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- February 2005 -

Front cover photographsFront cover photographsFront cover photographsFront cover photographsFront cover photographs

Top - Ardross Village Hall, Easter Ross; designed by David Somerville Architect © David Somerville

Centre - Sgoil na Coille, Sunart, Lochaber © Sunart Oakwoods Initiative

Bottom - Garbh Eilean wildlife hide, Loch Sunart, Lochaber © Sunart Oakwoods Initiative

Network 21 is a partnership of the Highland Wellbeing Alliance involving publicbodies from the Highland Community Planning Partnership (The HighlandCouncil, Scottish Natural Heritage, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and NHSHighland) and the voluntary sector (Voluntary Groups – East Sutherland andVoluntary Action Lochaber). Between 2002 and 2005, the Network 21project received grant support from the Scottish Executive’s Rural StrategicSupport Fund.

Network 21 aims to:

� Encourage sustainability to be embedded in community developmentsupport in the Highlands

� Encourage community action on sustainable development

� Provide a range of support and advice on sustainable development

� Promote best practice on sustainability.

This guidance was produced for Network 21 by Campbell Consulting (Highland)Ltd in association with David Somerville Architects.

Extracts from the text may be re-produced for use by or on behalf ofcommunities, provided the source is acknowledged.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the advice given,neither the Network 21 partnership nor its member organisations can acceptliability for loss or damage arising from the information supplied.

A pdf version of this guidance can be downloaded from the Highlands andIslands Enterprise website. Hard copies are available from:

FEBRUARY 2005

Strengthening Communities, Highlands and Islands EnterpriseCowan House, Inverness Retail and Business Park, Inverness IV2 7GF

Tel 01463 234 171

Contents

INTRODUCTION� What this Guide covers 1

� What do we mean by a sustainable community building? 2

� Why incorporate sustainability into the design of a community building? 3

STAGE1:GETTING STARTED: THE BUILDING FEASIBILITY STUDY� Getting organised 4� How to find an architect/design team with sustainability credentials 5� Developing the project brief and incorporating your sustainability requirements 8� Site selection and best use 8� Meeting essential planning requirements 9� Indicative costs 9� Funding issues 10

STAGE 2:DEVELOPING YOUR PROPOSAL: THE SCHEME DESIGN STUDY� Healthy and comfortable buildings 12� Construction methods 13� Energy system options 14

- Minimising energy use 14- Choosing your energy source 15

� Use and specification of sustainable materials 17� Minimising waste water and managing sewage 18� Access for all and parking 18� Planning consent and building control 19

STAGE 3:CONSTRUCTION AND COMPLETION� Preparation of tendering contract documents 20� Tendering for building contractors 20� Letting the contract 20� On-site management 20� Project hand-over, snagging and building maintenance issues 20� Final completion 21

WHERE TO GO FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 22

EXAMPLES OF BEST PRACTICE IN SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION 26

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Subject guides

The series of numbered GUIDES below provides further information and pointers on subjects coveredin the main text, where each GUIDE is referenced where relevant.

GUIDE 1: Key considerations for sustainable community design and construction

GUIDE 2: WHO, WHAT & WHEN: An overview of creating a community building

GUIDE 3: Key issues in site selection and making the most of your site

GUIDE 4: Some construction approaches that you may come across

GUIDE 5: Some sustainability issues to consider when specifying your building materials

GUIDE 6: Design checklist to minimise energy use and wastage

GUIDE 7: Renewable energy options appropriate for community buildings

GUIDE 8: Sustainability pointers for water, sewage and waste management

GUIDE 9: Design checklist for access for all

GUIDE 10: Sustainability tick list for community buildings

GUIDE 11: Funding sources specifically for sustainability costs

GUIDE 12: Network 21 sustainability checklist

What this Guide covers

This Guide provides an overview forcommunity groups that wish to incorporatesustainability practice within their plans fora new or renovated community building. Itoutlines the main sustainability issues andchoices that you will come across, and haveto make decisions about, in the design andconstruction phase.

The Guide is based on experience ofcommunities, professional developers andthe agencies. Whilst not aiming to be totallycomprehensive, it signposts communities toguidance and advice sources which can betailored to individual project and communitycircumstances.

Be aware that sustainability is a vast subjectarea and an evolving specialism, and optionsavailable for communities are likely tochange. The Guide is based on informationavailable at the time of writing andcircumstances may subsequently change.Whilst periodic updates to the guide may bemade, it is the user’s responsibility to applyinformation appropriately.

A community construction project willrequire consultation with professionals,especially as every organisation has its ownquirks and special needs. The trick is onlydoing this when necessary and with enoughbackground knowledge so as to reduce thechargeable time.

This Guide does NOT cover the early andimportant stage of assessing communityneeds, creating a community profile andestablishing an appropriate organisation tomanage the project.

Introduction

See the reference section Where to go forfurther information, for other sources ofguidance on these issues.

The Guide starts with an overview of thepurpose and principles of sustainableconstruction practice in the Highlands.Subsequent sections go on to illustrate howthese can be applied in the three mainstages of creating a community building:

Stage 1 Getting Started: theBuilding Feasibility Study

Stage 2 Developing Your Proposal: theScheme Design Study

Stage 3 Construction and Completion

The guide describes the steps you need toundertake at each stage, highlighting thesustainability issues and options to beaddressed and some of the choices that willface you.

The final section provides a series ofSubject Guides – these are tools to help youin your decisions, including checklists,practical action points and quick digests.These can be copied for reference use byyour project committee as the projectprogresses.

A Sustainability Tick List (Guide 10) isincluded as a practical tool to help youmonitor your sustainability progress as youdesign your building. This is intended as aguide – rather than an exact science – to beused together with the team of buildingprofessionals that you are working with.Some elements listed may not be appropriateor feasible for your building.

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Introduction

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So firstly, what do we mean by asustainable community building?

All buildings have an impact on thesustainability of their immediatesurroundings and the global environment. Inboth the design and construction process of abuilding there is a series of choices to bemade, each of which can result in a negativeor positive contribution to sustainability –either immediately or in the longer termuse of the building. A sustainable building isdesigned (most obviously) to minimise thenegative environmental impact of thebuilding, but equally importantly tomaximise positive social and economicimpacts including future management andcosts:

Minimising Negative Environmental Impact–by adopting design and construction methodsthat minimise adverse impacts on theenvironment and protect and enhance thediversity of nature. For example: reducing orminimising energy consumption and relatedCO2 production; careful selection ofmaterials used; minimising waste createdduring the design, construction and lifetimeof the building.

Maximising Social Impact– by providingbuildings that enhance the quality of life foreveryone living in the community, activelysupporting social inclusion. Buildings thatintegrate sustainability principles createbetter and healthier living and workingenvironments. They attract greater use byvoluntary and community groups which gainvalue and support from each other.

Sustainable buildings demonstrate andpromote good practice in both constructionand use, providing ideas for others to applyelsewhere. They can also provideopportunities for therapeutic uses of thebuilding and the surrounding land.

Maximising Economic Impact – by designingand constructing buildings that are morecost-effective to run, have high qualityworking environments, which lead to greaterproductivity, and provide local employmentand development of skills in design,construction and use. Sustainable buildingsalso promote the use of local supply chainsand may influence job creation in theforestry, farming and recycling sectors bypromoting the use of renewable and, wherepossible, locally-sourced materials, e.g.sustainable timber products; natural orrecycled insulation materials.

Network 21 has produced a sustainabilitychecklist (Guide 12) that itemises thecomponents of the three areas above andhow they can be applied to developmentprojects with broader objectives than acommunity construction project.

Introduction

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Why incorporate sustainabilityinto the design of a communitybuilding?

In Europe, approximately half our energy isused in buildings, the largest share of whichis for heating. Global warming, drivenprimarily by CO2 emissions, requires achange in our current patterns of energygeneration and use. So working withbuildings provides an excellent opportunityto act to reduce CO2 emissions by planningfor high levels of energy efficiency in theirdesign, construction and use.

Increasingly stringent requirements arebeing introduced into building regulations,to contribute towards nationalenvironmental targets to lower CO2

emissions. These set a minimum standardfor energy efficiency, however, whichcommunities should ideally aim to exceed.

Buildings that are designed to exceed basicBuilding Regulation requirements can deliversignificant benefits to communities, becausethey:-

� Save on running costs through efficiencymeasures and use of renewable energysources.

� Maximise local economic impact duringconstruction, by sourcing materials andlabour locally.

� Reduce the negative environmentalimpact of construction, throughminimum site disturbance and waste.

� Promote best practice to other localdevelopers who may be building in thecommunity.

� Support and encourage the developmentof products and systems with goodenvironmental credentials, which couldpotentially be produced in theHighlands.

The planning and design stage of a building isthe key time to identify which sustainabilityaspects will have the greatest impact, areachievable in your building, and how toincorporate them. Solutions will vary indifferent situations. This booklet providesstep by step notes on applying sustainabilitypractice to the building process, along withthe other vital considerations of communityneed, cost, space requirements, and buildingregulations. As a starting point, Guide 1gives a summary of the key sustainabilityissues to consider.

Getting Organised

Prior to thinking about building design, youneed to carry out preparatory work in thecommunity, including:-

� Identifying the community need andcreating a community profile

� Establishing a formal organisation tomanage the project

� Research on and study visits to examplesof sustainable community buildings

Identifying the community need andcreating a community profileYour Local Enterprise Company (LEC) andCouncil of Voluntary Service (CVS) arerecommended as the first port of call inhelping to carry out an initial communityneeds exercise or assessing the businessplanning or financial viability of the project.They will be able to guide you on, andpossibly provide funding for, this earlyconsultation process. This may include input,if required, from a community economicdevelopment consultant – who may wellcontinue to work alongside the communityand any building professionals (architect /engineer / quantity surveyor) engaged, indue course, to prepare a feasibility study.

