Developing an economic led approach to zero carbon housing design through integration and substitution of traditional building materials

Zero carbon homes have met with mixed reactions from key stakeholders within the housing and energy sectors, with many bespoke zero carbon designs being rejected as commercially unviable. This paper draws on research conducted with The University of Surrey and Zedfactory Architects to outline key factors which should be considered in order to facilitate the adoption of a more commercialised approach to zero carbon design. Key design criteria for zero carbon homes are outlined before presenting a housing model designed to provide the best balance between the financial, technical and social elements involved. The paper then demonstrates the importance of reducing the additional costs associated with zero carbon design through integrating energy efficiency and generation technologies into the building fabric; by substituting the use of traditional building materials with energy generating ones it is possible to create both an energy and economically efficient housing model. The proposed energy system adopts an integrated approach to the selection of space heating, water heating and ventilation technologies in order to create a design that is as user friendly as possible. By adopting this approach it is argued that it is possible to develop a model which does not require major changes in household behaviour patterns to work. The paper also highlights the importance of carefully balancing energy production and exportation to grid connected sources to develop a zero carbon home that can substantially reduce the financial burdens of rising energy costs

A New Model for Designing Cost Effective Zero Carbon Homes: Minimizing Commercial Viability Issues and Improving the Economics for Both the Developer and Purchaser

There is a limited penetration of housing which offsets all operational carbon emissions within UK housing developer portfolios. This paper develops a balanced approach to zero carbon housing design from both architectural and national house builder perspectives. The paper discusses the techniques which can be used to reduce build costs, simplify designs and simplify renewable energy systems, resulting in more cost effective homes. The paper develops a technical and economic linked model to optimise a zero carbon design and then develops a home using this technique. It acknowledges that extra costs are inevitable but minimises them and details a lifecycle costing approach to provide economic justification. The paper then focuses on how the building designed can function more efficiently and economically than a Part L 2013 Building Regulation compliant building. Improved functionality is demonstrated both with and without the use of feed in tariffs. A key finding from this research is that zero carbon homes can benefit the consumer without impacting the developer. The results also demonstrate that homes could be better marketed on economic rather than environmental or technical attributes