics, practitioners, manufacturers, associations - all submissions welcome.
Send brief details to editor@get-sust.com by 1 June, and we’ll follow up a selection of your stories.
As always, please do continue to support the newsletter by sending in news items, announcements and careers information. And don’t forget to pass it on to colleagues who may be interested.
 |
Doing things differently at CIBSE Annual Conference
If you missed the introductory sessions of this year’s CIBSE conference, don’t worry. Thankfully, the keynote speakers didn’t bring out the tired old slides of melting glaciers and graphs of soaring carbon emissions – but apart from that the opening sessions were pretty much ‘same old, same old’. Thank goodness, then, for Dr Amory Lovins, Chief Executive of the USA’s Rocky Mountain Institute and all-round radical thinker, who successfully stirred things up a bit.
It's not that the opening speeches were irrelevant, just that the consensus is now so strong that there was little they could say that was new. Perhaps CIBSE President, Donald Leeper, was feeling frustrated too. “The good news,” he said, “is that we know about the bad news”.
And he’s right: standing on the same platform two years ago, the government’s Chief Scientist Sir David King had revealed the facts about the escalation in atmospheric carbon emissions (see Get Sust No. 6). But perhaps the real ‘bad news’ is that government-led progress to combat buildings-related emissions is so very slow, as was painfully obvious when Ted King of the then Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (Building Regulations Division) took to the podium to give delegates what he described as a “Quick canter around the Building Regulations”.
Ted King reported that the government launched its Sustainable Development Action Plan in March 2006, and this includes a review of the sustainability of existing homes and how to improve them. What had started out as the Code for Sustainable Buildings is now the Code for Sustainable Homes, and the government is weighing up the options for making the Code mandatory. In addition, there are numerous changes to legal definitions, planning regulations, and, of course, the recent changes to Part L of the Building Regulations.
Reeling off an alphabetical list of amendments to various regulations (4A, 4B, 20B, 20C etc.), Ted King acknowledged that it’s hard to keep up, and instead recommended conference delegates should buy a copy of one of the popular ‘consolidated guides to the regulations’.
Phew! If it’s hard for the ODPM’s representative to keep up with all this, what hope for the rest of us?
Not for the first time, we were left with the impression that it would be a grave mistake to wait for legislation to ‘force’ changes in design and construction practices; and that innovation by designers coupled with a consumer desire for more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient buildings will be the most powerful driving force for change.
But Tom Delay, Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust told CIBSE conference delegates that a recent MORI poll found the public is less concerned about environmental issues than it has been for the past 15 years. (People rank schools and hospitals higher in such questions.) Ironically, the media are now focusing more on the environment. However, Delay thinks that awareness of the issues is growing, and the propensity to act is “on the brink”.
That’s good news, because Amory Lovins says technological transformations take 12 to 15 years to go from 10% market penetration to 90%... so the tipping point of consumer demand can’t come soon enough.
Lovins, founder of the Rocky Mountain Institute, redeemed a potentially dull opening conference session with his lively style and unusual choice of subject matter - automobile design.
Why talk to building services engineering and other construction professionals about cars? Well, Lovins reckons that over the next 40 years the US can eliminate the use of oil. He bases this statement on the fact that 70% of US oil use is for transport, and that this is wildly inefficient. For example, less than 1% of the car’s energy is actually used to propel the driver! Lighter cars could immediately save a lot of energy. His team designed the Hypercar in the 1990s to demonstrate that it was possible to enjoy today’s comfort, speed and safety without belching out toxic fumes and carbon dioxide. (Only trouble is, he can’t find any manufacturers who are willing to build the car.)
But it wasn’t until Lovins’ second presentation of the day that delegates got the chance to understand what he was driving at...
His point is that their radical approach to car design could equally apply to buildings. His own home in the Rocky Mountains provides a comfortable indoor environment without heating or cooling equipment, despite the outdoor temperature, which ranges from -44 degrees C to +46 degrees C. This is achieved by having very high levels of insulation and an extremely tight construction.
Lovins believes our lack of progress on the carbon question is that we are all afraid of doing things differently. The typical design scenario is to start with a base design and see what can be added. We’d do far better to throw ‘traditional’ designs out of the window and start with a blank sheet of paper. He calls this the “Non-violent overthrow of bad engineering”.
According to Lovins, it’s about focusing on what’s really necessary. For instance:
- Why heat the whole of a building, when it’s actually the people who need to be warmed?