STAGE 1Getting started: the building feasibility study

Purpose:This stage examines the feasibility of your idea. Having already defined your communityneeds, you will:

� research broad sustainability options and begin to set out the sustainability priorities foryour construction project.

� begin dialogue with professionals.� assess potential sites.� explore fundamental planning issues in relation to your chosen site.

These building professionals do not getinvolved, however, in the initial assessmentof community need, financial viability orbusiness planning.

Remember to canvass community views onwhat they consider the most important localsustainability issues. Make sure that youinclude specific sustainability questions inyour survey or consultation process e.g.travel modes, recycling facilities, renewablesetc. Your community group can then use thisinformation in your prioritisation ofsustainability aspects in the building design.

Separate useful guidance has been producedon the process of community projectmanagement, from creating a new group anddefining your project, through to businessand general management. This Guide focuseson the sustainability considerations of acommunity building project, and we suggestthat you use it in conjunction with one of thepublications listed in “Where to go forfurther information” under “Sources ofcommunity support”.

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Establishing a formal organisation tomanage the projectOnce your organisation is formed, appoint alead community contact for theconstruction project. This does not have tobe the Chair. The greater the distribution oftasks between group members, the moresustainable your management! Ideally, asecond community person should beappointed to work in parallel and lead onthe sustainability agenda. At this earlystage, your community group can progressthe project considerably at your own hand,such as making initial contact with theregulatory bodies to obtain site specificguidance and complete the necessarypermissions. This can contributeconsiderable savings on the hire ofprofessionals, but will depend on the timeavailability and confidence within yourgroup. Carry out background research – thesection on “Where to go for furtherinformation” provides contacts and web sitesthat you can investigate. The more youunderstand about the issues and the cleareryou are about what is required from yourdesign, the more effective you’ll be incommunicating this to your designer andachieving your goal.

Research on and study visits to examples ofsustainable community buildingsSite visits to view good practice insustainable community buildings are highlyrecommended at this stage. Refer to thesection in this Guide on Examples of bestpractice in sustainable construction. Localagencies (for example, your Local EnterpriseCompany, the Council’s Planning andDevelopment Service, SNH, CVS) may also

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STAGE1Getting started: the building feasibility study

be able to suggest relevant projects you cancontact within your area. A chance to talk toother groups with prior experience of theprocess is invaluable, including dilemmas anddifficult decisions they have faced. It isworth bearing in mind, however, thatcommunity projects are usually managed byvolunteers and it is important to makeefficient use of the limited time they have toshare knowledge and experience with you.

By this stage you should have established andwritten down your initial summary ofproject requirements (e.g. number and sizeof rooms required, activities to be cateredfor etc) based on the community survey andcommittee discussions. Guide 2 provides anoverview of the “who, what and when” inthe process you are about to embark on ofdeveloping your community building.

How to Find an Architect andDesign Team with SustainabilityCredentials

Contracting an architect and design teamwith prior ‘sustainability’ track record andexpertise should be a high priority for yourproject. They can provide proactive ideasand suggestions based on their previousexperience and knowledge. You may wish tobalance this, however, with using relativelylocal professionals who are able to meet withyour group regularly. As environmental andsustainability concerns rise up the politicalagenda and public awareness increases,more professionals are taking an activeinterest in the subject. However, thenumber of professionals with in depthexperience is still limited.

There are three main sources of informationon such professionals:

The Royal Incorporation of Architects inScotland (RIAS) recently launched anaccreditation scheme for sustainablebuilding designers enabling architects witha proven track record to qualify andregister. A similar RIAS accreditationscheme already operates to identifyexpertise in historic buildings. There aredifferent levels of accreditation based onproject size. For more informationcontact the RIAS, Tel 0131 229 7545; E:[email protected]; Websitewww.rias.org.uk.

The Scottish Ecological DesignAssociation (SEDA) is a voluntaryorganisation of professional members thatadvocates ecological design, providinginformation, advice and raising awarenessthrough events, site visits, study tours andpublications. It is working to establish aweb gateway on sustainable design andbuilding materials. www.seda2.org ; E:[email protected]

The Association of Energy ConsciousBuilders (AECB) lists its members from arange of professions (architects, buildingcontractors, energy assessors, engineersetc) at www.aecb.net/seekf.htm. Go to“seek members” and select from dropdown menu ‘Highland’ (or required area)and ‘all professions’ to get a full list.

Ideally, consider 2-3 architects to assess howeach would approach the project and theirattitude to sustainability issues. Providethem with your initial summary of projectrequirements and invite them to make apresentation to the committee on theirproposed approach. It is vital that yourcommunity group is comfortable with thearchitect’s style, communication andflexibility. You will be stuck with this onceyou start – it is expensive to change adviserat a later stage.

The architect should be involved to provideguidance as early as possible in thefeasibility stage. Remember yourcommunity group can still carry out some ofthe tasks at your own hand, if desired, toreduce professional fees eg. liaison withplanning and Scottish EnvironmentalProtection Agency (SEPA) requirements.


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The architect acts as the lead consultant of aDesign Team of building professionals, whichmeans that the community interface will bewith the architect. The architect mayrecommend engagement of otherprofessionals as appropriate, in consultationwith you, and will instruct and liaise directlywith them. Each design team member entersinto a separate contract with yourcommunity group. At the feasibility stagethe Design Team is likely to consist of:-

� Architect: to ensure good design,technical standards and effectivemanagement of the project, andcoordinate the work of the design team.

� Quantity Surveyor: to provide elementalcostings, and advise on the cost ofsustainability choices

� Landscape architect: often neglected atthe early stage of a project becausethere is a common perception is thatlandscaping is an issue for post-construction – but input at this stage willensure that the building maximisesopportunities on the site and fits intothe landscape.

� Surveyor or Structural Engineer: toprovide a level survey of the site, andarrange for trial pits to be dug toevaluate ground conditions if required.

� Planning Supervisor: to overseeimplementation of Health and Safetyaspects in both design and construction,including Construction DesignManagement (CDM) regulations. Thisappointment is required by law for mostconstruction projects. The communityclient is responsible for appointment ofthe Planning Supervisor, on therecommendation of the architect.

� Mechanical (heating and ventilation)and Electrical Services Consultants: maybe required depending on the size andcomplexity of your project. Yourarchitect will make a recommendationregarding this.

When creating a sustainable building project,you are better off employing professionalswith a sustainability track record than thosewho can ease cash flow management buthave little or no experience in sustainabilityissues. With early input, an experienceddesign team can provide good sustainabilityreturns for relatively little cost. Do not shyaway from engaging additional professionalinput arising from cost worries. The cost ofthe feasibility study is usually agreed inadvance at a fixed price – some buildingprofessionals may conduct this as a lossleader (not invoicing for work at this earlystage, in the hope that they will get themain contract, when they will recoup theircosts). However, this should NOT be anexpectation and funding should be sought tocarry out the feasibility study.

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Developing the Project Brief andIncorporating your SustainabilityRequirements

You – the community committee or Board –are the client and will be employingprofessionals to carry out work on yourbehalf. It is your job to communicate theneeds of the community project to thedesign team and to ensure that they havegood clear instructions. To start the ballrolling you can write an initial, short brief,defining the physical, space and amenityrequirements of the design. This should bedeveloped into the Project Brief, which is aclearly defined statement of yourrequirements for the building, based on yourcommunity research and consultation. TheProject Brief develops systematically throughan iterative process involving dialoguebetween the community and design teamthat allows your design requirements to takefirmer shape. This dialogue progressesthroughout Stages 1 and 2 of the buildingproject. The Project Brief will usually befinalized by both parties by the end of Stage2 and will provide the basis for thepreparation of the Tender Documents.

Architectural design decisions directlyinfluence the sustainability performance andencourage “greener” management of thefinished building. As the client you canspecify selected sustainability objectives forthe building in your Project Brief. The designteam will suggest design options that willdeliver your requirements. It may help you toproduce an overall Mission or Sustainability


Design Statement to map out the extent thatyou wish to incorporate sustainability in thedesign. Guide 11 provides discussion pointsto explore the extent of your communityaspirations to incorporate sustainabilityobjectives in the construction project. Yourarchitect will be able to guide you throughthe sustainability issues and choices –amending the detail of the Project Briefduring Stages 1 and 2, as you fine tune yourrequirements with the design team.

Site Selection and Best Use

Selection of your site is a fundamentaldecision that will determine futuresustainability potential of a number ofaspects of your building. It is vital that timeis invested in site considerations. Once thesite, and positioning within it, is determinedthe scope for some other options will befixed. The location of your building isunlikely to be an open choice, and indeedmay be pre-determined if it is arefurbishment. Different constraints willapply in urban and rural locations, but thesustainability issues in Guide 3 should beconsidered when making your decision.

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Meeting Essential PlanningRequirements

Examination of a number of statutoryplanning requirements is an essential part ofthe early feasibility study, which will beguided by your architect. This will establishwhether or not the project is indeed possibleand practical on any specific site, andwhether there are any problematic aspectsthat need further consideration. Assessmentneeds to be made for:-

� Road access and parking – refer toyour Local Authority (eg The HighlandCouncil) Roads Department.

