| The building industry, and house builders in particular, | | | | always done, just a little bit better each time. What is |
| have been considering this question for some time | | | | needed now is a fundamental break from the past. |
| and generally their answers are; "They aren't!" and | | | | There is currently a disconnect between the energy |
| "No!" We disagree: "It's actually quite simple: a zero | | | | efficiency ambitions of building projects and the scale |
| carbon building is one that is designed to be highly | | | | of the real challenge that needs addressing to hit |
| energy efficient in its fabric, services and appliances: | | | | zero-carbon targets. |
| Then any residual energy demand should come from | | | | It is expensive to include renewable technology. |
| renewable energy sources. The zero-carbon target | | | | Today, specifying renewable technology will increase |
| needs a fundamental change in mindset; it provides a | | | | the cost of a building project. But, as with all other |
| certainty and clarity of the ambition for investors and | | | | technology and innovation, as demand grows, |
| innovators in the construction industry. | | | | production will increase and the price will fall. What is |
| On a recent project, a planning condition was to | | | | needed is for Government procurement to take the |
| demonstrate a 10% reduction in Carbon emissions for | | | | lead; if Government funded bodies like the education |
| the development. By thinking outside the box, | | | | sector, local government and social housing groups |
| reductions of over 25% were achieved: An incredible | | | | can create a large demand, production would be |
| achievement given that electricity was the only fuel | | | | scaled up. Triple glazing is a good example, in |
| available on the site!" | | | | Germany increased demand and production has seen |
| While consumers are becoming more aware and | | | | the price drop to that of double glazing. |
| extremely interested in 'green' issues, the | | | | It will also become increasingly important to consider |
| construction industry has some reluctance and has | | | | offsetting any increased building costs with reduced |
| only seemed willing to change a little bit at a time. | | | | long term energy costs for the occupant. We don't |
| Especially with new buildings, builders and developers | | | | need to try to sell people green lifestyles or make |
| remain understandably cost conscious in order to | | | | them eco-warriors. Sustainable buildings should be |
| remain competitive. There is an uncomfortable | | | | designed to be appealing, gentler on our pockets in |
| tension between the two considerations that are | | | | terms of running costs, gentler on our health in terms |
| difficult to balance. | | | | of improved internal environment and as well as being |
| The construction industry has been stuck in a cycle | | | | much more gentle on the planet; a win-win-win. |
| of incremental improvements - doing what it has | | | | |