The Low-Carbon House: Contents
Introduction
The Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) sets out the Government's road map for achieving sustainable 'Zero Carbon' new-build housing by 2016. The Code identifies key levels of attainment from 1 through to 6. 'Level 6' represents a 'Zero Carbon' house.
The Code determines that energy efficiency has a minimum standard that must be achieved at each level of the Code.
This guide has been prepared to help delivery of energy-efficient house designs according to Code levels 4, 5, and 6. It does this through:
The guide has been prepared as a collaboration between GreenSpec and the AECB's Carbon Lite programme funded by the Carbon Trust.
Contents
Context
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The road map towards the 'Zero Carbon House' is now set out by the Code for Sustainable Homes. But truly efficient design relies on a thorough understanding of what is (and isn't) included in the standards. More.... |
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PassivHaus.The Carbon Lite standards are based on the original German PassiveHaus standard. Likewise, the goverment sees design principles used in delivering PassiveHaus as likely to provide solutions to meet with the energy standards set out in the Code for Sustainable Homes. More.... |
Energy standards
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Introduction. The Energy Standards developed within the Carbon Lite programme provide solutions to the CO2 reduction requirements at Levels 4, 5 and 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, and are also expected to deliver the performance required by future revisions to the Building Regulations. More.... |
Prescriptive energy standards to achieve CSH Levels 4, 5 and 6 |
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Level 4 / 'Silver' will improve CO2 emissions by 44% over Building Reg. Part L1, 2006. The energy performance is achieved without the addition of renewables or other ‘bolted-on’ equipment. It is achievable using products and materials that are readily available in the UK. More.... |
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Level 5 /' Passivhaus' will improve CO2 emissions by 100% over Building Reg. Part L1, 2006. ie Zero emissions in relation to Building Regulations issues ( zero emissions from heating, hot water, ventilation and lighting). This standard maximizes the use of energy efficiency technology without pushing technological boundaries radically forward. More..... |
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Level 6 / 'Gold' represents a completely ‘zero carbon house’ – one that has zero net emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from all energy use in the home. The lower CO2 emissions reflect the stronger requirements in particular for energy-efficient electrical appliances/ equipment and a requirement for more electricity-producing renewables. More..... |
Performance energy standards to achieve CSH Levels 4, 5 and 6 |
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Level 4 / 'Silver'. The performance version of the standard to improve CO2 emissions by 100% over Building Reg. Part L1, 2006. It sets out the underlying objectives without prescribing solutions - so allowing greater design freedom. More.... |
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Level 5 / 'PassivHaus'. The performance version of the standard to improve CO2 emissions by 100% over Building Reg. Part L1, 2006. It sets out the underlying objectives without prescribing solutions - so allowing greater design freedom. More..... |
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Level 6 / 'Gold'. The performance version of the standard sets out the underlying objectives, without prescribing solutions, to achieve a competently 'Zero Carbon' house - one that has zero net emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from all energy use in the home. More..... |
The principles of passive solar design
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Siting and Orientation
Providing a benign site microclimate both enhances the energy and environmental performance of a building. More.... |
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Direct Solar Gain Up to 75% of solar radiation striking glass is converted into thermal energy. With careful design, a consistant, comfortable indoor temperature can be achieved. More.... |
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Indirect Solar Gain: Sunspaces The addition of a sunspace can realise significant gains in energy efficiency. This can amount to around 30% when compared with a direct gain equivalent. More... |
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Thermal Mass Thermal mass plays an important role in the performance of a building by moderating fluctuations in space temperature. More... |
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Windows and shading |
Designing for airtightness
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Air tightness in context
Air leakage can be responsible for around 20% of heat loss in the current housing stock. More ... |
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Developing an airtightness strategy The instigation of an airtightness strategy, throughout the design and construction process, is a vital factor in reducing air leakage. More.... |
Designing in detail
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AECB Carbon Lite Programme:
Design guidance As part of the Carbon Lite Programme, the AECB has published detailed design guidance directed towards achieving the Carbon Lite / CSH standards. More ... |
Coming soon ....
• Heating and ventilating
• Daylight and lighting
• Industry solutions
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