Draft PUSH Sustainable Development SPD
Resource Document
Introduction
Water
Energy/CO2
Materials and Waste
Health and Wellbeing
Green Roofs
Sustainable Management
Infrastructure and Major Developments
May 2009
1
ENERGY/CO2
Resource Document Contents
Chapter
Chapter title
Introduction
1
1.1.
1.2
1.3.
1.4
1.5.
1.6.
1.7.
Introduction to this Guidance
Purpose of this Resource Document
Scope of this Resource Document
Government Policy
South East Plan Policies
PUSH Planning Policy Framework
The Council Core Strategy Policies
How to use this Resource Document
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
Sustainable Development: General
National Policy Drivers
Evidence Base in South Hampshire
Design and Access Statements
Code FSH and BREEAM
Sustainability Checklist
3
3.i
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
Introduction to Water
Water Appliances
Rainwater Harvesting
Grey Water Recycling
External Potable Water
Reduction in Surface Water Runoff
Flood Risk
Adaptation to Climate Change
Water
THIS VOLUME
Energy/CO2
THI
S VOLUME
Volume
4
4.i
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
Introduction to Energy/CO2
Natural Daylight
Passive Solar Heat Gain
Natural Ventilation
Drying Space
Energy Efficiency
External Lighting
Small Scale Zero/Low Carbon
Technologies
Zero Carbon Residential Developments
4.8
2
ENERGY/CO2
Materials and Waste
Health and Wellbeing
Green Roofs
Sustainable Management
Infrastructure and Major
Developments
5
5.i
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
Introduction to materials and waste
Construction Waste
Construction Materials
Waste Recycling
Composting
6
6.i
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.7
6.8
6.9
7
7.i
7.1
8
8.i
8.1
8.2
8.3
Introduction to Health and Wellbeing
Biodiversity
Noise
Private Space
Lifetime Homes
Pollution
Accessibility
Residential Density
Security
Introduction to Green Roofs
Green Roofs
Introduction to Sustainable Management
Building User Guides
Considerate Constructors Scheme
Construction Site Impacts
9
9.i
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
Introduction to Infrastructure and Major
Developments
Waste Management Infrastructure
Green Infrastructure
Large Scale Renewable Energy
Major developments
A
B
Model Essential Requirements
Sustainability Checklist
Appendices
3
NATURAL DAYLIGHT
All energy ultimately derives from
the sun. The energy stored in
fossil fuels produces large
quantities of the green house gas
carbon dioxide when burned.
With buildings responsible for
50% of the UK’s carbon
emissions, implementing
measures to reduce consumption
and to find less carbon intensive
sources of energy to heat, light
and power buildings is critical. .
Electric power is particularly
wasteful as more than 70 % of
the energy is lost in production
(as waste heat) and transmission before it reaches the consumer.
Operating a building over 50 years or more has a higher
environmental impact than its construction and demolition.
PASSIVE ENERGY GAIN IN BUILDINGS
Natural daylight, the heat that falls on a building and the energy that
drives a breeze into a building from outside are all forms of free
energy. The building’s design and orientation and place in the
landscape can all maximise much of this free energy and reduce the
need for electric lighting, for heating and cooling and for mechanical
ventilation, thus saving significant carbon emissions. The issues of
natural daylight, solar energy, wind sheltering and summer shading
are all interrelated and need to be considered together.
4.1 Natural Daylight
Buildings which fail to take full advantage of this
free energy and have rooms that unnecessarily
require long periods of electric lighting waste
energy and are badly designed.
Natural daylight has a clear positive influence on
people’s wellbeing. The living or working
environment is more comfortable when
illuminated naturally as it provides a better
quality of light. There is the added psychological
benefit of views of the sky and of the outside
4
NATURAL DAYLIGHT
environment. Studies have demonstrated benefits in worker
productivity and health related to daylight in buildings. Minimum
daylighting standards for new buildings are set out in BS 8206-2.
Artificial lighting is generally the greatest single energy use in nondomestic buildings, being greater than both heating and cooling.
Therefore, designing for daylighting can make a major impact on the
energy consumption of the building.
Building design
Careful architectural design is required to maximise natural light in a
building while maintaining indoor temperature regulation and reducing
direct light glare. The long axis of the building should face north and
south to maximize available daylight and reduce glare. East and
particularly west facing glazing should be eliminated to the extent
practical. For good day lighting penetration, the depth of rooms should
be kept shallow.
The amount of daylight that can penetrate into a space depends on
many factors. The key factors are the visible sky angle, the width and
depth of the room, the net window area, the visible transmittance of
the glass, and the reflectance of the surfaces inside the room. As a
general rule-of-thumb, the higher the window is placed on the wall,
the deeper the daylight penetration.
6-8m
6-8m
5
NATURAL DAYLIGHT
Maximum dimensions for daylight for a single aspect office
Floor plan depth is the most important single consideration that affects
the potential for day lighting, exterior views (and natural ventilation).
A plan depth of up to 13m allows for natural daylighting and
ventilation from windows on both sides Floor plans with relatively
narrow wings, such as I-, H-, U-, or T-shaped plans, ensure that most
interior spaces have good access to natural light (and winds).
Courtyards and atria can also be used to bring light (and air) to
surrounding narrow spaces.
The area of interior space that can be day lit using windows depends
on both building depth and floor-to-ceiling height. (Single-story
buildings and the top floors of multi-storey buildings can be top lit
using skylights, roof monitors or light wells)
Since useful daylight from typical windows can only reach 4 to 6m into
spaces with around 2.5m floor-to-ceiling heights, floor plans deeper
than 18m (two rooms flanking a double-loaded corridor) will require
constant electric
lighting.
Redirecting daylight
with light shelves,
prismatic glazing and
other reflective
systems can extend
naturally lit interior
space to 10 -11m
deep.
Light Shelves: Light bounces off the top of the light
shelf into the ceiling of the first floor offices. The
overhang shades the window below it.
Sun Pipes
The use of sun pipes enables sunlight to be
directed into parts of a building where daylight
from windows fails to reach and where electric
lights would otherwise be necessary. Some
products combine this function with
ventilation.
6
NATURAL DAYLIGHT
Office
Home
Before
After
Overshadowing
New buildings need to ensure that they do not reduce daylight levels in
neighbouring buildings to an unacceptable degree. As a rule of thumb
for residential buildings this will require at least 12 metres clearance
between the primary windows of habitable rooms and adjoining
buildings to retain adequate day lighting.
Code Credits
7
NATURAL DAYLIGHT
There are 3 potential credits under Hea 1. One credit is given for
providing a measured average minimum quantity of daylight for
kitchens. A second is awarded for a reduced minimum average
daylight for all living, dining and study rooms. A final credit is awarded
when all day time habitable rooms have a minimum area with views of
the sky.
BREEAM Credits
There are two separate credits available for day lighting HW1 and
HW2 for e.g. BREEAM Offices. Where at least 80% of net lettable
office floor area is adequately day lit and where evidence provided
demonstrates that all desks are within a 7m radius of a window.
Model Essential Requirement 4.1
The Council requires all residential development to:
Achieve at least 2 out of the available 3 Code credits in Hea 1.
The Council requires all non-residential development above 500 sqm
of floorspace to:
Achieve both the available BREEAM level credits in HW1 and
HW2.*
* where these credits are available, ie BREEAM Offices, Schools, Multi-residential,
Only HW1 in BREEAM Retail and Industrial.
Compliance Check
Residential:
Code FSH Assessor’s reports at design stage and post construction
stage stating at least 2 credit Hea 1 credits achieved.
Non-residential and Multi-residential:
BREEAM Assessor’s reports at design stage and post construction
stage stating HW1 credit achieved for all buildings and HW2 credit
8
NATURAL DAYLIGHT
where offered for those buildings (BREEAM Offices, Multi-residential,
Schools).
Planning Implications
The requirement to design to maximise the use of natural light will
inevitably have visual implications on development. Orientation of
buildings and living areas may change. Windows are likely to be larger
and taller. Solar shading techniques to minimise summer overheating
will also have an impact.
Sustainability Checklist
Q4.1: How have Developers maximised the potential for natural
daylight in their buildings?
Further Guidance and References
British Standard, BS 8206-2, Lighting for buildings, Code of practice for daylighting
(1992)
BRE, P.J.Littefair, BR209 Site layout planning for daylight and sunlight: a guide to
good practice (1998)
BRE, IP4/92 Site layout for sunlight and solar gain (1992),
James Bell and Bill Burt, BR288 Designing buildings for daylight (1995)
CIBSE, LG 10 Lighting Guide: Daylighting and window design (1999)
BRE, BR209 Daylight and sunlight
CIBSE, Lighting Guide 10: Daylight and window design
Sola Lighting Ltd, http://www.solalighting.com/
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy,
www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/design/integratedbuilding/passivedaylighting.ht
ml
Sun Piping, http://www.sunpipe.co.uk/sunpipe/domestic/index.php
9
PASSIVE SOLAR HEAT GAIN
4.2. Passive Solar Heat Gain
Building orientation and design that aims to maximise the benefit of
solar gain and day lighting is known as Passive Solar Design (PSD).
For domestic buildings, PSD can contribute as much as 15% of the
energy required for heating and lighting. Over 25% of UK primary
energy production goes towards heating buildings, more than for any
other purpose. By incorporating passive solar design into new
buildings, annual fuel bills can be cut by about a third as well as saving
CO2.
The principle of passive solar heat gain
Passive solar gains can provide significant contributions to space
heating, lighting and ventilation in a building. The main aspects to
consider are the orientation and shape of buildings, and the overall
site layout, to avoid overshadowing and maximise sunlight
penetration. Effective PSD will balance solar heat gain in winter for
heating, cooling in summer, ventilation, and the provision of day
lighting. Different approaches are needed depending on the size and
use of buildings. PSD can be maximised in housing and smaller
commercial buildings by measures such as:
10
PASSIVE SOLAR HEAT GAIN
PASSIVE
DETAILS
SOLAR
HEAT
GAIN DESIGN
MEASURE
Orientation
For buildings to maximise the use of natural energy sources
to provide light and heat, the windows of the main habitable
rooms should be orientated within 30o of due south. Houses
orientated east of south will benefit more from morning sun,
while those orientated west of south will catch late
afternoon sun delaying the evening heating period. Building
design should make best use of high summer sun angles
and low winter sun angles on southern exposures while
minimising excessive solar gain on east and specifically west
exposures from low year-round sun angles. North-facing
slopes can result in significant overshadowing
Landscape
Make positive use of the local topography and landscape
features to allow best use of natural daylight, solar energy,
wind sheltering, summer shading and create development
that responds to its context.
Thermal mass
Incorporate heavy internal walls to store the heat from solar
gain. use thermal mass within the masonry walls or
concrete or tiled floors to allow the sun to be ‘soaked up’
during daylight hours and then released into the building at
night – suitable thermal mass prevents overheating during
the summer and avoids cold conditions during the winter.
Glazing
Maximise the area of glazing on the south side of a building
and minimise glazing on the north side. It is essential that
any such design should incorporate means to regulate solar
gain to prevent over-heating in summer and avoid winter
heat loss
Obstructions
Avoid obstruction angles greater than 30o above the
horizon. Every percentage point increase in obstruction over
30o results in the same percentage point increase in energy
use.
Internal layout Place the most frequently used rooms - requiring most
heating – on the south side of the dwelling (i.e. living
rooms)
Foyers and entrance porches reduce heat loss through
external doors, but these should not be heated.
Rooms
used less often or those that do not benefit from sunlight
should be placed to the north of the building (i.e. hallways,
bathrooms, utility rooms, stores and garages). Also they
should have smaller windows to minimise heat loss.
11
PASSIVE SOLAR HEAT GAIN
The ideal orientation for
Passive Solar Design is
within 30o of south.
South elevation
Optimised glazing areas to
maximise the benefits of
passive solar design, whilst
maintaining a conventional
appearance (The Concrete
Centre)