- Why not design roofs to reject or reflect infrared radiation?
- Motors guzzle electricity, but minor design changes can cut energy requirements.
- If you must have distributed systems, keep them as simple as possible and minimise friction to reduce distribution losses.
- An office block with no heating or air-conditioning doesn’t need ducts for services, so you could squeeze in an extra storey.
Lovins can come across as a bit of a crank, but his underlying message is something we should all take to heart (especially those at the start of their careers):
Doing things differently can be fun AND rewarding.
Learn more:
 |
• | See below for more news from the CIBSE conference |
|
• | Many of the presentations can be viewed or downloaded at http://www.cibse.org. |
|
• | Find out more about Amory Lovins and the Rocky Mountain Institute at www.rmi.org or download his free article from www.oilendgame.com. |
|
• | For a consolidated guide to the Building Regulations, try ' Building Regulations in Brief', 3rd Edition, by Ray Tricker http://books.elsevier.com. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2006 | |
Young engineers group launched at CIBSE Conference
At the CIBSE Conference Young Engineers lunchtime meeting, Michael Norton announced the launch of the CIBSE Young Engineers group. The group’s mission is:
“To provide a forum and support network for young people interested in building services engineering
To provide a link with CIBSE to ensure that young people are encouraged to engage with their professional institution early on and throughout their careers
To promote building services engineering to school and university students with the aim of bringing new engineers into the industry.”
Learn more:
|
• | To find out more, or to join the group, e-mail: cgarcia@cibse.org. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2006 | |
Tougher energy requirements for EcoHomes
BRE has launched a new, revised version of EcoHomes, the environmental rating scheme (the 'homes' version of BREEAM). EcoHomes 2006 includes tougher energy requirements to encourage carbon dioxide reductions and bring the scheme into line with the latest Part L of the Building Regulations.
At the moment, all homes that have English Partnerships or Housing Corporation funding must meet the new EcoHomes 2006 ‘Very Good’ standard. (This is an interim measure until a strengthened Code for Sustainable Housing comes into effect later this year.)
In addition to raising energy credit thresholds, EcoHomes 2006 looks for A+ energy labels for refrigerators, freezers and cooling systems, and rewards low-energy lighting systems that exceed Building Regulation requirements.
Other changes include:
- three new credits for renewable energy systems
- a new credit for minimising flood risk
- recognition of responsible sourcing of non-timber materials
- credits for providing a Home User Guide (where construction site impacts are monitored), for signing up to the Considerate Constructors Scheme, and where the ‘Secured by Design’ award has been achieved.
Learn more:
|
• | Contact Amanda Brackey. Tel: 01923 664510. E-mail breeam@bre.co.uk. See www.bre.co.uk/ecohomes. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2006 | |
Sign up to the Low Carbon Consultants Register
At its conference in March, t he Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) launched a new register for professionals who are trained and able to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations 2006.
The Register will be run by CIBSE and supported by the Carbon Trust, with the aim of getting the scheme approved by the government so that members can self-certify compliance with the Building Regulations.
The criteria for joining the register will include detailed knowledge of the Building Regulations for energy efficiency requirements in the UK. Entrants to the register will have to undertake an examination, and to remain on the register, consultants will be required to undertake continuing professional development and to make annual 'carbon saving returns' to demonstrate how much carbon they have saved through their work as low carbon consultants. CIBSE will use the carbon returns to demonstrate that its low carbon consultants can deliver and operate buildings at a consistently higher standard than the minimum required by the Building Regulations.
Learn more:
|
• | For more information on the Low Carbon Consultants Register, or to express your interest in joining, e-mail: lowcarbonconsultants@cibse.org. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2006 | |
Could planning gain promote sustainable construction?
Last month (3 April) academics, researchers and consultants gathered in Oxford to discuss the best ways to teach the next generation to ‘count carbon emissions’, and heard a novel proposal from the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)...
The event was organised by Dr Rajat Gupta and Professor Susan Roaf from Oxford Brookes University, as part of the European Commission-funded Sustainable Habitat Design Adviser (SHADA) project.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr Pachauri, Director-General of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), who introduced the idea of ‘planning gain’ to encourage the design of sustainable buildings .
His idea is that planners could grant permission for more units on a site if the units are particularly sustainable. This would enable architects to benefit from designing for sustainability, through increased capital costs and therefore increased fees.
Dr Pachauri also stressed the need of having credible rating systems for assessing sustainability in buildings and for providing accreditation for architects.
