Abstract
This paper examines the thermal performance of housing in the UK and the associated costs for different fabric construction methods of the envelope for a typical four bedroom detached house. The energy ratings were assessed using the UK Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), which is based on the Building Research Establishment Domestic Energy Model. The capital costs were estimated from data published by the Building Cost Information Services applied to Leicester UK area in 2011. Through alterations to the dwelling fabric alone, a reduction of 30.1% in carbon emissions of the base property could be achieved. Standard methods proved to be as effective as alternative methods at reducing carbon emissions by 22.6% for an average capital cost increase of 9.1% against the base property. This was equivalent to an extra cost of £13.7 for each kg of CO2 emissions reduction. It was found that alternative methods could reduce carbon emissions by 20.5% for an extra cost of 18.4% over the base property. The optimum construction method that would help achieve the UK government’s carbon emissions target was also discussed. The paper also discusses the methods for improving energy efficiency in new extensions to existing dwellings, using a typical solid-wall terraced house with a new single storey extension, as a case study. In this study, it was found that by increasing refurbishment costs by only 4.7% could result in carbon emissions reduction by 21.7%.
Highlights
BackgroundApproximately 45% of the UK total carbon emissions are a result of energy consumption in buildings [1]
The energy efficiency of the dwelling will be assessed using the UK Government’s Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP), while the costs will be estimated from data published by the Building Cost Information Services applied to Leicester UK area in 2011
The costs were estimated from data published by Building Cost Information Services applied to Leicester UK area in 2011
Summary
45% of the UK total carbon emissions are a result of energy consumption in buildings [1]. Building Regulations are getting progressively more demanding and in 2008 the Climate Change Act sets the UK government target at 34% and 80% reductions in carbon emissions by 2020 and 2050 respectively based on 1990 levels [2]. The 24 million UK dwellings accounts for approximately 27% of the total carbon emissions [3] due to space heating for the provision of internal comfort conditions. All new homes in England will have to be net zero carbon by 2016 This has prompted further changes to UK Building Regulations between 2010 and 2016 calling for a 25% reduction in carbon emissions by 2010 and a further 44% reduction by 2013, leading to net zero carbon by 2016
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