Product category:
Building Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
News Release from: Energy Saving Trust (EST) | Subject: zero-emission targets
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 27 October 2003
Energy Saving Trust Aims For
Zero-Emission Housing
The Energy Saving Trust (EST) wants Government to focus on zero-emission targets for new buildings when it introduces changes to building regulations in 2005.
In response to the Better Building Summit, a conference to discuss future sustainability for UK housing today, EST said it would also like to see more builders fitting renewable technologies in residential and industrial buildings The Energy Saving Trust has developed the Best Practice Programme which sets energy efficiency standards above current regulations and wants the Government to use Best Practice as a benchmark for changes to building regulations in 2005
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 18 Jul 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
New Portal For Free Energy Efficiency Advice
A new website packed with free technical information and online tools has been launched by the Energy Saving Trust to help the building profession become more energy efficient.
EST Publishes 'Whole House Specification'
Energy efficiency specifications for new housing is the topic of the latest guide from the Energy Saving Trust (EST).
This will mean improved insulation standards for walls and roofs and the installation of high efficiency heating systems.
In addition, all lighting should be energy efficient and appliances should be A-rated.
Philip Sellwood, Chief Executive of the Energy Saving Trust said: "Zero emissions for heating homes by 2012 is achievable as can be seen in high profile new developments such as Bedzed, in the London borough of Sutton.
However, we need to encourage take-up of renewable technologies in the home and drive energy efficiency standards even higher.
"Renewable energy in particular is no longer the preserve of science fiction as advances in technology mean it can be used by many homes in the UK." Homes can use renewable energy sources such as wind, water and heat from the ground to generate electricity, hot water and heating.
The supply of these sources is inexhaustible, in contrast to fossil fuels that increase our carbon emissions when burnt.
There are a variety of renewable technologies that can be used in people's homes and gardens: * Photovoltaic Cells (PV) - Solar Electricity * Solar Hot Water * Geothermal * Micro-Wind * Biomass The main benefit of renewable energy is that it produces little or no CO2 emissions.
Although there sometimes is a higher up-front cost, renewable technology has lower running costs, which will often cover its capital cost over their lifetime.
Funding is also available for homeowners to help subsidise the cost of installation.
Free expert advice for the building profession on energy efficiency and renewable energy is available by calling 0845 120 7799.
Alternatively, visit www.est.org.uk/bestpractice.
EST has also produced a Best Practice Guide, which shows four examples of housing where renewable technology has been successfully used.
Details of funding for homeowners can be found at www.saveenergy.co.uk/renewables.
• Energy Saving Trust (EST): contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
