How to improve the eco capabilities of our homes
In today’s world, we are seeing clearer and more comprehensive information on climate issues which – as a developer – pushes us to do all we can to provide sustainable, environmentally-friendly homes for buyers. As a developer, I aim to adopt Passivhaus principles wherever possible. So, what is a Passivhaus and what are the benefits?
Homes built to the Passivhaus principles are designed with the utmost focus on energy efficiency, utilising quality insulation (both externally and internally) and high-quality ventilation. In keeping with the Germans’ superb engineering record across the board, Wolfgang Feist and Bo Adamson built the world's first Passivhaus in 1991, in Darmstadt-Kranichstein, three years after establishing a research cooperation in 1988 to bring to life the concept of a "house without heating".
Passivhaus homes are designed to be remarkably airtight, making them between 60 and 90 per cent more energy-efficient than standard housing. The basic concept is to let the house flow, both in the cold and in the warmth, using the external conditions to the benefit of the home. This in turn has a significant impact on the environment – by reducing the amount of carbon generated; cutting energy bills and bringing wider health and wellbeing benefits for occupants.
For a home to successfully meet Passivhaus standards, it needs solar control, thermal control and air control. With these in mind, let’s look at how Passivhaus principles can help homeowners and property developers to save money and the planet, matching the success of our German and Scandinavian counterparts.
On an existing home, harnessing solar power means maximising energy from the sun, then storing and using it when needed. The most effective retrospective method in this country is to add a solar panel system to a property or surrounding land. In the last few years, solar technology has really developed, making it much more efficient at banking the energy and has a better price point, relating to pay-back of the original investment.
Now, if we are in the fortunate position to be undertaking a larger reconstruction or even creating a self-build, solar control has a much more specific meaning. The focus of a redesign or full design will centre around maximising the glazing input on the correct elevations, to support self-heating and cooling. This doesn’t mean creating a greenhouse by going over-the-top with glazing, but rather, being very considered and strategic about glazing positioning.
For instance, putting more windows on the south-facing walls of your home will let in more energy in the winter, but it will probably overheat the house in the summer. The specific glass type is also an important consideration, along with the shading both inside and outside the window. This is something the Scandinavians have really perfected, creating beautiful external fins that work around the window. However, UK planning legislation and policies can be rigid around these design elements. A creative architect will help you navigate this process.
Insulating your home with premium insulation materials is a key Passivhaus principle, focusing on the internal external bridge of a building, including walls, the roof, the party floor splits and the ground floor slab. There are several local grants and discount schemes available to support with the cost of insulation, which can lead to significant energy savings, if the full property is correctly insulated. I would advise speaking with a specialist insulation company or creditable engineer to make the right plan for your property.
The best way to manage air control is to create a fully airtight enclosure and work backwards. For years, the UK hasn’t felt the need for ventilation systems, but with a changing climate come warmer summers and cooler winters, so there’s a need to maintain a temperate environment. Ventilation systems also filter in fresh air while expelling contaminated air from rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. As air pollution worsens, these systems have become more popular, so they are now more readily available.
You can also investigate energy recovery ventilation, which maintains the internal temperature and humidity of your home as air filters in and out. These systems are brilliant for keeping an ambient temperature in the home, while keeping the air clear and healthy for your family.
Ollie, who lives near Bolton, is the founder and owner of Pinnacle Astute Developments. For more tips and advice, follow him on Instagram or LinkedIn, @Olliepiotrowski.