� Sewage and waste watermanagement/surface run off – referto Scottish Environmental ProtectionAgency (SEPA) requirements.

� Water and other utility requirements –check connection feasibility withScottish Water, telecom serviceproviders etc

� Access for All – legal disabled accessrequirements are now built into thebuilding regulations.

� Land ownership issues – ownership andlegal boundaries need to be clear anddefined by legal documents.

� Future expansion – future needs, andthe scope for meeting these within thesite, must be considered carefully, toensure the selected site is suitable formedium to long-term goals.

� Planning permission – Outline planningpermission is only required if a project islikely to be controversial, with possibleobjections or doubts about the ability togo ahead. The temptation is for a fullplanning application to be lodged at thisstage, based on the architect’s initialproposal. Be aware, however, that earlyplanning approval will limit furtherchanges you are able to make as yourefine your sustainability and designrequirements, although it may enableyou to proceed with fundingapplications to some bodies. Manygroups proceed on this basis to enablethem to submit capital funding bidsbased on planning approval. Planningpermission will fix your buildingfootprint – size, shape and height and anumber of other features e.g. themanagement of surface water drainage(SUDS requirements)

Indicative Costs

One of the outputs of Stage 1 will be anelemental cost analysis. This will beconducted by the QS (Quantity Surveyor)based on the architect’s design assumptions,and made with the community input. Designcosts should be allocated to specificelements of the building to enable accurateadjustments at a later stage if assumptionschange eg. if you change the materialspecification for a certain part of thebuilding. This analysis will provide indicativecosts which may increase or decrease as yourefine the design and sustainabilityspecification during Stage 2.

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Funding Issues

Plan ahead for your funding for Stages 1 and2 – as financing these early planning studiescan sometimes cause a dilemma. Mostcommunities need the security of confirmedfunding before committing to spending onprofessional fees. A fixed fee is oftennegotiated for the Building Feasibility Study,to include approval of planning consent. Asmentioned above, this means that theplanning permission is based on thearchitect’s initial proposal and sketch designin Stage 1 – which cannot subsequently bematerially altered. This may pre-empt orcompromise later sustainability decisions.

Stage 2 fees are usually charged byprofessionals as a percentage of the finalcontract value – the percentage will be lowerfor larger projects. Your community groupand/or your local funders may not becomfortable about proceeding to Stage 2without planning permission in place. Beaware of this and discuss with your architectand local funding agencies to find the bestsolution.

You will not be in a good position to submitfunding applications for capital costs untilyour design is refined and more accuratetotal costs are clear. However, you shouldresearch and make contact with potentialfunders at this stage to cover any additionalcosts of sustainability features.

Remember that, with good design advice andcareful choices, investment of additionalmoney in the capital build stage can berepaid by savings in the running costs ofyour building – and most community groupsfind that one-off capital funding is easier tosource than ongoing revenue support. Somegrant funding is available specifically tomeet the higher installation costs ofenvironmentally-friendly systems andsustainability features (see Guide 10). Checkout your eligibility for such funds to help youwith your cost decisions.

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What you should have achieved by the end of Stage 1

As a community group, you will have:-

� appointed a lead person for sustainability issues from your community group.� selected and appointed your professional team (architect, QS, landscape architect,

surveyor and others).� communicated all your preparatory work to your architect, including community needs

and profile, sustainability aspirations, and feedback from study visits.� written an initial Project Brief laying out the scope of the project and requirements in

sustainability and quality standards.� confirmed the acceptability of your chosen site with regard to basic planning

requirements, confirming that there are no “fatal flaws”.� agreed the optimum use and layout of the site, with particular reference to the level

survey, landscaping aspects and orientation of the building.� received an initial design and outline proposal prepared by your architect ready for

further development – including sketch design (elevations and plan section) suitable forplanning application.

� received an estimate of the likely capital costs based on the draft specification andplan.

� identified eligible funding sources to contribute to any additional sustainability costs inyour building.

� received a Feasibility Study report from the design team, which documents all theabove.

� [approval of planning permission if you have chosen to submit an application at thisstage – see note above].

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STAGE 2Developing your proposal: the scheme design study

Purpose:This stage undertakes what is sometimes referred to as the ‘Scheme Design Study’,revisiting in more detail some aspects from Stage 1. Your community group will:-

� refine the Project Brief by examining a range of sustainability issues and options in moredetail with your architect.

� make a series of design decisions with sustainability implications which will not be easilyaltered at a later stage – some of the benefits, drawbacks and cost options are outlinedin this section.

� play a vital questioning role, as the community client, to ensure that the building keepsin line with community needs and expectations, although input at Stage 2 will largely beby the professional team.

Healthy and Comfortable Buildings

Achieving sustainability in your communitybuilding includes maximising the health andcomfort of building users. There are anumber of cross-cutting quality issues thatyou will need to consider from a users’perspective in all your design decisions.Don’t compromise on performance andquality where these issues are concerned:

HeatingRooms need to be warm at the time peopleare using them, with a degree oftemperature control to maintainbackground heating when not in use.Insulation is one of the key methods forachieving thermal comfort efficiently in abuilding. For example, at the new villagehall in Ardross (Ross and Cromarty), highlevels of insulation combined with underfloorheating (a series of pipes warming the floorsurface) and solar roof panels deliver aneffective and cost-efficient heating system.

This provides a warm backgroundtemperature, avoiding the need for earlyarrival at the hall to pre-heat the building inadvance of use. Heating costs are lowerthan for the smaller “old” hall. Alternatively,responsive heating can be used, which iscapable of raising or lowering temperaturesquickly. As this is applied only when theroom is required, it results in the buildingbeing cold when not in use; each time aroom is heated the temperature has to beraised from ambient level.

Air QualityAchieving the correct balance betweenenergy conservation and adequateventilation is the key to good indoor airquality. Insufficient ventilation can lead to:� High levels of indoor pollutants emitted

gradually from synthetic materials andfinishes (eg certain paints and floorcoverings) over the course of theirlifetime;

� Excessive humidity that encourages dustmites, which are a big problem forasthma sufferers.

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LightCareful design should make full use ofnatural lighting wherever possible,supplemented by artificial lighting. This willenable people to work and use the buildingwithout eye strain. Design should eradicateglare from sunlight, which is of particularimportance for older users of your facility.

AcousticsSounding proofing between rooms isessential to attract bookings forsimultaneous use of the building by differenttypes of users. This will encourage good useof the building, contributing to financiallysustainability. Areas that are to be used forperformance will need to be designed withspaces and materials that lend themselvesto good acoustics.

Construction Method

A choice of construction techniques could beapplied to your building, although this islikely to be determined by cost, practicalconsiderations and the size and complexityof the building. Some new or unconventionalconstruction methods associated withsustainable building practice are at an earlystage of development, not fully tested orproven and may not be advocated for use inlarge buildings. In the Highland climate, thedurability of a structure against the weatheris a major consideration – and timber is oftenthe most suitable sustainable buildingmaterial.


Some illustrative construction methods thatyou may come across are outlined in Guide4. The construction options and approachappropriate to your site and building shouldbe discussed in detail with your architect.

Key sustainability considerations inchoosing a construction method:� Plan the construction process to be

resource-efficient i.e. to minimise waste,manage disposal of waste and to preventland and water contamination during thebuilding process.

� Select a construction method for whichyou will be able to find constructionexpertise locally or relatively easily.Refer to the issues raised under “Use ofSustainable Materials”, as theconstruction method will determine someof the building materials to be used.

� Aim for a design and construction methodthat is flexible enough to adapt forprojected future usage.

� Take account in the design of the futurefinancial and environmental cost ofdisposing of components and materials atthe end of their useful life, andmaximize the potential for reuse andrecycling.

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Energy System Options

Operational energy requirements of thebuilding (space heating, water heating,cooking, powering of equipment, lightingetc.) represent one of the biggest areaswhere your sustainability decisions can makean impact. Good quality, well insulatedconstruction, using the site’s aspect forpassive solar gain, results in a building thatrequires minimal space heating, so reducingenergy costs considerably. A communitybuilding looks for both reliability and lowoperational costs in its power supplies.Running costs will be determined by:-

� The thermal design of the building,including insulation standards

� The source of energy� The efficiency and degree of control of

the heating system you select.


Minimising energy use: control systems andinsulation.In tandem with effective heating, lightingand ventilation systems your building shouldbe designed for efficient energy use andenergy conservation. In Europe, heatingenergy accounts, on average, for 40-60% ofenergy use in a building. Heating energydemand can be reduced at a competitivecost by 30-50% in existing buildings and by90-95% in new builds, compared to thecurrent average, using widely availabletechnology and design knowledge. Two keyways of achieving this are through effectivecontrols and good insulation. Purchase ofenergy efficient (retailed as “A” category)models of appliances also helps. A unit ofenergy saved is as good as or better than aunit of renewable energy generated.

Building regulations set a minimumstandard for energy efficiency, whichideally you should be aiming to exceed.You should discuss the potential for settingthe project’s energy consumption with yourdesign team. These could be based on thedesign team’s estimate for total annualenergy costs. Recognised industry standardsexist for residential buildings and for officespremises, but as yet there is no standardcalculation available for public or communitybuildings.

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Control SystemsThe range of control systems available ischanging constantly, and at a basic levelincludes:

� Electronic timers or programmers� Room thermostats or thermostatic

radiator control valves� Separate thermostatic control on hot

water system

It is important that you select controlmethods appropriate to your building designand heating system. Your design team willadvise on this. Information on controlsystems can be found on the National EnergyFoundation website www.natenergy.org.uk.