North elevation
12
South elevation with e.g. 13.2m2
glazing
Living rooms and bedrooms (with
shading) on south side
North elevation with e.g. 7.15m2
glazing
Bathrooms, utility rooms, hallways,
stores and garages on north side
PASSIVE SOLAR HEAT GAIN
Solar Shading
Solar shading or “Brise soleil” is designed to
prevent excessive solar gain in summer and to
prevent glare inside buildings. In summer, when
the sun is high in the sky, the brise soleil blocks
sunlight from hitting the window, in winter
however, when the sun is low in the sky, the sun
passes beneath it and hits the window. Thus in
winter the building gets the benefit of the sun’s
energy and avoids the solar gain in summer, when
it is not needed.
For most interiors it may be acceptable to restrict
summer sunlight using balconies or overhanging roofs or by fixed
louvres or screens forming brise soleil. For east
and west facing facades, adjustable shading is
often better suited to the low solar altitudes of
the UK. Shading, especially fixed brise soleil
shading, should not be designed so that it
reduces interior daylighting, natural ventilation
or a view. The amount of sunlight blocked by
fixed shading devices can be estimated using a
sun path diagram such as the BRE Sunlight
Availability Protractor.
PV solar shade louvres
(Sustainable Energy Action)
A simple overhang can provide shading on
south facing windows (The Concrete
Centre)
Some advanced glazing systems can filter out the infra-red energy
from sunlight.
13
PASSIVE SOLAR HEAT GAIN
Code Credits
There are none at present for passive solar gain. Building regulations
calculations for the energy efficiency of buildings (SAP ratings) which
are needed to determine credits under Ene 1 do take orientation into
account. Other passive solar gain considerations, such as thermal
mass and landscape factors are not considered however.
BREEAM Credits
There are none at present for passive solar gain. Building regulations
calculations for the energy efficiency of buildings (SAP ratings) which
are needed to determine credits under Ene1 do take orientation into
account. Other passive solar gain considerations, such as thermal
mass and landscape factors are not considered however.
Model Essential Requirement 4.2
The Council requires all new buildings to make full use of potential
passive solar gain through orientation, building design and
landscape design (while avoiding excessive heat gain and glare)
within a framework of good urban design unless the Council accepts
there are particular site or building use factors which make it
unfeasible.
This should be clearly demonstrated in the Design and Access
Statement
Compliance Check
Design and Access Statements should set out the design approach to
making best use of passive solar heat gain. This needs to be confirmed
in the development layout (where generously glazed living or working
areas should, where possible, maximise opportunities for facing within
30 degrees of south) and building design (thermal mass, glazing, solar
shading).
14
PASSIVE SOLAR HEAT GAIN
Sustainability Checklist
Q4.2: How have Developers maximised the potential for passive
solar heat gain in their buildings?
Planning Implications
The orientation of buildings and the internal arrangement of living
spaces as well as the amount of glazing on certain elevations all need
to be considered within the wider requirements of planning and good
urban design. Notwithstanding these considerations, in the majority of
situations measures to maximise the potential for passive solar heat
gain in new developments will be possible at no significant extra cost.
Further Guidance and References
PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN website:
http://www.esru.strath.ac.uk/EandE/Web_sites/0102/RE_info/passive_solar.htm
CARBON TRUST Planning for Passive Solar Design, www.carbontrust.co.uk
CIBSE, TM37 Guidance on design information for solar shading control (2005)
15
NATURAL VENTILATION
4.3 Natural Ventilation
Natural ventilation is the process of supplying and removing air
through an indoor space by natural means. Development which
maximises the potential for natural ventilation will minimise the
tendency to employ electric powered air conditioning which is very
carbon intensive. There are two types of natural ventilation occurring
in buildings: wind driven ventilation and stack ventilation. The most
efficient design for a natural ventilation building should implement
both types of ventilation.
Wind Driven Ventilation
In its simplest form this can be windows opening at
opposite sides of a building allowing a through
draught. In more sophisticated systems wind cowls
are mounted on roofs to maximise wind capture and
make use of heat exchanges to maintain stable
building temperatures and reduce heat loss in winter.
Wind towers, associated with a central atrium, can be
used to provide natural ventilation for larger
buildings, such as offices and shopping centres
Wind driven ventilation has several significant
benefits:
• Greater magnitude and effectiveness
• Readily available (natural occurring force)
• Relatively economic implementation
• User friendly (when provisions for control are provided to
occupants)
Some of the important limitations of wind driven ventilation:
• Unpredictable and difficulties in harnessing due to speed and
direction variations.
• The quality of air it introduces in buildings may be polluted for
example due to proximity to an urban or industrial area
• May create strong draughts leading to discomfort.
16
NATURAL VENTILATION
Single sided ventilation
Cross ventilation
Passive Stack Ventilation
Stack effect increases with greater temperature difference and
increased height between the higher and lower apertures. In
residential buildings this will require an open plan layout. The use of
atria and glazed courtyards in larger buildings will increase natural
lighting levels and can be used to induce a stack ventilation effect but these spaces should not be fully heated.
Stack ventilation on a still day
17
NATURAL VENTILATION
Stack driven ventilation has several significant benefits:
• Does not rely on wind: can take place on still, hot summer days
when it is most needed.
• Natural occurring force (hot air rises)
• Relatively stable air flow (compared to wind)
• Greater control in choosing areas of air intake
• Sustainable method
Limitations of stack driven ventilation:
• Lower magnitude compared to wind ventilation
• Relies on temperature differences (inside/outside).
• Design restrictions (height, location of apertures) and may incur
extra costs (ventilator stacks, taller spaces)
• The quality of air it introduces in buildings may be polluted for
example due to proximity to an urban or industrial area
Code Credits
No specific credits but the use of air conditioning would count heavily
against a development seeking credits for the Ene 1 issue (energy and
carbon dioxide emissions).
BREEAM Credits
No specific credits but the use of air conditioning would count heavily
against a development seeking credits for the Ene1 issue (energy and
carbon dioxide emissions).
Case Studies
The Hanson 2 home at the BRE site has a
distinctive oast house shaped roof to
maximise the stack ventilation effect. The
central stairwell allows passive ventilation
to occur through warmed air being
exhausted up through the roof lantern and
for cooler air to be drawn in from below.
18
NATURAL VENTILATION
Model Essential Requirement 4.3
None
Sustainability Checklist
Q4.3: How will the development maximise the potential for natural
ventilation in the buildings?
Planning Implications
The building design may be significantly influenced by a desire to
maximise natural ventilation. Wind cowls on roofs, by their nature, are
prominent elements on the skyline. Buildings which maximise the
potential for the passive stack effect may take on a distinctive shape
as well as necessarily having an open plan internal arrangement.
Further Guidance and References
CIBSE, Good Practice Guide 290 Ventilation and cooling options appraisal
CIBSE, Good Practice Guide 291 A designers guide to the options for ventilation and
cooling
CIBSE, Application Manual AM10 Natural ventilation in non-domestic buildings
(2005)
19
DRYING SPACE
4.4 Residential Drying Space
The use of electric powered clothes dryers in residential properties is
increasing and is making a significant contribution to carbon emissions
from the home. The best way to minimise the use of these machines is
to make it convenient for residents to dry clothes ‘naturally’.
For properties with gardens, developers can simply provide washing
lines. Where properties do not have access to a private garden,
internal drying space can be provided in an appropriate, adequately
heated and ventilated room.
Code credits
There is one credit available in Issue Ene 4 (Drying Space)
Appropriate internal spaces are usually bathrooms or utility rooms and
expressly not living rooms, bedrooms or kitchens.
BREEAM credits
N/A
Model Essential Requirement
None
Sustainability Checklist
Q.4.4: What proportion of residential properties will have provision
for drying facilities (according to criteria set out in the Code for
Sustainable Homes?)
Planning Implications
Exterior drying facilities, such as rotary driers or clothes lines do not
need planning permission. Communal facilities will need particularly
careful design with security an important concern.
Further Guidance and References
CLG Code for Sustainable Homes Technical Guide: Ene 4
20
CO2 REDUCTION (IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
CARBON EMISSIONS FROM BUILDINGS
All conventional fossil fuels such
as coal, oil and gas produce
carbon dioxide as a by product
that adds to the greenhouse gas
in the atmosphere which is
producing global warming and
climate change. UK Carbon
emissions per capita are more
than twice the world average.
Emissions from buildings
represent around 40% of all UK
carbon emissions.
4.5. CO2 Reduction (improved energy efficiency)
There is huge scope for reducing the carbon emissions and improving
the energy efficiency of buildings. As new buildings gradually replace
and augment existing stock there are great opportunities to raise
standards which are often more difficult to achieve retrospectively in
existing buildings. Greater efficiency (leading to lower emissions) can
be achieved by improved building design (including passive energy
design); less heat leakage (better air tightness); better materials
(better insulation) and by using or encouraging more efficient boilers,
light fittings and appliances.
Building Regulations
In ‘Building a Greener Future’ (2007) the Government set out a
timetable for minimum standards for reducing carbon emissions from
new homes. From 2010 all new homes must emit at least 25% less
carbon than the present minimum standard and 44% less by 2013. All
new homes will need to be zero carbon by 2016. These minimum
standards will be reflected in the proposed changes to Building
Regulations. Similar, more rigorous minimum standards for nonresidential buildings are likely to follow.
21
CO2 REDUCTION (IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
Domestic Buildings
Emissions from the domestic housing sector represent around 27% of
all UK carbon emissions. The majority of this is generated by heating
our homes and the hot water we use in them.
There is an opportunity to make a significant improvement in the
efficiency of housing stock in the urban South Hampshire area with the
current requirement to build 80,000 new homes by 2026.
w ater heating
20%
Domestic carbon emissions by end use
for an average home
lighting
6%
space heating
53%
appliances
16%
cooking
5%
22
CO2 REDUCTION (IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
MEASURE
DETAIL
Boiler efficiency
90% plus efficiency gas condensing boilers are much less
carbon hungry than mains supplied electric heating
systems.
Also referred to as Cogeneration - On site generation of
electricity, heat and/or cooling for the public and private
sector. Significantly reduced losses through transmission
compared with conventional energy supply. Can be
installed for a new development or the development can
link to an existing district level system.
Micro Combined Heat & Power (micro CHP) is the
simultaneous production of heat and electricity in
individual homes or in small office buildings. Effectively
the micro CHP unit replaces the gas central heating
boiler and provides heat and hot water as usual, but
additionally provides the majority of the home's
electricity needs.
Added insulation such as loft, floor or cavity wall
insulation or green roofs. More efficient building products
such as gas-filled double or triple glazing with low ‘uvalues’ (high insulation properties).
Buildings need to keep heat leakage through cracks and
heat bridges between walls to a minimum as required by
building regulations.
Appliances such as washing machines and fridges, which
may in some cases be provided by the developer, are
rated under the EU energy efficiency rating system (AA
to G). AA rated appliances will save a significant amount
of electricity. Where appliances are not supplied
developers can provide residents with information on the
most efficient appliances.
Light fittings can be specified which can only take the
most energy-efficient light bulbs which, typically last 12
times longer and use a quarter of the electricity of
normal light bulbs
Combined Heat
and Power
(CHP)
Micro CHP
Insulation
Air tightness
Appliances
Lighting
Energy Efficiency Approaches
23
CO2 REDUCTION (IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
Non-residential Buildings
Emissions from the non-residential building sector represent around
13% of all UK carbon emissions. As with residential buildings the
easiest gains in energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions is
through the use of efficient power sources and the design of building
elements (walls, floors, roofs etc) with low u-values (good insulation
properties). Further significant efficiency gains can be achieved
through better maintenance, metering and the education of building
users.
Cooling
Air conditioning
 Increasing by 8% pa in UK.
 24% office space 11% retail in Eng & Wales.
 Attempts to market it for residential in UK.
 Air conditioning units are rated under the
EU energy efficiency rating system (AA to
G).
 Significant extra carbon emissions and add
to urban heat island effect (raising summer
air temperatures in towns).
Air conditioning
Air conditioned cooling should not be necessary with good building
design in the UK, except for in particular applications (e.g. some
computer rooms). Natural ventilation, solar shading and good thermal
insulation should prevent excessive heat gain in most situations. If
mechanical cooling is absolutely necessary this can be provided more
efficiently via a variety of “free cooling methods”:








night-time cooling, requires fabric to have a high thermal mass,
ground coupled air cooling,
displacement ventilation,
ground water cooling,
surface water cooling,
evaporative cooling, direct or indirect,
desiccant dehumidification and evaporative cooling, using waste
heat,
absorption cooling, using waste heat.
24
CO2 REDUCTION (IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
Code Credits
Up to 15 credits are available under Ene1 (Dwelling Emission Rate as
defined by 2006 Building Regulations Target Emission Rate (TER)).
This measures the predicted carbon emissions from a building
expressed as a percentage improvement on the minimum requirement
under building regulations.
At each level of the Code there is a mandatory % improvement on the
building regulations baseline figure.
CODE LEVELS
Level
Level
Level
Level
Level
Level
1
2
3
4
5
6
(*)
(**)
(***)
(****)
(*****)
(******)
Minimum percentage reduction in
Dwelling Emission Rate over
Target Emission Rate
10%
18%
25%
44%
100%
‘zero carbon home’
BREEAM Credits
All non-residential buildings can gain credits under Ene1 (Percentage
difference of CO2 emissions of the assessed building over a notional
building which is compliant to 2002 Building Regulations).
Other BREEAM credits designed to encourage energy efficiency for
non-residential buildings are awarded for better maintenance,
corporate energy policy, sub-metering and the education of building
users.
25
CO2 REDUCTION (IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
Model Essential Requirement 4.5
The Council requires all residential development to:



Achieve Level 3 of the Code
up to the end of 2011
Achieve Level 4 of the Code
from January 2012
Achieve Level 6 of the Code
from January 2016
The Council requires all non-residential development above 500 sqm of floorspace
to achieve at least
60% of all the available BREEAM Energy credits.
70% from January 2012
80% from January 2016
Compliance Check
Residential:
Up to 2011: Code FSH Level 3 certificates at design stage and post
construction stage
2012-2016: Code FSH Level 4 certificates at design stage and post
construction stage
From 2016: Code FSH Level 6 certificates at design stage and post
construction stage
Non-residential and Multi-residential:
Up to 2011: BREEAM Assessor’s reports at design stage and post
construction stage stating at least 60% of all available BREEAM
Energy credits achieved
2012-2016: 70%
From 2016: 80%
Sustainability Checklist
Q.4.5: What percentage improvement on the maximum carbon
emissions allowable under Building Regulations is proposed for the
new buildings in this development?
26
CO2 REDUCTION (IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY)
Planning Implications
Many of the energy efficiency measures incorporated into the design of
buildings have little or no impact on the external appearance. One
exception is the use of green roofs which are generally seen to be a
positive visual element, unless the context makes them unsuitable.
Further Guidance and References
DEPARTMENT FOR COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Building
Regulations Approved Document L1A - Conservation of fuel and power in new
dwellings (2006) www.communities.gov.uk
BUILDING RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT LTD. The Government’s Standard
Assessment Procedure for Energy Rating of Dwellings, (2005).
Carbon Trust, The Installers Guide to Lighting design – Good Practice Guide 300
(2002)
CARBON TRUST
 GIL065 Metering and Energy Use in New Non-Domestic Buildings - A Guide to
help designers meet Part L2 of the Building Regulations”, (2002).

