Constructing Excellence:Constructing Excellence: Gallions Ecopark Gallions Ecopark

2525thth October 2005 October 2005

Rebecca Miller

Sustainability Manager

Why did we build Ecopark?Why did we build Ecopark?

Commitment to environmental sustainability

Accent on innovation

Replicable project not just a ‘one off’

The big picture…

Why it makes sense to build Why it makes sense to build environmentally sustainable homesenvironmentally sustainable homes

Low Carbon, energy efficient homes are better for the environment

Energy efficient, well insulated homes can help reduce incidents of fuel poverty

Lower consumption of energy means lower utility bills which is a great selling point for private developers and a great incentive for housing associations

Water shortages across the South East

Improve tenants’ health levels

Ecopark AimsEcopark Aims

Transfer the best of European thinking into a UK setting

Affordable project that can be replicated

Conduct an experiment – human & scientific & share results

Project that can reduce costs for consumers

Not about cutting edge technology

Tried & trusted materials

Raise awareness in UK

Why is Ecopark a good example of an Why is Ecopark a good example of an environmentally sustainable?environmentally sustainable?

Dutch Green Financing Model Pass

EcoHomes ‘Excellent’

Focus on reducing energy demand and water consumption

Gas in comparison to electricity is better for the environment and better in terms of cost

Ecopark is a realistic, pragmatic approach to environmentally sustainable development.

Haven’t tried to ‘push the boat out’

AffordabilityAffordability

Common complaints about building sustainably are that it costs too much

Practical, cost-effective approach to environmentally sustainable development

Ecopark achieved cost parity in comparison to our traditional new build schemes and was developed for £1,056/m²

Financial Analysis has been published and can be downloaded off website www.gallionsecopark.co.uk

Predicted Savings Predicted Savings

Expected energy consumption reduced by 50%

CO2 emissions reduced by up to 60%

Water use reduced by up to 50%

Monitoring will give scientific results

Consultation will give human results

Site PlanSite Plan

Ecopark Specification - ComponentsEcopark Specification - Components

Walls - double insulation, U value 0.25.

Windows - Argon gas filled double glazing achieves U=1.1w/m2k

Ecopark Specification - ComponentsEcopark Specification - Components

Heating - Aqua-sol solar collector panels for preheating domestic water

- Valient Eco max gas condensing boilers - 83-98% efficient

- Radiators - 70/40 short DHW piping low temperature heating

Specification - ComponentsSpecification - Components

Sun rooms - South facing properties to heat incoming air

Additional Energy/Water Saving FeaturesAdditional Energy/Water Saving Features

PV powered street lights

Energy Efficient lights used internally

Designed to maximise solar gain

Lower energy mechanical ventilation and heat recovery units

Water butts for rainwater harvesting

Spray taps fitted with flow restrictors

Ultra-low flush toilets

Small, low volume baths

Water saving showers

Monitoring and EvaluationMonitoring and Evaluation

Telemetric monitoring systems installed in each house type collecting data on:

Solar collector output, temperature and humidity, energy consumption – extraction and heat recovery systems, onsite weather station

Resident Liaison Interviews: 20 out of the 38 houses have been evaluated to review the practical success of the homes

Dutch Green Financing Report

Financial Analysis Report

Recorded SavingsRecorded Savings

Up to 60% reduction in gas billsUp to 45% reduction in electricity billsSolar thermal unit provides pre-heated domestic hot water30% reduction in water consumption

Types of Monitoring – TelemetricTypes of Monitoring – Telemetric

4 houses fitted with telemetric data-loggers for remote collection:

Temperature and humidity

Energy Consumption – heat recovery and ventilation systems

Water flow – production from solar collectors

Weather station on site to put information into context

Energy and water bills collected from 22 of the 38 occupied properties

Types of Monitoring - HumanTypes of Monitoring - Human

‘Toolkit for Collecting Feedback from Tenants Living in Innovative Housing’ devised by BRE and Sustainable Homes19 of the 38 occupied properties reviewedEcopark Manager met and interviewed all residents – interviews lasted approximately 1 hour each and covered a wide range of subject areasEach house type was represented as follows:

Block A – 4 out of 13Block B – 5 out of 9Block C – 6 out of 9Block D – 4 out of 8

Results of Energy ReportResults of Energy Report

Good savings are being made on gas and water, but electricity consumption is higher than expected –

Due to solar collectors being accidentally over-ridden by switching off he solar and in effect turning on the emersion heater

Better ventilation is needed for houses with sunspaces

Humidity within properties meets recommended conditions for a comfortable indoor climate

Houses outperform specifications for air-tightness

Results of Tenant Feedback ReportResults of Tenant Feedback Report

Overall feedback is that the tenants are very happy with the homes

Almost 1/4th residents have reported annual energy savings of £250 on their previous dwellings

One tenant recorded annual saving of £536 in contrast to previous dwellings

All tenants are experiencing some form of reduction in utility bills

Most instances where difference is small the tenant has moved from a smaller property into a larger one

ConclusionConclusion

Constructing Excellence ‘Demonstration Project’ Status

DGFM Pass

EcoHomes “Excellent” rating

Gold Award ‘Best Energy Saving Development’ – What House Awards

Overall purpose – Inform Debate and Educate

Exhibition CentreExhibition Centre

Dissemination strategy IGPG

School children to Academics to Politicians

Practical explanations, seminars etc

Exhibition space with meeting facilities

More information on EcoparkMore information on Ecopark