Summary: Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Assessment, renewable energy options study, renewable energy tender specification for M&E

House at Design Stage assessment seeking level 5

Client: LED Architects Ltd

Key suppliers: Anient Ltd

                        Southwest solar

                        Microgeneration Ltd

Completion Date: August 2009

Leading Energy supported the consultancy group Anient Ltd for this renewable energy project. LED Architects Ltd is an architectural practice based in the South-West with a commitment to sustainability and environmental design.

The Ecohouse is a large detached property in a rural setting with a breathable board construction on a pre-fabricated timber frame insulated with recycled paper.

The project started with the renewable energy feasibility study to help the client decide on the most effective technology to suit their aspirations and the locality. This was an iterative process combined with SAP modelling to enable informed decision making. This evolved into a detailed tender specification for the renewable energy package which included a biomass pellet boiler, thermal store, solar thermal and photovoltaics. The mandatory water requirements of 80l per person per day are met with a Polypipe rainwater harvesting system.

Budget constraints forced a compromise on the desired glass U values. The client’s overall commitment to achieving a code for sustainable homes level 5 rating has meant that additional PV have been specified at a later stage.

A key learning point for CSH projects is the level of detail required for responsible sourcing of materials (Mat2 and Mat3). The architect and client were committed to responsibly sourced timber and insulation but certification of glass, roof tiles and quarried stone, although sourced from local suppliers with sustainability statements, did not meet the stringent requirements of CSH.

Despite landscaping improvements to increase the biodiversity of the site full ecological credits were not available as an ecologist had not been appointed early enough to implement all recommendations. Eco4 credits are sought for the increased species count on the site from wildflower and bank planting

Useful links:          

ledarchitects         anient

 microgeneration  southwest solar