General Information Report 85 New Ways of Cooling – information for building
Designers

CTV006 Sports and leisure – Introducing energy saving opportunities for
business
CIBSE CIBSE TM39 “Building energy metering - A guide to energy sub-metering in
non-domestic buildings, (2006).
CIBSE, Energy Efficiency in Buildings – Chapter 16: Refurbishment (2004)
CIBSE, Energy efficiency in Buildings – Guide F (2004)
CIBSE, Code for lighting: Society of Light and Lighting (2004)
CIBSE, TM36 Temperature thresholds in buildings (2005)
C Stirling Thermal insulation: avoiding risks, BRE Press, (2002).
COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Improving the energy efficiency of our
buildings: A guide to energy performance certificates for the construction, sale and
let of non-dwellings,(2008).
www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/guidancenondwellings
ENERGY SAVING TRUST www.est.org.uk/housingbuildings/standards
EST, Demonstrating compliance -Advanced practice (2006 edition)
EST, Demonstrating compliance -Best practice (2006 edition)
EST, Demonstrating compliance -Good practice (2006 edition)
27
CO2 REDUCTION (IMPROVED ENERGY EFFICIENCY)



•
•
Insulation materials chart - thermal properties and environmental ratings
(CE71)
Improving airtightness in dwellings (CE137/GPG224)
Energy efficient ventilation in housing. A guide for specifiers (GPG 268)
Energy efficient lighting - a guide for installers and specifiers (CE61)
Low energy domestic lighting (GIL20)
EU, Directive 2002/91/EC Energy Performance in Buildings
G Barney Towards low carbon lifts, http://www.cibseliftsgroup.org/CIBSE/Feature.htm
J N Hacker, SE Belcher, and RK Connell, Beating the Heat: Keeping UK buildings
cool in a warming climate
Mayor of London, Supplementary Planning Guidance Sustainable Design and
Construction
National Home Energy Rating (NHER)
The NHER also provides an assessment of the energy efficiency of a dwelling based
on a wider range of issues than SAP ratings. These include orientation, location,
altitude, size, fuel type, heating and hot water system and household appliances. A
scale of 0 to 10 is used, with a higher score indicating a more energy efficient home.
(A score of 7 conforms to current Building Regulations)
ODPM Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power (New buildings
other than dwellings), (2006).
ODPM, The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) (2005)
ODPM, Part L Building Regulations
PASSIVHAUS: www.passivhaus.org.uk
Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP)
There is a statutory requirement under the Building Regulations for all new dwellings
to be provided with an energy rating using the Government’s Standard Assessment
Procedure. New dwellings are assessed on a scale from 1 to 100 - a higher score
indicating greater energy efficiency. There is no requirement to achieve a minimum
rating under the Building Regulations, however developers will be encouraged to
consider the final energy rating at an early stage in the design process and to seek
to achieve a rating of 80 and above.
This method does not apply to non-residential development.
UKCIP, Briefing Report (2005)
28
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
4.6. Exterior Lighting
There are two separate but related
objectives which are to increase the
energy efficiency and reduce the carbon
emissions from lighting the outside
environment and to reduce light pollution.
What these two objectives have in
common is a desire to reduce waste.
Light Pollution
Light pollution is probably best described as artificial light that is
allowed to illuminate, or pollute, areas not intended to be lit. Among
other effects, it disrupts ecosystems, can cause adverse health effects,
obscures stars to city dwellers, interferes with astronomical
observatories, and wastes energy. Specific categories of light pollution
include light trespass, over-illumination, glare, clutter, and sky
glow. It is common, however, for annoying or wasteful light to fit
several of these categories.
The problem is getting worse. Between 1993 and 2000:



light pollution increased 24% nationally
the amount of truly dark night sky in this country fell from 15%
to 11%
the amount of light-saturated night sky rose to 7%
A light fitting will deliver light where it is needed, but will potentially
also give four areas of unwanted, and wasted, light:
 Spill light - falls outside the area where it is needed, it can be
avoided by pointing the light in the right direction.
 Upward light - this is wasted light shining above a light fitting, it
is entirely avoidable by the correct use of the correct light
fitting. Direct the light downwards wherever possible (this can
also reduce glare).
 Upward reflected light - this is unavoidable and dependant on
the reflectances of the surfaces below the light fitting, (dry
tarmac will commonly reflect 7%, grass about 20-25%). This is
another source of "sky glow". Remedies are to use only as much
light on the surface as is really needed, and to try to select a
surface which minimises reflectance.
 Direct glare - from seeing the bright filament of an unshielded
light, troublesome and dangerous unshielded bright lighting.
29
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Direct glare is more wasted light and can be a major problem. It
is avoided in a properly designed scheme.
Reducing Light Pollution
Reducing light pollution implies many things, such as reducing sky
glow, reducing glare, reducing light trespass, and reducing clutter. The
method for best reducing light pollution, therefore, depends on exactly
what the problem is in any given instance. Possible solutions include:





Utilizing light sources of minimum intensity necessary to
accomplish the light's purpose.
Turning lights off using a timer or occupancy sensor or manually
when not needed.
Improving lighting fixtures, so that they direct their light more
accurately towards where it is needed, and with fewer side
effects.
Adjusting the type of lights used, so that the light waves emitted
are those that are less likely to cause severe light pollution
problems.
Evaluating existing lighting plans, and re-designing some or all
of the plans depending on whether existing light is actually
needed.
Energy Efficiency of External Lighting
Exterior space lighting may be provided with dedicated energy efficient
fittings so that only the most efficient low wattage lights can be used.
Lights in communal car parks and in other situations can also be
powered via photovoltaic cells making them effectively carbon neutral.
Burglar deterrent security lighting should have a power restriction of
no more than 150W and should have movement detecting control
devices as well as daylight cut-off sensors to limit unnecessary use.
Case Studies
Solar Street Light: The Solartech “Pathfinder” street
light. The compact fluorescent lamp is powered by a
110W solar panel. In summer this unit stays
illuminated all night long. In winter the light is dimmed
by 50% and shines for at least 3 to 6 hours. Although
this performance would not be suitable for illuminating
30
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
the highway, it is suitable for other applications and the technology is
improving very rapidly.
Code Credits
There are two potential credits in Ene 6, one for energy efficient space
lighting and the second for security lighting. There are no specific
credits for reducing light pollution.
BREEAM Credits
Issue Ene 4 awards a credit “Where energy efficient external
luminaires are specified and all light fittings controlled for the presence
of daylight.” Pol 7 awards another credit “Where evidence provided
demonstrates that the external lighting design is in compliance with
the guidance in the Institution of Lighting Engineers (ILE) Guidance
notes for the reduction of obtrusive light, 2005.”
Model Essential Requirement 4.6
The Council requires all residential development to:
Use exclusively efficient exterior space and security lighting and achieve the
two available Code Ene 6 credits
The Council requires all non-residential development above 500 sqm of
floorspace to:


Use exclusively efficient exterior space and security lighting and
achieve the BREEAM credit available in Ene 4
Design external lighting to minimize light pollution and achieve the
BREEAM credit available in Pol 7.
Compliance Check
Residential:
Code FSH Assessor’s reports at design stage and post construction
stage stating at least 1 of 2 Code FSH Ene 6 credits achieved.
Non-residential and Multi-residential:
31
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BREEAM Assessor’s reports at design stage and post construction
stage stating both Ene 4 and Pol 7 BREEAM credits achieved
Sustainability Checklist
Q.4.6A: What measures are proposed to minimise the carbon
emissions from external space and security lighting and which
relevant Code or BREEAM credits is the development designed to
achieve?
Q.4.6B: How will the development minimise light pollution from
external lights?
Planning Implications






