Mission Report – EnerBuild Focus Workshop, Cambridge (TG6)
John Goulding travelled to the Martin Centre, Cambridge (14 to 15 February 2002) to attend a one-day
EnerBuild focus workshop that discussed technology transfer, information needs and research
priorities for the next EC research funding programme. The workshop was organised and chaired by
Dr Koen Steemers, Thematic Group 6 co-ordinator (Building and Urban design, Retrofitting and indoor
air quality). See attached agenda and JG’s Powerpoint presentation.
A CD of the Powerpoint presentation by Andrew Jobling of Levitt Bernstein Masterplanners on Climate
Change and the work of Levitt Bernstein is on file. Copies of Powerpoint presentations by other
participants are to follow from Koen Steemers, with his report of the meeting.
In attendance were:
Dr Helen Mulligan, Cambridge Architectural Research Ltd
Gary Clarke, Michael Hopkins and Partners Architects, London
Andrew Jobling, LBAL (Levitt Bernstein Master-planners), London
Sebastian Mc Milan, research associate, Martin Centre, Cambridge
Mike McEvoy, research associate, Martin Centre, Cambridge (specialising in glazing systems)
Richard Cochrane, consultant with Robert Webb Associates and Martin Centre research associate
Dr Nick Baker, The Martin Centre, Cambridge – for the afternoon session
Alan Short, architect – joined the meeting in the afternoon
Dr Koen Steemers, The Martin Centre, Cambridge (Chairman)
John Goulding, ERG-UCD
Notes of the meeting:
Koen Steemers - discussion following his introduction and TG6 overview:
Academic community is insular – poor interface with industry, professions
Dissemination issue is often not addressed adequately / thoroughly by researchers.
Sometimes there are conflicts between technologies (e.g., trees for shelter or shading)
Construction industry is not used to paying for information / research (they receive so much product
literature free).
CPD courses can be effective – EnerBuild link to CPD courses by EU professional institutes?.
Few journals draw research and practice together.
Academic research focuses on proof of knowledge / concept, not specific needs of industry or energy
agenda.
What are the key characteristics that make a building adaptable. Design for flexibility, diversity
optimisation.
Gary Clarke
Conflicts and confidence in natural ventilation systems were outlined in relation to three projects:
The Forum (library) Norwich; Univ. Nottingham Jubilee Campus; Univ. Nottingham Business School,
with reference also to the parliamentary offices, London (which use 85kWh/ m2 /year for environmental
control services). See Powerpoint presentation.
At which point can natural ventilation not be used?
Norwich library: thermally heavyweight + shading. No opening windows due to book theft, external
noise, traffic fumes. Change in strategy from natural, stack ventilation to mechanical circulation. Lack
of confidence (client, mech. engineer) in low energy measures and concern about potential comfort
(overheating) problems. Chillers are now incorporated and the plant room now occupies 2,000 m 2 in a
10,000 m2 building (at £1.5 million cost)
Jubilee campus: aim – low energy building with evaporative cooling to match a/c performance; no
used air re-circulation. Winter: heat recovery, closed windows; Summer: mixed mode, open windows,
natural ventilation, coolth recovery. 80kWh/ m 2 /year predicted, but about double this in first year.
Business School: Client’s ‘air conditioning prestige’ culture resulted in decision to have a/c to reduce
perceived comfort risks. Very tight CIBSE standards applied (max 25 degrees C for max of 5% of
occupied period or max 27 degrees C for max of 2% of occupied period).
Issues for research:
Independent standardisation of commissioning surveys (building control?)
Independent standardisation of post occupancy evaluation (to be undertaken post commissioning)
Focus on occupant interaction with building performance
Standard, agreed methodologies for client /occupant use of natural ventilation
Cross discipline agreements, standards (RIAB, CIBSE, facilities managers)
Findings from real life studies to be used to update current standards
Validation of adaptive comfort and its integration into standards for thermal, ventilation, lighting,
acoustic design.
Try to get ECD’s benefits list they give clients at briefing stage.
Andrew Jobling:
See Powerpoint presentation / printout
Reliable climate change predictions needed for client discussions (national / EU databases).
See UK DETR publications (housing quality indicators, etc)
Key drivers: what is going to make people change their attitudes and accept sustainability.
Nick Baker:
Overview of four projects:
Pascool (thermal comfort)
Daylight Europe (daylighting design)
PRECIS (urban modelling)
LT Method
Adaptive comfort: trade-offs between control of one’s environment and comfort satisfaction. Actual
satisfaction much greater than laboratory trials suggest.
Consider urban tissue as a ‘crust’, not a surface.
Discussion:
More performance modelling tools needed to aid design by enabling architect to do preliminary
calculations. Ideally these would be linked to CAD systems. Current tools come mainly from
researchers and represent a ‘top-down’ approach. More focus needed on real requirements of
designers. EnerBuild could act as a clearing house / source of tools and as a conduit of information on
needs from designers to researchers.
An independent organisation that can evaluate software is needed – like a consumer association.
Survey of designers needs would help.
What does the software / model achieve, what are the realistic building performance targets – e.g.,
minimum building regulations standards, current best practice, anticipated standards?
LT Method: The validity of messages to designers is more important than the validity of the numbers.
Case studies / demonstration projects should provide lessons that can be easily drawn upon.
POE is very important but is not often considered ‘proper’ research.
Buildings are conservative – they cover up design faults (e.g., poor daylighting is resolved by more
electric light use).
Extension of PROBE studies needed – include POE survey protocol.
Retrofit design strategies tend to be formed quickly based on precedent whereas there is great scope
for a more fundamental, innovative re-evaluation of the building and what is and will be needed of it by
occupants in energy and environmental terms.
John Goulding
18 February 2002