Southwest Environmental Limited

SWEL were approached by a firm of architects who were themselves project managers for a large multi unit development in London. The project built on a brown field site was expected to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5.

With a DER of 0 kg/CO2/m2 the new development employed combined heat and power plus photovoltaic cells. Very high fabric energy efficiency was employed at ever stage with very large thicknesses of high performance insulants. Details of the project scoring can be found below.

2.1       Energy and Carbon

2.1.1    Dwelling Emission Rate

The modelled[1] 3 bedroom apartment will achieve a dwelling emission rate of -1.36 kg/sq.m. That is to say a 100% reduction in line with CSH Level 5. Calculations are provided in Appendix 2.

2.1.2    Fabric Energy Efficiency

To make the best use of energy gains the building envelope will have very high efficiency. The project demonstrates a modeled fabric energy efficiency of ≤36.7 kWh/m²/year. Calculations are displayed in Appendix 2.

2.1.3    Assessment Criteria

2.1.4    Energy Display Devices

In order to understand energy consumption, occupants should be able to observe and monitor energy usage. Electricity consumption data will displayed to occupants by a correctly specified energy display device. The community heating scheme will make reporting of primary heating consumption difficult to achieve.

2.1.5    Drying Space

If drying space is not provided residents may use radiators for drying clothing etc. This lowers the efficiency of the heating system and as such adequate drying space should be provided. 2 meters of drying line will be provided per Bedroom.

2.1.6    Energy Labelled White Goods

“A” rated washing machines and A+ rated fridges and freezers are to be provided.

2.1.7    External Lighting

All external and communal areas are to be fitted with low energy lighting.

2.1.8    Low and Zero Carbon Technologies

The project incorporates photovoltaic and combined heat and power for space heating and domestic hot water supply.

2.1.9    Cycle Storage

Encouraging the uses of cycles promotes better health and lowers travel related carbon emissions.

2.1.10  Home Office

Adequate space will be provided that receives an average daylighting factor of 1.5% in line with BRE guide BR 209[2].

2.2       Water

2.2.1    Indoor Water Use

Indoor Water use will be limited to <80 litres per resident per day. Water usage calculations are shown in Appendix 3.

 2.2.2    External Water Use

Attenuation rates are bettered post development, and it is not thought a rain water harvesting system is required.

2.3       Materials

2.3.1    Environmental Impact of Materials

At least three of the following five key elements of the building envelope will achieve a rating of A+ to D in the 2008 version of The Green Guide: 

·         Roof 

·         External walls 

·         Internal walls (including separating walls) 

·         Upper and ground floors (including separating floors) 

·         Window

2.3.2    Responsible Sourcing of Materials – Fabric

80% of the assessed materials in the following Building Elements will be responsibly sourced: 

·         Frame 

·         Ground floor 

·         Upper floors (including separating floors) 

·         Roof 

·         External walls 

·         Internal walls (including separating walls) 

·         Foundation/substructure (excluding sub-base materials)

·         Staircase 

Additionally, 100% of any timber in these elements will be legally sourced. E.g. FSC Wood.

2.3.3    Responsible Sourcing of Materials – Finish

80% of the assessed materials in the following Building Elements will be responsibly sourced: 

·         Frame 

·         Ground floor 

·         Upper floors (including separating floors) 

·         Roof 

·         External walls 

·         Internal walls (including separating walls) 

·         Foundation/substructure (excluding sub-base materials)

·         Staircase 

Additionally, 100% of any timber in these elements will be legally sourced. E.g. FSC Wood.

2.4       Surface Water Run-off

2.4.1    Surface Water Run-off Management

Pre-development run-off rates are to be bettered, as per details in report S13-095 SS.

2.4.2    Flood Risk

Project is situated wholly within flood zone 1.

2.5       Waste

2.5.1    Storage of Non-recyclable / Recyclable Wastes

In line with BS 5906:2005, 30 Litres of dedicated Internal Storage for 3 number bins no less than 7 litres in volume.

For flats, a private recycling scheme operator will be appointed to maintain bins and collect recyclable waste regularly. Recycling containers will:

·         Be located in an adequate external space

·         Be sized according to the frequency of collection, based on guidance from the recycling scheme operator

·         Store at least three types of recyclable waste in identifiably different bins

2.5.2    Construction Site Waste Management

There will be a compliant Site Waste Management Plan (SWMP) that contains:

·         Target benchmarks for resource efficiency, i.e. m³ of waste per 100 m2or tonnes of waste per 100 m² set in accordance with best practice 

·         Procedures and commitments to minimize non-hazardous construction waste at design stage. Specify waste minimisation actions relating to at least 3 waste groups and support them by appropriate monitoring of waste.

·         Procedures for minimising hazardous waste

·         Monitoring, measuring and reporting of hazardous and non-hazardous site waste production according to the defined waste groups (according to the waste streams generated by the scope of the works)

2.5.3    Composting

Islington Borough Council operates a composting scheme. Bins will be provided for adequate segregation of bio degradable waste as per 2.5.1.

2.6       Pollution

2.6.1    Global Warming Potential of Insulants

In line with BRE guide FB27[3] appropriate insulation will be chosen that has a GWP <5. This should be utilised in all main elements of construction.

2.6.2    NOx Emissions

The prosed gas turbine CHP system will have a NOx emissions of 1.1 g/KWh[4].

2.7       Health & Wellbeing

2.7.1    Daylighting

Kitchens will achieve a minimum Average Daylight Factor of at least 2%. All living rooms, dining rooms and studies (including any room designated as a home office under Ene 9 – Home Office) will achieve a minimum Average Daylight Factor of at least 1.5% inline with BRE guide BR 209[5].

2.7.2    Sound Insulation

Airborne sound insulation values will be at least 3dB higher. Impact sound insulation values are at least 3dB lower.

2.7.3    Private Space

Winter gardens provide external spaces that is;

·         Of a minimum size that allows all occupants to use the space. 

·         Provided with inclusive access and usability

·         Accessible only to occupants of designated dwellings

2.7.4    Lifetime Homes

The project will meet all principals of Lifetime Homes.

2.8       Management

2.8.1    Home User Guide

Provision of a Home User Guide, compiled in accordance with Checklist Man 1[6], Part 1, together with confirmation that the guide is available in alternative formats.

2.8.2    Considerate Constructors Scheme

There will be a commitment to meet best practice under a nationally or locally recognised certification scheme such as the Considerate Constructors Scheme.

2.8.3    Construction Site Impacts

Obtaining points from the following may be possible depending on principal contractors reporting methods.

2.8.3    Security

An Architectural Liaison Officer (ALO) or Crime Prevention Design Advisor (CPDA) from the local police force will be consulted at the design stage and their recommendations are incorporated into the design of the dwelling

2.9       Ecology

2.9.1    Ecological Value of the Site

The development site is confirmed as land of inherently low ecological value.

2.9.2    Ecological Enhancement

A suitably qualified ecologist will be appointed to recommend appropriate ecological features that will positively enhance the ecology of the site. The developer will adopt all key recommendations and 30% of additional recommendations.

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