InsulationInsulation is a very important part of goodthermal design. It offers potential energysavings in both refurbishments and newbuild, given that many buildings, includingnew build, are insulated below optimumlevels. Although insulation standards are setby Building Regulations, additional benefit isgiven by insulating in excess of thesestandards.

One of the most important characteristicsof an insulation material is it’s longevity ofperformance over the lifetime of thematerial and building – most buildings do nothave insulation replaced during theirlifetime. Different insulation materials willachieve the same performance applied atdifferent thicknesses, so select a materialthat will last and maintain a highperformance.

Key sustainability considerations tominimise energy use (See Guide 6 forchecklist):

� Specify sufficiently high levels ofinsulation – these may often be higherthan Building Regulation requirements.Don’t skimp on insulation duringconstruction.

� Choose an insulation material with longlife and durability.

� Minimise heat loss by controlling airflowand maximising air tightness and draftexclusion e.g. at doorways and windows.

� Choose an insulation material which isproduced in a sustainable way i.e. themanufacture process does not produceany ozone damaging chemicals such asCFC and CO

2 (These materials are saidto have ‘zero ozone depletion potential’- ZODP). Refer to your design team foroptions.

Alternative approaches to insulation andventilation are being developed, althoughsome are in early stages and have not beenproven in the UK climate. Your design teamwill advise on appropriate options.

Choosing your Energy SourceIdeally, your sustainability aims shouldaccommodate some use of renewable energywithin your construction project. Themajority of the UK’s energy comes fromburning fossil fuels (coal, gas, oil), whichproduces high levels of CO2 contributing tothe greenhouse effect, with renewablesaccounting for only about 3%. Renewablesoffer a range of technologies with differing

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installation and running costs – harnessingessentially inexhaustible energy sources ofthe sun, the wind, flowing water, the heat ofthe earth and replaceable fuels such asplants. A summary of the main options foruse of renewable energy and theirapplication to community buildings is givenin Guide 7.

It is common for renewables to contributetowards a part of a building’s energy needs,supplemented by conventional sources – asillustrated by the growing number ofcommunity buildings in the Highlands andIslands adopting this approach. Two differentrenewable technologies can also becombined in a hybrid system.


Key sustainability considerations inchoosing an energy source:

� Reduce dependency on non-renewableenergy (coal, gas, oil and electricityfrom a non-renewable source) throughgood design and insulation, combinedwith use of renewables.

� Choose an efficient heating system,lighting and appliances with lowproduction of CO2 and other greenhousegases.

� Make use of renewable resourceswherever possible and cost effective –this can be for part, rather than all, ofyour power needs if appropriate. Youdon’t need to make a commitment torun the entire building on renewableenergy, although this is entirely possible.

� Promote the creation of new jobs inrenewable energy industries by usingrenewable technologies.

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Use and Specification ofSustainable Materials

Some of the materials that you use will bedetermined by the chosen constructionmethod - but you can still specify in yourProject Brief a minimum quality orsustainability characteristics that yourequire. Discuss with your architect theextent to which it is appropriate to specifysourcing requirements – your architect willlater write these into the tender documentwhich building contractors are obliged tofollow. Be aware that your choice ofspecification is likely to have costimplications, on which your QuantitySurveyor will advise. There are a number ofsuppliers that observe environmental policiesfor manufacturing and sourcing their goodsand ‘Green Purchasing’ guides are availablein the trade. If your architect is experiencedin sustainable design, he/ she will be able toadvise on these.

Key sustainability considerations in usingand specifying materials (see Guide 7 fordetail):

� Source building materials locallywherever possible to cut transportrequirements and boost the localeconomy:- this will not always bepractical particularly when sourcing‘environmentally sound’ components,fittings and finishings. In particular, localsourcing of heavy or bulky materials canprovide environmental and costadvantage - the geographic remotenessof many parts of the Highlands usuallyresults in higher than averageconstruction costs.

� Use sustainably-produced materialswherever possible i.e. materials from arenewable source, whose production ormanufacture make minimal use of energy

� Use recycled or salvaged materialswherever possible e.g. maximise the useof building products manufactured fromrecycled material and re-use materialssuch as timber (eg beams / doors) andstone.

� Be aware of the adverse effects of mosttimber preservative treatments, andtoxins released from synthetics – aim tospecify for the least harmful and mostenvironmentally friendly options indiscussion with your architect.

� Consider the decommissioning costs ofthe different construction materials aspart of the overall building cost (i.e. thecost of dismantling and disposal at theend of useful life). This involvesidentifying which construction materialscan be recycled, and those that willresult in costly landfill. This may seemremote from your immediate projectcosts, but is part of the sustainabilityequation.

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Minimising Waste Water andManaging Sewage

Saving on the use of mains water, which isnow metered in all community halls, offersan immediate cost saving. More efficientwater use also decreases the demand fortreated mains water – treatment processeshave environmental impacts, as does thetreatment and disposal of waste water. Somebasic water conservation methods can beemployed in both a new build or arefurbishment. (Refer to Guide 8).

SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System) isa Scottish Environmental Protection Agency(SEPA) regulation which despite its nameapplies to rural areas too. It requires thatsurface water run off from a site is at thesame rate post-construction as pre-construction, to avoid water logging andflooding. This is enforced during the planningapplication process and can have quite highcost implications if, for example, installationof storm water holding areas is required.Surface run-off can be controlled or reducedby incorporating a holding pond within thesite, or recycling rainwater.

Key sustainability considerations inminimising waste water and managingsewage (see Guide 8 for suggestedactions):

� Reduce overall water demand in thebuilding without affecting users’comfort.

� Incorporate systems which recycle rainand grey water where possible for non-drinking purposes.


� Select drainage systems which usematerials that are manufacturedsustainably e.g. fire clay products ratherthan PVC drainage pipes.

� Treat sewage sustainably.� Design for effective management of day

to day waste e.g. recycling facilities forbottles and paper.

Access for All and Parking

Legal requirements for disability access arenow incorporated into the BuildingRegulations for all new build, on which yourdesign team will advise. However, accessissues encompass more than physical accessand the checklist in Guide 9 should be usedto ensure all aspects have been considered.

Although access to buildings by publictransport is a planning priority, this ischallenging and often impossible in remoterural areas and car access and parking willbe needed in many Highland settings. Open-air car parking will have to be partlytarmac-surfaced to allow access fromvehicles to the building for wheel chair usersand those having walking difficulties.However, consideration should be given tousing the remaining car parking space as arainwater soakaway facility. Gradedaggregate could be used to surface the areaallowing water to drain naturally rather thanhaving to build storm drains to meetstatutory standards. This would be a meansof potentially reducing water charges to thesite/building and meeting SUDSrequirements as described above.

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Planning Consent and BuildingControl

The completion of Stage 2, the schemedesign study, is the ideal time to gainplanning consent if funding considerationsallow you to wait till this stage (if notapproved at the end of Stage 1 - see earliernote). Applying for planning permission atthis later stage allows your application to bebased on your architect’s detailed designproposal, rather than the initial proposal.


You will have:-

� An assessment and prioritisation of the full range of sustainability issues to beincorporated in the building. You will have undertaken this as a community group,with guidance from the design team. It should have included consideration ofconstruction methods, material specification, energy sources and systems, water andwaste management and access for all.

� A completed Scheme Design Study report (the term used by the National Lottery’sCommunity Fund), based on the refined Project Brief. This will incorporate design,material specifications, and cost breakdown in sufficient detail to formulate thetender document which will be prepared in Stage 3.

� Full planning permission approval.� Building warrant approval.� Funding applications submitted and full funding confirmed.

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The building warrant must be in placebefore the construction contract can be let.This requires submission of an application inan approval process completely separate toplanning consent. It requires technicaldetail to be supplied by the design team,additional to the information submitted inthe planning application.

STAGE 3Construction and completion

Purpose:This stage moves from the design into the construction phase, through the tenderingprocess to let the construction contract. Your core sustainability decisions will have beenmade by now, and construction concerns should be focused on tight management and on-site monitoring and quality control.

Listed below are the main steps that takeplace after Stage 2 through to completion.Your professional team will advise you on thedetail and legal requirements of each step. Ifyou would like a more detailed description,please refer to the SCVO publication which isbased on community experiences of buildinghalls and centres:- ‘The Brass Tacks –Guidance Notes for 21st Century Halls:managing community projects’. SCVO 2000.

� Preparation of the tendering contractdocument: your architect will producethis formal document using the detailsagreed in Stage 2. It will be used as thebasis to select and engage buildingcontractors.

� Tendering building contractors: yourarchitect will issue a number of buildingcontracting firms with the tenderingcontract document and invite them tosubmit a competitive bid to undertakethe contract. Once the bids aresubmitted, your community group, withyour architect’s guidance, will select thebuilding contractor. Ideally selectcontractors who can provide evidence ofexperience and commitment tosustainable building practice. Again, youmay wish to balance this with selectionof a locally based firm. Price may also bea deciding factor in awarding thecontract if there is a large discrepancybetween bids.

� Letting the contract: the contract willbe awarded to your preferred bidder andwill be a direct contract between thecommunity client and the buildingcontractor. Your architect’s continuedinvolvement will be in an inspection roleto ensure that the building contractor isdelivering the work to specification.

� On-site management: ideally onecommunity contact person should benominated to liaise with the buildingcontractors. This will involve respondingto day-to-day management queries anddecisions, referring these to thecommunity group as and when required.

