Abstract
This paper describes research carried out to understand better the current and future emphases emerging from practice for the design and development of “Passive House” and low energy buildings. The paper initially discusses the extant position, particularly with regards to the UK and considers how regulation and assessment systems have changed in recent years, as well as projecting ideas forward taking account of contemporary political situations. Relevant previous research into Passive House and low energy design and construction is then reviewed. The need for greater understanding of professionals and their communication/collaboration with clients were identified as important factors impacting development. Those involved in the design and construction practice therefore have key roles in the process of enhancing energy efficiency. Five industry/practice based professional organizations were interviewed in-depth to gain insights into their experience of current low energy design, and to extrapolate the outcomes to future scenarios. The method employed used a structured interview technique with key question areas to lead the discussion. The anonymized responses discussed are grouped around key themes. Evidence suggests there has been a move towards the adoption of voluntary high level standards because of potential limitations with mandatory regulations and because of perceived additional benefits of higher quality design. This change is now more than previously, being driven by informed clients, design professionals, and the industry, with regulation taking a secondary role. New opportunities and barriers are becoming evident and these require further consideration.
Highlights
Dealing with global climate change and ensuring the efficient use of resources are continuing requirements for sustainable human life on planet Earth
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has frequently signaled in its reports the importance associated with reducing energy demand in buildings
The research upon which this paper is based was initiated in 2014 with the holding of broad workshop/symposium discussions with practitioners of sustainable and low energy design. This exercise indicated a need to understand in depth some of the barriers and the support mechanisms that impacted the procurement of low energy buildings in practice
Summary
Dealing with global climate change and ensuring the efficient use of resources are continuing requirements for sustainable human life on planet Earth. The use of energy in buildings results in both significant emissions of carbon dioxide (associated with the causes of global climate change) and a major demand for the consumption of precious energy resources. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has frequently signaled in its reports the importance associated with reducing energy demand in buildings. It stated in its fifth and latest report in 2014 that “recent improvements in performance and costs make very low energy construction and retrofits of buildings economically attractive, sometimes even at net negative costs” [1]. Aspirations ought to be: to exceed regulation standards in order to prepare for future upgrades to standards; to meet the broader global challenges; and to provide consumers/occupants and other stakeholders with higher quality and more energy efficient alternatives
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