The reduction in light pollution from new developments helps to
minimise the impact that development has on the night
environment. This is particularly critical in rural environments or
for sites that are near to sensitive habitats, where wildlife may
be adversely affected by the lack of sufficient darkness.
The daytime visual quality of lighting designed to reduce light
pollution is indistinguishable from more polluting lighting units.
More efficient light fittings are also not significantly different
from conventional examples.
An advantage of solar (or wind) powered street lights is that
they can be used in off grid situations and do not need any
underground cabling.
Solar powered or micro wind powered street lights will have a
visual impact which may not be suitable in all situations.
Series of street lights can be powered from a bank of solar
panels (which could be sited on a nearby roof or wall) or from a
medium sized wind generator. This would make the street lights
themselves less obtrusive in the day time.
Further Guidance and References
CARBON TRUST Lighting Guide 007 “Installers’ Guide to the Assessment of Energy
Efficient Lighting Installations”,(2004).
SOCIETY OF LIGHT AND LIGHTING Lighting Guide 6 The outdoor environment
(1992).
SOLAR TECH, www.solartechuk.co.uk
32
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)
4.7. CO2 reduction (Small Scale zero/low carbon
technologies)
There are several technologies which can deliver heat or electrical
energy to buildings with little or no implications for carbon dioxide
emissions. These include:
 Domestic wind energy
 Photovoltaic cells
 Solar water heating
 Biomass Heating
 Micro hydro
Further technologies are able to deliver significantly lower carbon
energy (largely due to their inherent efficiencies when compared to
conventional grid-supplied energy). These include:
 Heat Pumps (air, water, ground and absorption)
 Micro Combined Heat and Power (serving a building)
 Local Combined Heat and Power (serving a site or district)
 District Heating
 Fuel cells
Each site and building type will suit a different technology or a
combination of technologies. Small scale wind turbines are unlikely to
be suitable in most residential parts of the borough. It is
recommended that only installers and products certified by the
Microgeneration Certification Scheme are used (www.ukmicrogeneration.org.uk)
Domestic Wind Energy
Wind turbines convert the power in the wind into electrical energy
using rotating wing-like blades which drive a generator. They can
either be connected to the national grid to export electricity, used
directly for electricity or used to charge batteries for on-site use.




Roof mounted: 1kW, 1.5kW, 2.5kW or
6kW systems
Free standing: 2.5kW upwards
1.5kW turbine, (2m diameter) estimated
to produce 2000kWh/yr (new build 2
bed requires about 2500kWh/yr in
electricity)
6kW turbine (3m diameter, 5m high
blade) estimated to produce
33
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)
8500kWh/yr (new build 5 bed requires about 5,200kWh/yr in
electricity)
Wind turbines can range from small domestic turbines producing
hundreds of watts of energy to large offshore turbines with a capacity
of 3MW and a diameter of 100m. Generally, if the diameter of the
rotor is doubled, the power output is quadrupled.
While horizontal axis wind
turbines (HAWTs or
‘propeller type’) are the
most common, there is
growing interest in vertical
axis wind turbines (VAWT)
particularly in urban
locations where they are
thought to be able to cope
with more turbulent winds.
Wind velocities are the key
factor in the location of wind
turbines. Turbines have a
VAWT
HAWT
cut-in (around 3m/s) and
shut-down (around 25m/s) wind speed, between which the
turbine is able to generate power. The optimum output is at around
12–15m/s. Average wind speeds in South Hampshire tend to be above
4m/s at a height of 10m but sites will vary considerably, particularly at
lower heights; in built up areas; and in well wooded/sheltered areas
where speeds can be lower; and on the coasts and hilltops where
speeds tend to be higher.
Photovoltaic Cells
Photovoltaic cells or panels convert daylight into direct current
electricity. Their operation is silent operation with no moving parts,
leaving minimal operational or maintenance costs.
Although normally placed on the roofs of buildings they can be
integrated into the building fabric, thereby offsetting costs such as
solar shading, roofing or cladding. There may be implications for load
capacity of the roof or structure of a building.
The most efficient position for energy collection is at a 36 o angle
pointing due south. The cells become much less efficient when more
than 45 o from due south. They do not require direct sunlight, though
care must be taken to avoid overshadowing. PV cells are more efficient
at lower temperatures so ideally they require good ventilation.
34
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)
Most photovoltaic cells have a lifespan of at least 15–20 years.
Historically they been expensive, with a long payback time but prices
are dropping each year.
PV cladding
(Source XCO2)





PV Roof tile
Roof-mounted PV array
Could meet 40-60% of a homes electricity needs (16-20m2) for
2kWp system
Saves about 25% of total carbon emissions from a home
Not ideal for high rise flats as only small area of roof
Not ideal for schools as not being used during summer months
when maximum output
Ideal for offices as peak output coincides with daytime usage
Solar Water Heating
Solar water heating harnesses the sun’s
rays to heat water that can
then be used for either space heating or,
more commonly, domestic hot water
heating. The system consists of solar
collectors that are often roof-mounted.
Water or oil is passed through the
collectors to a heat exchanger in the hot
water cylinder, which will also have a topup heat source from a conventional
system.



Can be either flat plate or evacuated tube collectors (more
efficient).
Does not require direct sunlight, though care must be taken to
avoid overshadowing.
Normally roof-mounted but can be wall-mounted.
35
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)