� Project hand-over, snagging andbuilding maintenance issues: Thehandover of responsibility for the buildingfrom the contractor to the communitygroup takes place when the Certificateof Practical Completion is issued byyour architect. This usually takes placealongside the release of the CompletionCertificate that is part of the buildingcontrol process managed by the localauthority. Your full building insurancemust be in place at this point, as thebuilding contractors insurance liabilityceases once hand-over has taken place.

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� Final completion: during the next 12months, the contractor is still liable forcorrection of most hidden defects. It isonly at the 12-month point that FinalCompletion can be certified by yourarchitect, who conducts a final buildinginspection and draws up a ‘snagging’ listof faults to be addressed.


You will have:-

� Received a tender document, prepared by your Design Team based on the ProjectBrief and Scheme Design Study content.

� Appointed a building contractor with some experience in sustainability issues.� Completed all stages of building construction, including compliance with all legal

requirements and procedures.� Completed the formal building hand over, with your community organisation having

taken over full responsibility for the building from the contractor.

STAGE 3Construction and completion

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Where to go for further information

Useful Contacts

Association for Environmentally ConsciousBuilding (AECB) is the leading environmentaltrade organisation in the UK, with theobjective of facilitating environmentallyresponsible practices within buidling.Publishes an excellent, informative andpractical quarterly magazine ‘Building for aFuture’. E: [email protected] Tel: 01559370908 www.aecb.net

Building Research Establishment (BRE) isthe UK’s leading centre for research,development and consultancy for all aspectsof the build environment, includingsustainability and environmentallyresponsible practices. Some useful reportsprovided free or through on-line bookshop.E: [email protected] Tel: 01923 664000www.bre.co.uk/sustainable

Building Services Research and InformationAssociation (BSRIA) is the association forbuilding services research which assists thebuilding services industry and its clients toimprove the efficiency and quality of itsproducts and services. Some usefulenvironmental practice publications. E:[email protected] Tel: 01344 426511www.bsria.co.uk

Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) Acentre in Mid Wales promoting anddemonstrating alternative energy andsustainable living. Run courses andinformation service. Over 80 practicalfactsheets, publications and a magazine. E:[email protected] Tel: 01654 702400www.cat.org.uk

CIRIA is a UK-based research associationconcerned with improving the performanceof all involved in construction and theenvironment. E: [email protected] Tel:0207 222 8891 www.ciria.org.uk

(NOTE: Funding sources for specific sustainability costs listed in Guide 11)

Community Self-Build Scotland providesinformation, education, advice, assistance,training and development services to Self-Build Groups in Scotland. http://www.selfbuild-scotland.org.uk/

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)promotes Sustainable Construction throughits website www.dti.gov.uk/construction/sustain

Earthship Biotecture shares internationalexperience in building and using “earthship”construction, through it websitewww.earthship.org

Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme(EEBPP) is a UK government programme tohelp organisations cut energy bills by 10-20%.Provides independent advice to private andpublic sector, including a good list of casestudies. Tel: 01923 664258 www.energy-efficiency.gov.uk

Energy Saving Trust is government fundedto promote efficient use of energy. Largelytargeted at domestic homes and generalpublic. Tel: 0207 931 8401 www.est.org.uk

Energy 21 promotes research intosustainable energy systems, water systems,waste management practices and buildingmethods. Based in Glouscestershire. E:[email protected] Tel: 01453 752277www.energy21.org.uk

ENTRUST is the sole regulator of the LandfillTax Credit Scheme. Essential if you areapplying for grants for environmentalprojects under the Landfill Tax Scheme. Tel:0161 972 0044 www.entrust.org.uk

Highland Energy Efficiency Advice Centreprovides advice and leaflets on energyefficiency as the local office of a nationalnetwork of Advice Centres. Largely targetedat domestic residences; grants available aremainly for domestic upgrades. Housed in

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The Highland Council’s Property andArchitectural Services, Kinmylies Building,Leachkin Road, Inverness, IV3 6NN.E: [email protected]: 0800 512012

Low energy lighting information can befound at www.natenergy.org.uk/cfl-save.htm

National Energy Foundation (NEF), basedin Milton Keynes, was set up in 1990 to helpUK citizens address energy conservationthrough practical advice and help ininstalling energy saving measures andimplementing appropriate renewable energysources. www.natenergy.org.uk

NEF Renewables is a department of TheNational Energy Foundation (as above). Itsaim is to encourage use of sustainable andgreen sources of energy, by promotingrenewable energy and providing informationand advice. www.greenenergy.org.uk

Royal Incorporation of Architects inScotland (RIAS) is the foremostarchitectural professional institute inScotland dealing with architecture and thebuilt environment. It has charitable statusand offers a wide range of services andproducts for architects, students ofarchitecture, construction industryprofessionals and all those with an interestin the built environment and the designprocess. The RIAS recently launched theworld’s first accreditation scheme forsustainable building designers.S E:[email protected] Tel: 0131 229 7545www.rias.org.uk

Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)is the UK equivalent of the RIAS and isincreasingly interested in sustainabledevelopment. Web provides directories ofRIBA practices, members, a bookshop andproduct selector and links to 1000architectural websites. E: [email protected]: 0207 580 5533 www.riba.org.uk


Scottish Community Renewables Initiative(SCRI) is a one-stop shop for communitiesinterested in renewables, providing advice,project management and funding support.Jointly delivered by the Energy Saving Trustand Highlands & Islands Enterprise.www.est.org.uk/scri or www.hie.co.uk/community-energy.html. For advice andapplication assistance in Highlands andIslands contact:-

Inverness and Nairn Enterprise Moray Badenochand Strathspey EnterpriseEric Dodd, CEU [email protected] Tel 01463 234 171Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Cowan House,Inverness Retail and Business Park, Inverness IV2 7GF

Caithness and Sutherland EnterpriseRoss and Cromarty EnterpriseJon [email protected] Tel 01408 635 102Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, StationRoad, Golspie, Sutherland KW10 6SN

Lochaber, Skye and LochalshRobert [email protected] Tel 01397 704 326AlIenergy, Lochaber Enterprise, St Mary’s House,Gordon Square, Fort William PH33 6DY

ShetlandSandy [email protected] 01957 711 838SM power Services, Hagdale Industrial Estate,Baltasound, Shetland ZE2 9DS

OrkneySam [email protected] Tel: 01857 677790Westray Development Trust Cotterochan,Westray, Orkney

Western IslesHenk [email protected] Tel 01851 707 343Western Isles Enterprise, St James Square,9 James Street, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis HS1 2QN

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Argyll and [email protected] 01631 562 125ALIenergy, Kilbowie House, Gallanach Road, ObanPA34 4PF

The Scottish Executive’s energy efficiencywebsite has information on grantapplications for the “Scottish Clean EnergyDemonstration Scheme”. www.energy-efficiency.org

Scottish Ecological Design Association(SEDA) is a voluntary organisation ofprofessional members that advocatesecological design, providing information,advice and raising awareness throughevents, site visits, study tours andpublications. It is compiling a Directory ofMembers which should be ready by June2004. It is also working to establish a webgateway on sustainable design and buildingmaterials. Contact Gill Pemberton, SEDAMembership Secretary, The Library Wing,Abbey St. Bathans Duns, Berwickshire TD113TX. E: [email protected] andwww.seda2.org

Scottish Natural Heritage is a Non-Departmental Public Body that works withScotland’s people to promote the care andimprovement, appreciation, and sustainableuse of Scotland’s natural heritage now andfor future generations; more information isavailable at http://www.snh.org.uk

Shell Better Britain Campaign - Althoughcurrently closed, this programme supportssustainable community action by awardinggrants to local groups and innovativeresearch projects. A new programme isexpected to be launched in Autumn 2004;more information is available atwww.sbbc.co.uk

Solar Century is a commercial company setup to promote the use of, advise on andinstall solar photovoltaic energy systems.www.solarcentury.co.uk


Sustainable Communities Network Scotland(SCNS) is a charity founded in 1998 topromote the development of sustainablecommunity projects in Scotland.E: [email protected] Tel: 0131 557 8611www.scns.org.uk

UK Solar Energy Society (UK-ISES) providescomprehensive links to solar and renewableenergy websites through its own website,SOLEIL (Sustainable On-Line EnergyInformation Listing). The site is maintainedby Oxford Brookes University.www.brookes.ac.uk/other/uk-ises/soleil.html

Wind Energy Network promotes wind energyprojects across the UK. E:[email protected]: 0870 1343430 www.windsupporters.net

Technical References

Designing for Sustainability in theHighlands: The Highland Council’s DraftDevelopment Plan Policy Guidance onSustainable Design, available from theCouncil’s Planning and Development Service.

The Real Green Building Book. Free withAECB membership (see Useful Contacts). Anexcellent Directory, listing and summarisingactivities of all members of AECB acrossbuilding trades, professions and suppliers.

Green Building Products and ServicesDirectory. Hall, K. and Warm. P. 4th Edition.Published by the Green Building Press, Nant-y-Garreg, Saron, Llandysul, Carmarthenshire,SA44 5EJ

Green Building Handbook. A guide tobuilding products and their impact on theenvironment. 1st Edition 1997. Published byT J International, Padstow, Cornwall.

