Ian Fraser has joined the CIBSE Low Carbon Consultants register and is able to offer advice on low carbon technologies, energy saving and sustainable energy solutions.

 

Low carbon design is being driven by legislation via EPBD (The European Directive on the energy performance of buildings) increase in profitability, cost savings, corporate and individuals demands, aspirations and desire to do the right thing.

Note the United Kingdom's energy consumption of delivered energy is approximately 47% Buildings, 34% Transport, 18% Industrial and 1% Other. It is therefore not surprising that non-domestic UK buildings Carbon Dioxide emissions are over 50% of the total CO2 emissions. Thus to make a serious reduction in CO2 emissions it is essential to conserve and reduce the fuel and power being used in new and existing buildings.

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UK Conservation of Fuel & Power Legislation

The United Kingdom has only recently April 2006 brought in mandatory regulations relating to the conservation of fuel and power in buildings, these regulations cover both domestic and non-domestic buildings and set out mandatory criteria which are required to be met when constructing new buildings, new extensions to existing buildings, refurbishment and replacement of existing buildings.

Non Domestic (click link on left hand side to open)

Approved Document L2A - Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings.
Approved Document L2B - Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings

SEBM (Simplified Energy Building Model) calculation tool to be used to determine the Target Emission Rate (TER) CO2 emission rates per square meter which must be met or bettered.

Energy Performance Certificates for all buildings other than dwellings to be introduced shortly giving an Asset Rating for the building based upon the CO2 emission rates per square meter.

Energy Display Certificates for all buildings other than dwellings also to be introduced shortly, which are to be based on the actual energy used by the building, these are to be displayed in the foyer of public buildings.

Domestic (click link on left hand side to open)

Approved Document L1A - Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings.
Approved Document L1B - Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings

SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculation tool to be used to determine the Target Emission Rate (TER) CO2 emission rates per square meter which must be met or bettered.

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While energy saving is very much worthwhile and must be applauded, “Sustainable Energy” is the nettle that must be grasped for long term survival.

Sustainable energy is not so much about energy saving but using benign energy sources in a responsible manor.  The worlds primary energy is currently produced form non renewable sources of coal, gas and oil. 

The UK’s current total delivered energy consumption by buildings is approximately 63% domestic, 28% commercial/public and 9% industrial. 

The UK's current electricity generation mix is 38% gas, 32% coal (mostly imported), 23% nuclear, 4% oil and the remaining 3% renewable technologies.   Clearly this is not sustainable and the only viable energy sources for the long term are those derived from the existing massive geophysical forces, such as, wind, waves, tide and sun. 

The UK’s and the majority of the worlds use of technologies to harness sustainable energy sources is somewhat piecemeal, compared to some European countries, where a variety of technologies are regularly used, low noise wind turbines for domestic use, ground water heat pump systems, several solar farms are planned and in operation in Germany and roads used as solar collectors in Holland. The latter being of enormous potential as roads, airport tarmac, playgrounds, car parks are potentially mass solar collectors of free energy. This free energy could be stored in aquifers at 60-80 metre below ground for use throughout the year, roads could be kept free of ice as well as providing heating or cooling for commercial & domestic use.

The spectre of climate change has forced world governments, prime movers and the people of the world to seriously consider CO2 output reduction and the development of technologies, expertise and innovation required to harness viable and economic Sustainable Energy sources.

As they say, "We are at the start of the beginning".

IFP wish to be at the forefront of this challenge and look upon it as an opportunity to become "Sustainable Energy, Low & Zero Carbon Technology Experts"

 

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