•
•
•
•
Can be used with combination boilers although requires hot
water storage cylinder.
Lifespan of at least 20 to 25 years.
Meets 50% of a homes hot water
needs (3-4m2).
Saves about 10% of total carbon
emissions from a home
Not ideal for high rise flats as only
top floors can be served, small roof
area.
Not ideal for schools as not being
used during summer months when
performing best.
Offices have very small hot water demand.
Heat Pumps
In the UK, the earth, about 2 metres below our feet, keeps a
constant temperature of about 11-12C throughout the year.
Because of the ground's high thermal mass, it stores heat
from the sun during the summer. Ground Source Heat Pumps draw
heat stored in the ground from the sun and transfer it to a storage
device, normally in the form of water held in a well insulated storage
tank. The hot water is then used for domestic purposes such as
washing and bathing and can be used in an underfloor heating system
to provide space heating.
The ground heat exchanger is a loop or coil of pipe that is buried in the
ground. A fluid consisting mainly of water mixed with antifreeze
circulates through the loop and increases in temperature by absorbing
heat from the surrounding soil.
Typically for every unit of electricity used
to pump the heat, 3-4 units of heat are
produced, making it an efficient way of
heating a
building,
particularly through underfloor heating.
Even if national grid electricity is used to
run the compressor, the system will still
produce less carbon emissions than even
the most efficient condensing gas or oil
boiler with the same output. If the
36
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)
electricity is supplied by another renewable source then the heat pump
is completely carbon free.
Three options are available for the ground loop: borehole, straight
horizontal and spiral horizontal (or 'slinky'). Horizontal trenches can
cost less than boreholes, but require greater land area. Vertical
systems – pipes bored into the ground to a depth of 15m–150m,
require very little ground space
Open loop systems which extract water and discharge back are also
possible as large water bodies also maintain a relatively constant
temperature.
The average home has a heating load of
around 6-8kW (less, if very well
insulated)). For slinky coil this would
require trenches totalling 60-80m, 5m
apart. The garden size would need to be
correspondingly generous.
Garden accommodating 60m of trenches
Heat pumps can also be used to cool buildings in summer as they are
able to extract coolth from the ground. This is possible as in summer
the ground temperature (around 12 o C) will be well below the average
daytime air temperature. Air source heat pumps are also available but
are less efficient.
Biomass Heating
Organic materials are burnt
directly to provide heat to serve
individual homes or larger
block/district heating networks.
The fuel is usually wood chips or
pellets which can be sourced from
waste wood from local joineries,
forestry or park waste or from
specific energy crops such as short
rotation coppice (e.g. willow) or
Miscanthus grass.
Biomass heating is often the most cost effective way of meeting 10%
or higher renewables targets. The fuel is renewable and carbon neutral
as the CO2 released in burning is replaced when the plants in the
37
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)
replacement crop capture the same quantity of CO2 from the
atmosphere during their lifetime.
Micro CHP
Currently 60% of the carbon emissions produced through electricity
generation (almost a quarter of
the UK's total emissions), are
lost as waste heat. Using this
excess heat and generating as
close to the end user as
possible creates very significant
efficiencies and carbon savings.
Micro combined heat and power
(CHP) (also called domestic
cogeneration) generates heat
and electricity in a small
generator similar in size to a
domestic fridge. The fuel is
usually gas but other fuels are
sometimes used. Any excess
(Source: E.ON)
electricity can be exported to the grid which can also supply any
shortfall.
Micro Hydro
Harnessing hydro power at micro power level
means typically under 100kW and involves
utilising naturally flowing water on land, usually
rivers and streams. The type of turbine that is
submerged into the water depends upon the site,
geological formation of the land and flow of
water present.
Hydraulic power can be captured wherever a flow
of water falls from a higher level to a lower level.
This may occur where a stream runs down a
hillside or a river passes over a waterfall or manmade weir, or where a reservoir discharges
water back into the main river.
38
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)
Council Carbon Fund
Some smaller sites (below 10 dwellings or 1000 sqm of non-residential
floorspace) may find the on-site production of low/zero carbon energy
too difficult. In these cases an off-site contribution may be an option.
See Eastleigh Borough Council’s ‘Carbon Free’ scheme
Code Credits
One credit is available under Ene 7 (Zero or Low Carbon Energy
Technologies) where energy is supplied from local renewable or low
carbon energy sources designed and installed in a manner endorsed by
a feasibility study prepared by an independent energy specialist and
there is a 10% reduction in carbon emissions as a result of this
method of supply.
A second credit is available if the carbon reduction is 15%
BREEAM Credits
There are up to three credits for employing zero or low carbon energy
technologies in Ene 5 and they will help to gain credits under Ene 1
which requires reductions in carbon emissions.
Model Essential Requirement 4.7
The Council requires all new residential development to achieve*:


Up to the end of 2011 at least one Code Ene 7 credit (10%
carbon emissions reductions via local low/zero carbon energy)
from January 2012 two Code Ene 7 credits (15% carbon emissions
reductions via local low/zero carbon energy)
The Council requires all new non-residential and multi-residential development
(over 500 sqm of floorspace) to achieve*:


at least two BREEAM Ene 5 credits (10% carbon emissions reductions
via local low/zero carbon energy)
from January 2012 three BREEAM Ene 5 credits (15% carbon
emissions reductions via local low/zero carbon energy)
*
For all developments where it can be proved to the satisfaction of the Council that
the full percentage requirement cannot be met on site or local to the site for reasons
of technical non feasibility, a contribution to the Council’s Carbon Fund may be
39
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)
negotiated for the shortfall based on a figure equal to the most expensive zero
carbon technology.
Compliance Check
Residential:
Up to the end of 2011: Code FSH Assessor’s reports at design stage
and post construction stage stating at least 1 Ene 7 credit achieved.
From 2012: Code FSH Assessor’s reports at design stage and post
construction stage stating both Ene 7 credits achieved.
Non-residential and Multi-residential:
Up to the end of 2011: BREEAM Assessor’s reports at design stage
and post construction stage stating at least 2 BREEAM Ene 5 credits
achieved.
From 2012: BREEAM Assessor’s reports at design stage and post
construction stage all 3 BREEAM Ene 5 credits achieved.
Planning Implications
Wind:
 The Council will need to give planning permission for the
installation of wind turbines, particularly in urban areas.
 The government review of GPDO is expected to relax domestic
restrictions on the smaller wind turbines.
 There is a clear visual impact which will be particularly important
in conservation areas and with listed buildings.
 Other considerations are the noise of the rotors and the
structural safety of buildings that turbines are attached to.
Heat Pumps:
 Heat pumps produce some noise - similar to that of an oil fired
boiler. Unlike a boiler, they also produce vibration. For this
reason, heat pumps should always be installed away from
occupied spaces. The best place is in a utility room, or at the
back of a garage.
 No visual impact as all kit underground or in a plant room,
unless air source (which looks like an air conditioning unit).
 Water open loop systems using a lake or other water body may
need an EA licence.
 The suitability of geology/ soil and the presence of underground
services need to be considered.
40
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)