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Scottish House, Gaia Research, 2001. Areview of recent experience in buildingindividual and small groups of houses with aview to sustainability, the use of traditionaland new materials, and innovative design.Published by The Stationary Office, 71Lothian Road, Edinburgh (tel. 08706065566) and available to download off theScottish Executive’s website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/cru/kd01/orange/shar-00.asp

Timber Cladding in Scotland, Davies, I.,Walker, B., Pendlebury, J., 2002. ARCAPublications Ltd. ISBN 1 904320 00 7.Technical information on the sustainable useof external timber cladding in constructionthat is specifically relevant to Scottishconditions. Available to download off theScottish Executive’s website: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/housing/tcis-00.asp

Sustainable Housing Design Guide forScotland. Stevenson, F and Williams, N,2000, prepared for Scottish Homes (nowCommunities Scotland). Guidance forhousing providers on dealing with specificissues of sustainability and housing. A webversion is available on the following website:http://www.official-documents.co.uk/document/deps/cs/shdg/index.html

Sources of Community Support

Councils of Voluntary Service locatedthroughout the Highlands, providing localadvice on all aspects of running a voluntaryorganisation and developing projects.

They may also be able to put you in touchwith your local Federation of Village Halls.The most up to date contact details areavailable at : http://www.cvsscotland.org.uk/locations/index.htm

Local Enterprise Companies locatedthrough out Highland, provide support andfunding for community organisations. Themost up to date contact details are availableat:http://www.hie.co.uk/Local-Enterprise-Companies.htm

Inverness and Nairn EnterpriseCommunity Toolkit website covers adviceon a number of relevant areas: click onEnter Site; select ‘Information’; select‘Advice Notes Index’ – and you will beoffered a drop-down menu of topics(includes Working with Consultants;Feasibility Studies; Business Planning, Bidand Application Writing; Fundraising)www.communitytoolkit.org.uk

Skye and Lochalsh Community Toolkitprovides useful web-based information onProject Planning (community consultation,feasibility studies and business planning).Other relevant sections to browse includeFundraising, Organisational, and GoodPractice (select Community Halls)www.slcvo.org.uk/toolkit

The Scottish Council for VoluntaryOrganisations (SCVO) produces a number ofpublications and provides advice on allaspects of setting up and running avoluntary organisation in Scotland including:

The Brass Tacks – Guidance Notes for 21st

Century Halls: managing communityprojects’. Scottish Council for VoluntaryOrganisations, 2000. www.scvo.org.uk

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26

MAKE BEST USE OF THE SITE

Astley Hall, Arisaig, Lochaber:This village hall is a listed building that wasrecently repaired, upgraded and extendedby Simpson & Brown Architects. Substantialimprovements in energy efficiency wereachieved through the introduction ofinsulation to the walls and roof. Othersustainable design features include the useof homegrown timber for external claddingto the new extension. Work was completedin 2001.http://www.simpsonandbrown.co.uk/

Birnam Institute and Beatrix PotterCentre, near Dunkeld:This redevelopment was designed byMacMon Architects to complement theexisting building and local townenvironment. Its most striking feature isthe timberclad extension, which contrastswith the Victorian stone and slate of theoriginal building, connecting the two with afully glazed link. New foyer, café artsworkshop, mezzanine gallery and multi-purpose hall have been created.Birnam Institute, Station Road, Birnam,DUNKELD, PH8 0DSTel: 01350 727674Email: [email protected] http://www.birnaminstitute.com/contact.htm

National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre,Glencoe:This Visitor Centre was designed andconstructed to have minimal negativeimpact on the natural environment. The sitehas a wastewater management systemdesigned to support and enhancebiodiversity. To minimise disturbance to theground below, the timber frame walls aresuspended on a framework of steel beams,which rest on concrete pad foundations.

‘No go’ areas were established during theconstruction phase to prevent buildingactivity, storage and traffic from harmingnearby wildlife, plants and habitats. Othersustainable design features include the useof locally-sourced woodfuel for heating.Fuel consumption is minimised by highstandards of insulation and energyefficiency. All timber used in theconstruction of the building is home grownand free of preservative treatment. Thisincludes softwood for the timber frame andexterior cladding, oak for windows anddoors and sycamore for flooring. Windowsand doors were manufactured in theHighlands. Construction work wascompleted in 2002.www.gaiagroup.org/Architects/Glencoearticle web.pdf - detailed articlewww.gaiagroup.org/Architects/tourism/Glencoe/index.html - short summary

Assynt Community Sports Centre,Lochinver, Sutherland:Assynt Leisure, a registered charity,commissioned Gaia Architects to carry out afeasibility study on the potential to providean indoor sports, recreation and generalcommunity facility for the local community,which is spread across a wide geographicalarea. The building was designed by GaiaArchitects within tight site constraints,applying the principles of: flexibility andadaptability; quality and durability ofspecification; energy conservation andefficiency incorporating passive solar design;accessibility for all; high standards of indoorair quality; minimising the negative impactof the development on the widerenvironment. http://www.gaiagroup.org/Architects/sport/assynt/index.html

Examples of best practice in sustainableconstruction

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USE LOCALLY-SOURCED/SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS

RSPB Osprey Observation Post, LochGarten, Strathspey:This bird observation centre designed by BellIngram Ltd makes use of homegrownsoftwood for all structural timber, externalcladding and roof shingles. Located on anartificial island in a bog that is highlysensitive to changes in ground water levels,the centre was designed to avoid adverseenvironmental impact from drainageinstallation. Apart from rainwater disposal,drainage was avoided through the use ofcomposting toilets. The centre wascompleted in 1999.Tel: 01479 821409Tourist info: 01479 810363E-mail:[email protected]

Field of Dreams, Findhorn Foundation,Forres, Morayshire:The Findhorn Foundation is a communitythat has developed approximately 50 privatehouses in the period since the 1970s toachieve a large-scale demonstration ofecological building practice. The buildingsdemonstrate widespread use of timber-clad,timber frame construction and someexamples of alternative methods such asstraw bale and “earthship” construction.Locally sourced materials and suppliers areused where ever possible.http://www.ecovillagefindhorn.com andselect ‘ecological building’

MINIMISE ENERGY USE AND MAKEBEST USE OF RENEWABLES

Kinlochleven Community and SportsCentre, Lochaber:This centre, designed by Gaia Architects,comprises a main hall, and changingfacilities, a Learning Resource Centre forthe University of the Highlands and Islands,snooker room, fitness suite, kitchen andseveral general purpose community rooms.It demonstrates very high standards ofenergy efficiency and is heated entirely bylocally-sourced woodfuel, making it “carbonneutral”. A sweeping roof light in the slateroof brings daylight into the centre of thebuilding. Dynamic insulation is usedthroughout, whereby air is drawn into thebuilding through a permeable insulationlayer in order to recover heat that wouldotherwise be lost by conduction. Naturalpaint finishes are used internally. The centrewas completed in October 2001.www.gaiagroup.org/Architects/sport/kinlochleven/index.html

Hofn Youth Centre, Westray, Orkney: Thisaward winning community centre isprimarily used as a drop-in for, andmanaged by, the young people of Westray. Awind turbine has been installed to generatepower to meet the majority of thebuilding’s heating requirement.http://www.hie.co.uk/community-energy.html and click on pdf file at bottomof page.

Bettyhill Swimming Pool, North Sutherland:This swimming pool is run by a localcommunity company, Tongue and Farr SportsAssociation Ltd, and is supported by TheHighland Council. The facility is well used bythe local community and visitors, witharound 10,000 users/year. The building wasrecently converted to a biomass (wood fuel)heating system, replacing an expensive oil-fired system with renewable energy for bothswimming pool and space heating needs.Despite the building’s remote location, it hasbeen possible to source adequate supplies ofwood fuel. The oil-fired boiler has beenretained as a back up.http://www.energy-efficiency.org/casestudies/sceds/biomass.jsp and selectthe Bettyhill case study.Jim Johnston, Tongue and Farr SportsAssociationTel: 01641 521217E-mail: [email protected]

Ardross Village Hall, Easter Ross:This new-build village hall was designed byDavid Somerville Architect and constructedon the site of the old hall. It combinespassive solar design with active solar heatcollection through roof panels, to optimiseenergy use.David Somerville. E-mail:[email protected]://www.network-21.info/htm/pdf/Ardross%20Village%20Hall.pdf

McLaren Community Leisure Centre,Callander, Perthshire:This community sports facility by GaiaArchitects is an example of the large-scaleuse of healthy materials and a uniquemethod of energy efficient ventilation thatresults in a fresh and healthy indoorenvironment. As for KinlochlevenCommunity and Sports Centre (3.1), dynamic

insulation is used throughout, whereby air isdrawn into the building through a permeableinsulation layer in order to recover heat thatwould otherwise be lost by conduction. Thecentre was completed in 1998.http://www.gaiagroup.org/Research/RI/DI/http://www.gaiagroup.org/Architects/sport/mclaren/index.html

DESIGN TO CONSERVE WATER

Loch Garten RSPB Visitor Centre, Speyside– visitor facilities include composting toiletsand waterless urinals (see previous entry).

