I’m sitting back and enjoying having a truly happy client. Let me explain.
I’ve just finished a sustainability and running costs review for an extension to an existing house.
It was to be built to building regulations but the client also wanted advice on making it more sustainable. So, a few calculation and models later, plus some simple suggestions, and we have halved the heat loss from the fabric and reduced electricity consumption!
In the process the building is also going to be lighter and fresher to live in as well as more comfortable and appealing. Naturally they are delighted and I’m feeling a tad smug!
It’s really a case of making the simplest of suggestions at the design stage:
- thicker insulation in the walls and roof
- a high specification for the windows
- a few simple additions that are not on the standard list like:
- a simple heat recovery on the bathroom ventilation instead of extractor fans
- using light-tubes to supplement windows in the kitchen and entrance lobby.
What is often forgotten in these cases is that there are two other gains over and above heating costs.
- The capital cost of the heating system should be reduced because the peak heat input in the winter will be lower; fewer, smaller radiators and a small boiler.
- In the cool but not cold weather of the autumn and spring, the building will hold its heat overnight and you may not need the heating at all for a few weeks longer than if it were a conventional building. This saves on running costs, of course, but with fewer starts and stops it should also make your heating system more reliable.
Lots of wins simply by thinking a bit at the design stage! If you have more ideas on this topic please leave and comment or call Tony at Charlie Laing Ltd.