This was followed by SHADA project partners (Mili Majumdar and Sangeeta Gupta from TERI, India, Dr Rajat Gupta from Oxford Brookes University and Christoph Peters from ICAEN, Spain) describing the project objectives, CDs (May 2006) containing information about carbon counting, solar-assisted air-conditioning, eco-houses, and integration of renewables in buildings.
The issue of carbon counting in buildings was addressed by presentations by Dr Rajat Gupta and Dr Bill Bordass.
The workshop concluded with a meeting of the UK-based Educators for Sustainable Architecture group, the main users and promoters of the SHADA website. Learn more:
|
• | Copies of presentations are available from Dr Rajat Gupta, Department of Architecture, Oxford Brookes University. Tel: 01865 483298. E-mail: rgupta@brookes.ac.uk. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2006 | |
Recycled woodchip for landscaping projects
WRAP (the Waste and Resources Action Programme) is running a series of trials designed to demonstrate the performance and commercial benefits of using recycled wood products (RWPs) in a variety of landscaping applications.
The trials, which will use around 500 tonnes of recycled woodchip, include:
- surfacing for footpaths and cycleways through a large open space near housing in Rugby, where the performance of RWPs will be compared with self-generated tree chippings
- surfacing material and mulch to be used at a range of show homes in the West Midlands for Persimmon Homes, the UK’s largest house builder.
Learn more:
|
• | Details of all WRAP’s activities are available at www.wrap.org.uk. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2006 | |
Concrete benefits for recycled glass
Fife-based concrete block manufacturer, Brand and Rae, has successfully demonstrated that recycled glass could replace primary aggregates in the manufacture of higher value blocks.
The company conducted six-months’ of trials at its Russell Mill and Bonnyrigg plants, involving the manufacture of some 75,000 concrete blocks at both sites. They found that crushed recycled glass can be used as a replacement for primary aggregates in the manufacturing process and, in certain cases, blocks containing recycled glass perform better than conventional ones in terms of strength and performance in adverse weather conditions.
Trials at the Bonnyrigg site tested blocks traditionally used in standard or cavity wall construction produced on a mobile concrete block making system. At the company’s Russell Mill site, lightweight, paint and masonry grade blocks were produced on a static plant, enabling comparisons between the two methods.
The tests revealed a number of environmental benefits, including reducing the amount of cement and natural aggregates required, which provides substantial fuel savings and reduces the road miles travelled. In addition, the production of the blocks does not require the glass to be sorted into colours. This means that it is possible to use locally collected green glass bottles (of which there is a surplus), and there is no need for expensive sorting equipment.
Brand and Rae Ltd has now started commercial production of a block containing 30 per cent glass, and says that it is committed to producing and marketing these products. It could potentially use up to 65,000 tonnes of recycled glass per year.
Learn more:
|
• | Contact Gary Bell, Managing Director, Brand and Rae Ltd. Tel: 07977514909. E-mail: Garybe11356@aol.com. |
|
• | The project was funded by WRAP. See www.wrap.org.uk. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2006 | |
Free on-line energy analysis
Greenspace Research is offering 60 architects and engineers the chance to road test a new on-line energy analysis system, which it demonstrated at the CIBSE Conference in March.
The system, known as GreenBuildingStudio, has been up and running in the US for two years and has around 4,000 users. What’s new is the UK-based on-line service, which allows users to upload data from their Autodesk 3-D model over the Internet, and quickly receive an energy use/cost profile for the model. The idea is to model the likely energy requirements of a building at a very early stage to maximise potential savings.
The GreenBuildingStudio system uses the gbXML language, which means it can work with other energy analysis tools without the need for re-keying information. It also opens the door to collaboration with project partners, who can view the results remotely.
At the moment Greenspace Research is working on localisation for the UK version of the software (for example, to ensure results take account of UK Building Regulations and climate data), and is offering free use of the basic energy analysis function. Charges are made for users who want to refine their model in light of the initial results. Learn more:
|
• | Greenspace Research is assisted by the European Regional Development Fund and European Social Fund under the Highlands & Islands Special Transitional Programme. |
|
• | For more information, visit www.greenspaceresearch.com. |
|
• | Contact Neil Finlayson. E-mail: neil@greenspaceresearch.com. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2006 | |
Temperature analysis: It ain't what you do, it's the way that you do it...