Bore holes will also require suitable geology and possibly a
permit from the Environment Agency.
 The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted
Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2008 make ground
and water source heat pumps “within the curtilage of a dwelling
house” permitted development.
Biomass Heating:
 Plant room should be in basement
of tallest part of development.
 Requires a flue, ending above roof
line.
 Can burn smokelessly to comply
with Clean Air Act.
 Significant fuel storage is required
adjacent to the boiler.
 Automatic feeding from hopper/
silo/ walking floor may be proposed
for larger projects.
 The fuel storage needs to be
accessible by lorry. 1 delivery a
week in the winter might be
typical.
 Where the fuel is coming from and
supply chain issues need to be considered.
 The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted
Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2008 make “the
installation, alteration or replacement of a flue, forming part of a
biomass heating system, on a dwelling house” permitted
development.
 Expected flue emissions may need to be discussed with the
Council’s Environmental Health section.
PV Cells:
• Can be roof mounted, roof integrated, building integrated
• Roofs should be orientated within 45° of south, 30° angle is
optimum and unshaded by adjacent buildings/trees
• Visual impact of the systems, particularly in conservation areas
• The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted
Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2008 make PV
cells permitted development (subject to certain restrictions), for
residential development with the exception of listed buildings
and with some further restrictions in a conservation area.
• It can be possible to locate these on the ground in the right
circumstances rather on the roof
41
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)
Solar Water Heating:
 To maximise the efficiency of systems, larger hot water storage
cylinders than would normally be installed for gas or oil-fired
systems are usually required. (Airing cupboards will need to be
designed to allow for this.)
 Sufficient roof space is necessary for mounting the collector
(usually 2-5m2) in a southerly orientated direction (this may
require reorientation of some properties or the use of hipped
roofs).
 The intended location for the collector must not be shaded by
any obstructions (such as trees and other buildings).
 The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted
Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2008 make solar
thermal heating cells permitted development (subject to certain
restrictions) for residential development, with the exception of
listed buildings and with some further restrictions in a
conservation area.
 It can be possible to locate these on the ground in the right
circumstances rather on the roof
Micro CHP:
 Few planning issues but space will be required to accommodate
the generator unit.
 Biomass CHP will have similar implications as Biomass heating
systems.
Micro Hydro:
 EA permission may be required.
 Possible effects on local biodiversity and/or amenity.
CHP/District Heating:
 A chimney will be required
Size of energy demand will dictate size of power plant
Further Guidance and References
TCPA, General: Sustainable Energy by Design
London Renewables, ‘Integrating renewable energy into new developments: A
toolkit for planners, developers and consultants‘ (2004)
ODPM, Planning Policy Statement 22: Renewable Energy (2004)
ODPM, Best Practice Guidance to PPS 22: Renewable Energy (2004)
DCLG, The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)
(Amendment) (England) Order 2008.
Energy Saving Trust, Domestic Ground Source Heat Pumps (CE82/GPG339)
42
CO2 REDUCTION (ZERO/LOW CARBON TECHNOLOGIES)
Energy Saving Trust, Design and installation of closed loop systems available from:
An exemplary low energy office (The National Energy Centre)
http://www.nef.org.uk/aboutus/phase2.htm
Energy Saving Trust, www.est.org.uk/housingbuildings
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform,
http://www.berr.gov.uk/
For advice and information about renewable energy technologies and other energy
saving measures for your home: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/
The UK Heat Pump Network, www.heatpumpnet.org.uk
The Heat Pump Association (part of the Federation of Environmental Trade
Associations), www.feta.co.uk
The IEA Heat Pump Centre - includes case studies for ground source heat pump
installations,
www.heatpumpcentre.org
Photovoltaic cells
British Photovoltaic Association, A Guide to Photovoltaic Systems,
www.greenenergy.org.uk
Solar water heating
The Energy Saving Trust, Solar Water Heating,
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/generate_your_own_energy/types_of_renewables/sol
ar_water_heating
A good image can be found at http://www.solartwin.com/easy_to_plumb_in.php
Heat from waste
EU, Directorate General for Energy and Transport, www.managenergy.net
43
ZERO CARBON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
4.8. Zero Carbon Residential Developments
Government definition of a zero carbon home:
A zero carbon home is one with ‘zero net emissions of Carbon Dioxide
(CO2) from all energy use in the home’. The definition encompasses all
energy use in the home (including energy for cooking, TVs, computers
and other appliances) rather than just those energy uses that are
currently part of building regulations (space heating, hot water,
ventilation and some lighting). It means that over a year there are no
net carbon emissions resulting from the operation of the dwelling. This
could be achieved either through steps taken at the individual dwelling
level or through site wide strategies. So it will not be necessary for
each dwelling to have its own micro generation capacity where
development level solutions would be more appropriate.
(Source: DCLG press release 13 December 2006).
By 2016 the Government has announced that all new homes built in
the UK should be Zero Carbon and since October 2007 all new build
Zero Carbon Homes are Stamp Duty Land Tax Exempt.
This level of environmentally sustainable development will be more
challenging for developers. Although each site and each building will
adopt different design measures to achieve a net zero carbon
development, listed below are some common factors which will need
to be considered:
Reduce Energy Demand
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Incorporate high levels of insulation in roof and walls (down to
0.11 U-Value)
Design to achieve maximum air tightness throughout the
building envelope
Install windows and doors with greater thermal performance
Orientate the home to maximise space heating from winter sun
and shade from cold Northerly winds
Incorporate draft lobby at entrances to reduce mass migration of
heat when doors are opened
Install ventilation with heat recovery that are at least 95%
efficient
Use low energy lighting throughout ( 1W LED equal to 60W
standard lamp)
Incorporate the most energy efficient appliances
Reduce hot water pipe runs with efficient plumbing design and
insulate all pipes
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ZERO CARBON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
Reduce Peak Energy Demand
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Use intelligent software to prioritise the use of appliances and
stagger their use
Incorporate electrical circuit design reducing power demand
whilst appliances are on standby
Install motion detection lighting and timer delay lighting
Install Renewable Energy Generating Devices
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Consider using ground or air source heat pumps for hot water
and space heating
Consider use of biomass fuelled hot water and space heating
Consider small scale urban wind turbines to generate electrical
power
Consider installing photovoltaics (PV) to generate electrical
power
Consider biomass fuelled micro or community combined heat
and power plants
Consider small scale hydro electric (Where applicable)
Store or Export Unused Energy Generated
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Incorporate 'kinetic' battery systems to store unused energy
generated
Design to export back to the national grid any unused energy
generated
Case Studies
In 2007 the first Code Level 6 show
home, “The Lighthouse”, was
constructed at the BRE site at Garston.
One of the key requirements of Code
Level 6 is for the home to be designed
produce zero net carbon emissions
once occupied.
The Lighthouse Ecohouse by Kingspan
Code Credits
Zero Carbon achieves the maximum 15 Ene1 credits. Code level 6
requires net zero carbon dwellings.
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ZERO CARBON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
BREEAM Credits
Zero Carbon achieves the maximum number of Ene1 credits.
Model Policy 4.8
The Council requires:
all new residential development above 250 dwellings to
achieve Code level 6 for at least 10% of homes*.
*
Including phased development
Compliance Check
Code FSH Level 6 certificates at design stage and post construction
stage for at least 10% of all dwellings where all phases total more
than 250 dwellings.
Sustainability Checklist
Q.4.8: What percentage of buildings in this development will be
designed to emit zero carbon emissions annually?
Planning Implications
Zero Carbon and Code Level 6 homes are likely to exhibit design
elements which are a product of their highly efficient function and
often their on-site production of renewable energy. Some changes will
be relatively insignificant visually (CHP or district heating supplied
energy) or invisible (more efficient insulation, ground source heat
pumps).
Micro-renewable technologies such as wind turbines, solar water
heating and photovoltaic cells or tiles are likely to have much greater
visual impact. Building shape and orientation will also need to respond
to the requirements of passive solar gain and natural ventilation
systems
Further Guidance and References
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ZERO CARBON RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS
LONDON ENERGY PARTNERSHIP, Towards Zero Carbon Developments,
http://www.lep.org.uk/uploads/towards_zero_carbon_developments.pdf
Government Guidance:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/archived/publications/planningandbuilding/buildingg
reener
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GLOSSARY (ENERGY/CO2)
GLOSSARY
‘Residential’ refers to all new houses and flats but not to extensions
and conversions.
‘Multi-residential’ refers to institutional accommodation such as
student halls of residence or sheltered housing for the elderly
‘Non-residential’ refers to all other building uses such as offices,
retail buildings, schools, industrial buildings etc.
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