Abriachan Forest Trust, Inverness-shire: Acomposting toilet and reed bed wererecently installed as part of community-leddevelopments to encourage visitors to useand take and interest in the local woodland(see entry below).Contact David Somerville. E-mail:[email protected]

ENVIRONMENT-CONSCIOUS WASTEDISPOSAL

Gatliff Hebridean Youth Hostel Trust, SouthUist:Living Water designed a wetland for thishostel for the treatment of septic tankeffluent.http://www.livingwater.org.uk/client.asp

National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre,Culloden Battlefield, Inverness: LivingWater designed a wetland treatment systemfor sewage from the café and Centrefacilities.http://www.livingwater.org.uk/client.asp


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EXAMPLES OF COMMUNITYWOODLAND PROJECTS

Sgoil na Coille, Sunart Oakwoods Initiative(SOI), Lochaber:Sgoil na Coille was constructed as part ofthe SOI’s rural development programme toprovide some degree of shelter forwoodland education classes and workshops.The building is an open-sided structuremade of local larch that uses the round poleconstruction method. Removable wall panelsmay be added later.Jamie McIntyre, Project Manager (ForestryCommission)Tel: 01967 402165www.sunartoakwoods.org.uk/ruraldev/woodschool.htm

Milton Community Woodland Trust, EasterRoss:A purpose built log-building is planned forthe Milton Community Woodland,constructed from local timber. This buildingwill provide a venue for display ofinformation on the woodland, storage oftools, and woodland related workshops.http://www.nhft.org.uk/milton.htm

Abriachan Forest Trust, Inverness-shire:This community-owned and managedwoodland offers facilities for locals andvisitors. A number of small wooden buildingshave been constructed to complementwoodland footpaths and car parking withBBQ stands, all led and developed throughcommunity participation. These includetree houses, a bird hide, and a compostingtoilet.George Hawco, Chair, Abriachan ForestTrustTel: 01463 861257E-mail: [email protected]:http://members.tripod.com/Abriachan


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Subject guides

Guide 1:

The following guides provide further information on the issues covered inthe main text.

Key considerations for sustainable design in a communityconstruction project

Principle

1. MeetingCommunityNeeds

2. Workingwith theHighlandLandscape &environment

3. ProvidingAccess for All

4. HealthyBuildings

5. MinimisingEnergyRequired inConstruction

6. Use ofSustainablyProducedConstructionMaterials

7. MinimisingEnergy Use inBuildingOperation

8. Minimising &ManagingWasteSustainably

Aim and Practical Application

� Ensure active participation by the community in the design and management of the buildingproject.

� Ensure that the building is well used and financially sustainable by making sure it can be used byall sectors of the community, both now and in the future.

� Support the local economy by sourcing materials and employment locally where possible.

� Ensure that the building location and design protects natural and archaeological heritage andminimises adverse impact on landscape, natural habitats and species.

� Link to local features, enhance biodiversity, and encourage access to and enjoyment ofheritage.

� Ensure durability of construction in the Highland climate, taking account of conditions becomingwetter and warmer in the future as a result of climate change.

� Accommodate access and usage needs of all types of user group, exceeding legislativerequirements, so the whole community can benefit and the building is fully used.

� Encourage sustainable transport use, making access easy by foot, cycle and public transport.

� Ensure that the building design minimises the use of noxious materials and provides highenvironmental standards for its users in terms of air quality, ventilation, heating, lighting andacoustics.

� Re-use buildings or land where the opportunity arises.� Use efficient construction methods that minimise the energy used in material manufacture,

transportation and installation (referred to as “embodied energy”).� Design out and manage waste produced by the construction process.

� Source materials as locally as is practical, thereby decreasing the environmental cost oftransport.

� Maximise the use of materials with low environmental impact e.g. materials that are recycled,reused, renewable or unprocessed.

� Maximise the use of sustainably produced materials e.g. homegrown or certified timber (not allhomegrown timber is certified, but virtually all is managed sustainably due to the high standardsof regulation in the UK forestry)

� Avoid the use of materials that release CO2, acid gas or CFC during manufacture� Avoid materials that release (“off-gas”) toxic chemicals during their lifetime e.g. certain paints,

carpets and floor coverings.

� Ensure that design makes best use of passive solar features in the aspect and orientation ofbuilding.

� Examine “Whole Life Costing” at the design stage:- analysing not only construction costs, butthe maintenance and running costs over the life of the building; and the cost of demolition/disposal of materials at the end of the building’s useful life.

� Select efficient systems that can be controlled to minimise energy wastage and costs.� Insulate the entire building to standards well in excess of those set by the Building Regulations.� Make use of a renewable energy source for part or all of the building’s energy requirements.

� Reduce water usage and make use of water recycling.� Maximise the recycling of day to day waste (e.g. from catering and activities in the building) by

incorporating on site recycling facilities such composting facilities and storage for segregatedwaste.

� Consider environmentally sound alternatives to soakaways for sewage disposal.

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Subject guides

Guide 2: WHO, WHAT & WHEN: An overview of steps in creating asustainable community building

NOTE: the following table is merely intended as a guide - your design team may suggest some variation.

KEY: Who is responsible for input at different stages

Points at which Key Sustainability Issues/Decisions arise

PROJECT DEVELOPMENTSTAGES

Community NeedsAssessment and Profile

Establishing an organisationto manage the project

STAGE1: GETTING STARTED:THE BUILDING FEASIBILITYSTUDY

Developing the Project Brief

Selecting an Architect withsustainability credentials

Site Selection and Best Use

Meeting Essential PlanningRequirements

Indicative Costs andsustainability cost choices

Funding sources forsustainability aspects

Community Architect Landscape Surveyor/ Quantity BuildingClient Architect Engineer Surveyor Contractor

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Subject guides

Guide 2: WHO, WHAT & WHEN: An overview of steps in creating asustainable community building

Community Architect Landscape Surveyor/ Quantity BuildingClient Architect Engineer Surveyor Contractor

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PROJECT DEVELOPMENTSTAGES

STAGE 2: DEVELOPING YOURPROPOSAL: THE SCHEME DESIGNSTUDY

Healthy and ComfortableBuildings

Construction methods

Use and Specification ofSustainable Materials

Energy System Options

Minimising waste water andmanaging sewage

Access for All and Parking

Planning consent

Building Control/Warrant

STAGE 3: CONSTRUCTION ANDCOMPLETION

Preparation of TenderingContract Documents

Tendering building contractors

Letting the Contract

On Site Management

Project hand-over, snaggingand building maintenanceissues

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Subject guides

Guide 3: Key issues in site selection and making the most of your site

New build vs. re-use of existing buidings

Re-use of existing buildings, and consequent use of existing service infrastructure, can offer savingsin comparison with a new build. A concept know as Whole Life Costing calculates the cost of a buildingover its lifetime, including hidden costs such as:-� Energy stored in the existing building and its materials (energy used in manufacture, transportation

and installation - referred to as “embodied energy”).� Demolition costs and location of disposal of the debris.� The degree and efficiency with which sustainability aspects can be incorporated into the old

building in conversion and extension. For instance a re-used building may be less energy efficientthan a new build.

A new build in an urban or rural location offers the potential for maximum use of the latest sustainableconcepts in design, construction and operation – but may not present the most sustainable, efficientoverall solution once the above factors have been accounted for. If you face a choice of re-use or newbuild, your architect can advise on these issues.

Value Added Tax (VAT): The cost implication of VAT is also a major consideration in the decision to re-use or build new. The current tax regime is not sustainability-friendly: VAT is not charged on any new-build construction costs (materials and contractors) but all refurbishment/ re-use costs attract VAT at17.5% and a building extension is VAT-exempt only if it is considered to be “stand-alone” annex. As ageneral guide, if a refurbishment costs more than two thirds of the comparative new build, it is usuallymore cost and energy efficient to go for new build.

Brownfield vs. Greenfield Sites

Brownfield sites usually consist of land of low ecological value, where there has been previousdevelopment such as buildings or industrial activity. Planning and sustainability principles generallyfavour the use of brownfield sites because they make use of existing services and infrastructure, arelikely to have provision for public transport access, and are often suitable for mixed-use developmentsbecause they are commonly close to other developed land. A brownfield site may be redundant andcausing an eyesore in which case its redevelopment can support regeneration. Care should be taken tocheck out any possibility of ground contamination.

In the Highlands, however, brownfield sites are not widespread outside small urban settlements, andnew development tends to take place on greenfield sites by default, especially in rural areas. Wheredevelopment is necessary in the countryside, planning preference is for in-fill, extension or conversionof existing buildings. If a greenfield site is the only option, it should be readily serviced by publictransport.

Subject guides


Safeguarding and enhancing wildlife habitats, species and plant life

Sites of environmental importance and special interest are protected by statutory designations (eg

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)), that place constraints on development. At an early stage you

need to check whether any potential sites you have in mind are not high natural or archaeological

heritage value. To do so contact your local Highland Council Planning Officer.

The building should be designed to have minimal negative impact on the surrounding environment,

including the ground that it will stand on. For example, The National Trust for Scotland Visitor Centre at

Glencoe in Lochaber has been built on stilts to minimise the need for earthworks on a sloping site, and

also to minimise negative impact on the natural environment.

Although initially a construction site, with appropriate preparation your project can be designed to

stimulate biodiversity, as well as minimise negative impact on landscape and habitats. Reference to

Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) can assist you to take an ecological approach to landscape

design, planting and other features in the area surrounding your building. Eight LBAPs have been

prepared for the Highlands and are available for reference at The Highland Council Service Points and

libraries. The Highland Council’s draft Planning Guidance Designing for Sustainability in the Highlands

contains advice on how to safeguard and enhance biodiversity in the development of a building project.

Efficient approaches to site development and landscaping

Disposal of discarded earthworks from a site is expensive, especially in west coast locations and rock

subsoil is costly in energy and cash to extract. During the feasibility phase, a level survey by a

professional surveyor and the use of trial pits by the structural engineer to assess sub-soil conditions

will help avoid hidden costs and plan for sustainable disposal of excavated materials.