Michael Holmes, a consultant to Arup Research and Development, has been trying to keep his cool despite the conflicting results he has obtained using popular comfort calculation techniques, as he explained to CIBSE Conference in March.
Although at present there is no legal requirement for a maximum workplace temperature (the minimum is 16 degrees C), a limit might be imposed in the future, and in any case designers want to ensure that buildings are comfortable for people to work in. “Comfort” is a matter of personal opinion, and it is widely acknowledged that people can tolerate higher indoor peak temperatures in warmer weather.
Unfortunately the calculation procedures for predicting temperatures are not simple, so Michael Holmes set out to assess the tools currently available.
He concluded that, no matter which technique is being used, the prediction of indoor temperatures depends not only on the software used, but on the person who is using it! None of the programmes that he tested were “bad”, they just produced different results. This is a problem for designers who are trying to decide whether or not air-conditioning is required. However, Holmes is confident that the new CEN (prEN ISO 13791:2004) will offer a standardised approach for all to follow. Learn more:
|
• | Full details of Michael Holmes’s investigation can be downloaded from www.cibse.org, along with the other presentations from the session on overheating and cooling, which looked at underground cooling for London, small-scale trigeneration systems, and analysis of natural versus mechanical ventilation for a secondary school. |
| © Melanie Thompson 2006 | |
Energy Efficiency of High-rise Buildings - Summary report and project website
To mark the publication of the ‘Changing the View’ summary report, the EuroACE project has launched the Changing the View project website.
The summary report, by Pedro Guertler and Winton Smith of the Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE) describes a research project that looked at the potential for energy savings in high-rise residential buildings in Europe. Among other things, it advocates the incorporation of energy efficiency improvements into widely needed overall refurbishment as a central element of sustainable refurbishment. Twenty-eight countries were involved in the project.
The website includes case studies and other materials about the project.Learn more:
|
• | Download ‘High-Rise: Changing The View – Summary report of Energy Efficiency in the Refurbishment of High-rise Residential Buildings’ and learn more at www.euroace.org/highrise. |
|
Climate Change – the UK Programme 2006
If you’re searching for the key facts about climate change, then look no further. This new report, published by The Stationery Office, looks at the causes and effects of the changing climate, the measures underway both domestically and internationally to slow down the change, and new initiatives for the future. Key issues include:
- Explanation of climate change
- International framework for action
- Delivering emissions reductions
- Adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Learn more:
|
• | Order a copy of 'Climate Change - The UK Programme 2006' (ISBN: 0101676425). Cm 6764, priced £23.00, from www.tsoshop.co.uk. |
Building Services Handbook
3rd Edition, by Fred Hall and Roger Greeno
The Building Services Handbook summarises all elements of building services practice, techniques and procedures. This third edition takes account of key changes to the Building Regulations, including electrical installation safety requirements (Part P), and energy efficiency (Part L). There is also new web-based lecturer support material in the form of sets of PowerPoint slides for a selection of building services areas, featuring essential illustrations, for use in presentations and handouts.
A companion title to the ‘Building Construction Handbook’, the ‘Building Services Handbook’ offers useful and accessible information for people on a wide range of courses, including degree, BTEC National, HNC/HND and NVQs. It’s also an excellent reference work for building services professionals.
Learn more:
|
• | Retail price is £19.99, but it’s currently on offer at £17.99 if you order on-line at http://books.elsevier.com/uk (choose ‘construction’) (ISBN: 0-7506-6460-6). |
|
Carbon emission reduction planning
Local authorities are ideally placed to facilitate cuts in carbon emissions because they are seen as a trusted source of information with the ability to engage with individuals, householders, communities and businesses. Moreover, planning for reductions in carbon emissions will help local authorities to meet their legal responsibilities under the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995, Decent Homes standard, Fuel poverty strategy and, of course, Local Agenda 21.
This one-day event in Oxford on Thursday 25 May is aimed at local authority planners, environmental planning consultants, and energy conservation and environmental health officials. It will cover the principles, tools, and methods needed to help local authorities develop a carbon emissions reduction plan, and will feature several case studies.
|
• | See www.brookes.ac.uk/rbdo/news/decorum/initial or contact Dr Rajat Gupta Research Fellow, Department of Architecture, School of the Built Environment, Oxford Brookes University. Tel: 01865 484049. E-mail: rgupta@brookes.ac.uk. |
|
Part L and EPBD workshops
BRE is holding two one-day CPD workshops that will summarise the new regulations, and give practical guidance on the design issues and new procedures. There will also be a demonstration of SBEM, a software package that can be used to demonstrate compliance with minimum energy performance standards and work out the EPBD asset rating of the building.
The workshops will be held at BRE’s Watford headquarters on 1 June and 19 September. Attendees will receive a free copy of “Part L Explained – the BRE Guide”.
|
• | For more details, or to book a place, visit www.bre.co.uk/events. |
|
REA Micro-renewables 2006
Micro-renewables 2006 will be held on Thursday 8 June 2006 in the Telford Theatre, One Great George Street, London. The event is being held in association with the Town and Country Planning Association.
The themes for this one-day event are:
- The Code for Sustainable Homes (with an update on the current consultation from ODPM officials)
- Planning for micro-renewables
- Implementing the government’s micro-generation strategy - "what next?"
|
• | Download further information, including the Conference Programme, Registration Form and costs at www.r-e-a.net/article_default_view.fcm?articleid=1700. |
|
Timber frame training - for architects
TRADA Technology is running two one-day training courses on timber frame design, specifically for architects. The new courses will cover deign requirements, and identify and explain specific milestones in the build process.
'Timber frame design for architects' will be held on 6 and 26 June 2006 at TRADA Technology’s High Wycombe headquarters. Each delegate will receive a copy of ‘Timber Frame: Standard details for houses and flats’ (manual and CD), single copies of which sell for up to £400. This package provides more than 100 construction details, all produced and verified by the UK's leading experts in timber frame construction.
|
• | The cost of the course is £320 + VAT (TRADA members) and £450 + VAT (non-members). Contact Nicola Cannings. Tel: 01494 569620. E-mail: training@trada.co.uk. |
|
Tenth Architecture Week: 16-25 June
This year is the the tenth anniversary of Architecture Week, the annual national public celebration of historical and contemporary architecture in the UK.
The week aims to explore architecture and the built environment via the arts and culture in an entertaining and informative way, with a rolling schedule of activities organised and co-ordinated through Arts Council England, Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and architecture centres across the country.
This year's theme is 'The Power of Ten' and the week will showcase over 500 events across the UK - many organised on the idea of 10 - featuring celebrated architects and celebrities, exhibitions, talks and tours.
|
• | Full details can be found at www.architectureweek.org.uk. |
|
Scholarships for construction MBAs
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), in partnership with Manchester Business School Worldwide (MBSW), is offering a 50% scholarship to a CIOB graduate or chartered member for the School's MBA for Construction Executives.
The scholarship, worth over £6000, will be awarded by MBSW through a competition in which applicants will be required to submit an electronic presentation based on a case study provided to them.
The MBA programme was developed in partnership with CITB-ConstructionSkills and leading industry bodies, and is designed to appeal to managers within all construction disciplines, from architecture and engineering through to managing the process.
|
• | The scholarship is for entry to the course in July 2006. Candidates should send a completed application form for the MBA for Construction Executives by Wednesday 31 May 2006. Please supply your CV with your application. Once approved, your competition paper should be submitted to the judges no later than 14 June 2006. www.mbs-worldwide.ac.uk/scholarships/ciob_scholarships.asp. |
|
Timber in construction - £1000 student prize
The closing date for entries into this year's TRADA Timber in Construction Student Prize is 26 May.
The judges will be looking for projects that demonstrate innovative and inspiring applications of timber within any type of structure. The winner will receive £1000, and there’s £500 for the runner-up.
|
• | For further details or to download an entry form, please visit www.trada.co.uk/training/student_prize06.html, or contact Charlotte Andrews. Tel: 01494 569622. E-mail: candrews@trada.co.uk. |
|
Renewable Energy Technical Officer
Cornwall Sustainable Energy Partnership (CSEP) is seeking a technical officer to advise partners and householders in Cornwall on small scale renewable energy technologies.
|
• | See www.csep.co.uk/page121g.html or contact the Operations Team for an application pack. Tel: 01209 614974. E-mail: alison@csep.co.uk. Closing date: 15 May 2006. (Please mention Get Sust.) |
|
Energy, environment and sustainability consultancy work
Faber Maunsell’s Sustainable Development Group is seeking to fill a range of positions. Opportunities include working on energy management, BREEAM and EcoHomes.
|
• | To apply, please send a CV and covering letter to olivita.browne@fabermaunsell.com, or visit www.fabermaunsell.com for more information. Closing date: 31 May. (Please mention Get Sust.) |
|