During the construction phase, work on the site should be planned and managed to minimise “site

intervention” i.e. the level of physical disruption and soil works on the site. One option is to consider a

building on stilts which can compensate for site slope, rather than excavation. The need to dispose of

excavated materials from foundations should also be minimised by their re-use for infill, car parking

surfaces or landscaping.

Public access routes

Current figures show that transport is responsible for almost one third of the UK’s CO2 emissions. Site

selection should provide the best possible links to public transport to discourage personal car use where

possible – e.g railway station in walking distance, bus stop nearby, access by dedicated cycle routes.

These considerations become more difficult in rural settings where car dependency is high, but

should still be incorporated into plans where possible.

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Consider the following:

Passive solar gainGood design of the orientation and glazed area of the building will make a significant contribution tospace heating, allowing sunshine to heat up your rooms through the windows. This is referred to as“passive solar gain”. It can be maximised through the design of appropriate roof and windowproportions and through orienting glazed areas towards the south as much as possible. Aspect will alsobe important for the efficient siting of solar panels or photovoltaic units (solarPV) to maximise thesupply of renewable energy. Shading of low-angled winter sun by coniferous trees or buildings should beavoided.

Shelter and prevailing windsSiting a building in the shelter of a landscape feature (e.g. a hillside) can provide protection fromprevailing winds and hence, some passive insulation. Existing trees or new planting can be used aswindbreaks/shelterbelts. This has the added advantage of protecting the building exterior, to someextent, from weather deterioration. Avoid naturally cold sites – frost pockets and hill tops. Theorientation of the building within the site is also a consideration for ventilation control.

Maximising daylight useUse of natural daylight in the building is both good for the health of the occupants and cuts down onenergy consumption for lighting. This can be achieved by good design – both orientation of the buildingand positioning of windows. Use of skylights and sun pipes can also enhance light penetration intoother parts of the building. A sun pipe transmits daylight from roof level to the interior of a buildingvia a tube that uses mirrors and other reflective devices.

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Building orientationBuilding orientationBuilding orientationBuilding orientationBuilding orientation

Sustainability opportunities are optimised by well thought out positioning of the building to takeaccount of the site’s microclimate. This can maximise the benefit of fine weather and offer protectionfrom adverse weather, which will reduce energy consumption and improve the durability of the buildingfabric. Overhead obstructions and shading by trees and adjacent buildings will limit the potential to usesome renewable energy technologies (e.g. limit solar efficiency / prevent the installation of turbines).

Subject guides

Guide 4: Some construction approaches that you may come across

ConstructionMethod

Timberframe

Steel frame

Cladding

Timbercladding

Raising thebuildingabove theground

Round Pole

Greenwood

Straw baleconstruction

“Earthship”design

A ‘lightweight’ construction approach using timber as the structural frame for walls,floors and roof. Specify timber from a sustainably-managed source. Sustainabilitycan be increased by combining this construction method with timber cladding forthe external walls, rather than conventional cement harling.

A similar ‘lightweight’ method – although high levels of “embodied energy” are usedin the production of steel. Embodied energy is the energy used in extraction,processing and transportation of a building material or method. In steel frameconstruction, embodied energy is less if the frame is made from recycled steel. Canalso be combined with timber cladding.

Cladding usually refers to the outside envelope of a building whose structureconsists of a timber, steel or concrete frame. It carries no load and is a protectiveand decorative envelope for the structural frame. Cladding materials include metalsheets, pre-cast concrete slabs, uPVC, tiles, masonry and timber.

Timber cladding is not extensively used in Scotland but its use is increasing, drivenby aesthetic and sustainability benefits. There is considerable potential to usehomegrown timber as a renewable cladding material, adding value to Scotland’sforest resource and sustaining local jobs. The sustainability, lifespan andmaintenance costs of timber cladding will depend on how it is specified andconstructed. For example, appropriate choice of timber species, durability andconstruction details can ensure that toxic timber preservative treatment is notnecessary.

The whole structure of the building can be raised off the ground, effectively on‘stilts’. This ensures minimum disturbance to the ground and its waterways byavoiding extensive earthworks - useful on a sloping site where excavation wouldotherwise be required to provide a level base for construction. Boardwalks can beused for access, although this can be expensive and is likely to requiremaintenance.

This method uses a framework of whole stems (trunks) of conifer trees, which aresometimes bent into the shape of the frame. Suitable for small buildings e.g.chalets, sheds and small barns.

Construction with ‘green’ (undried) timber – usually to form a structural frameknown as “post and beam”. This dries out slowly in situ tightening the joints in theframe by natural shrinkage. ‘Green’ timber is also used for external cladding.

At present, the use of straw bale construction for major buildings is uncertain, asdurability, structural safety and fire risk need further research. NeverthelessScotland’s first straw bale house was completed at The Findhorn Foundation,Morayshire, in 2002. Planners and building control officers are often wary, however,of large scale use of this method. Potential for small-scale use of these materialscould be demonstrated in a bicycle shed, garden shed, garaging for vehicles etc.

This is the use of recycled car tyres, bottles and cans as main constructionmaterials. Many of the issues that limit the use of straw bale construction (above)also apply to this method.

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Application and Comments

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Subject guides

Guide 5: Some sustainability issues to consider when specifying yourbuilding materials

Materials

Traditional “heavyweight” materials(concrete, cement,bricks, stone etc)

Timber - for frameconstruction, claddingand internal finishes

Timber preservatives(commonly used toprevent/suppress fungalgrowth and insect attackduring the life of thebuilding)

� Concrete, cement and bricks demand high-energy input inmanufacture and transportation, which is often far from the site.They also have low recycling potential at the end of the building’s life.Minimising their use will improve the sustainability of a project. Forexample, avoid over-specification of concrete foundations etc, wherethese are necessary.·

� The use of locally-sourced stone will minimise the environmental costof transportation and bring benefit to the local economy.

� Where possible re-use stone from other buildings- this has extrasustainability value and may enhance the visual and textural quality ofyour building.

� Where possible, make use of local demolition materials for ballast,infill or hard-core.

� Timber is a renewable construction material and providing it comesfrom a sustainably managed source, is one of the most sustainablebuilding materials available in Scotland. Aim to source timber aslocally as possible, to minimise transportation and support localbusinesses and employment.

� Most homegrown timber is now independently certified as comingfrom a sustainably-managed source. The current exception is homegrown hardwoods, although this absence of certification should not actas a deterrent. Forestry Commission Scotland uses strong regulatoryframeworks to control timber harvesting and many sawmills canprovide direct assurance that their logs come from a sustainablymanaged source.

� Avoid the use of tropical hardwood. Where possible use a temperatehardwood or softwood substitute. Only use tropical hardwood thatcomes from an FSC certified source (Forest Stewardship Council).

� Specify plywood or other building boards that do not contain tropicalhardwood.

� Where possible use reclaimed timbers - these have extrasustainability value and may add visual interest.

� Specify naturally durable timber species for cladding such as larch, oakor sweet chestnut, or alternatively, take appropriate steps in thedetailing, specification and construction of non-durable species (egspruce).

� Virtually all timber preservative treatments contain chemicalformulations that are increasingly being classified as toxic waste.These chemicals pose a threat to workers during processing and to theenvironment on disposal (eg as construction / demolition waste). Asfar as possible the use of timber preservative treatment should beavoided.

� Investigate alternatives to preservative use with your architect.� Minimise the need for timber preservatives by good detailing,

including the use of natural ventilation to maintain adequately lowmoisture content in timber.

Application and Comments

CFC-based materialsand systems

PVC-u

Paints and glues

Insulation materials

� Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemicals used in the manufacture ofaerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, assolvents and refrigerants, and in some fire prevention systems. CFCscontain ozone-depleting chemicals that may contribute to globalwarming. Their use in buildings should be avoided.

� PVC-u is commonly used in the UK for wire cabling, window and doorframes, and drainage pipes. PVC-u products are believed to releasetoxic chemicals to the environment during both manufacture anddisposal. There is significant debate about the safety of PVC-u inconstruction, both in terms of the health of building users and itseventual disposal through landfill or incineration. It has already beenbanned by several European countries.

� Use alternative products to PVC-u, e.g. clay drainage pipes, Econetwood-based products for trunking and cabling.

� Many paints, varnishes and glues contain solvents that release volatileorganic compounds (VOCs) to the atmosphere on evaporation. Thesecan harm the health of both the worker applying them and the buildinguser.

� All timber panel products with a high glue content (eg chipboard, mdf,plywood) contain toxic chemicals.

� Use paints, stains and washes that are solvent and lead-free. Waterbased alternatives and paint products with low environmental impactare available.

� Wherever possible, substitute solid timber for timber panel products.

� When selecting your insulation material, remember that longevity andthe ability to maintain a high performance throughout its lifetime isits most important characteristic.

� Discuss options with your architect. A range of low impact, renewableinsulation materials are available:------ Sheep’s’ wool has high ability to absorb and release moisture – it

can absorb up to 30% of its dry weight with no noticeable reductionin performance. Its use could potentially provide an additionalmarket for wool, thereby supporting the sheep farming industry.Sheep’s’ wool is currently more expensive, however, than mostother insulation materials.

----- Recycled newspaper ( e.g. Filicrete Warmcel 500) has a good degreeof breathability, is readily available and generally affordable.

----- Other sustainable alternatives include flax slabs, boards andblankets or liquid made from recycled newspaper with jute, (forspraying into difficult areas).

Subject guides

Guide 5: Some sustainability issues to consider when specifying yourbuilding materials

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Materials Application and Comments

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Subject guides

Guide 6: Design checklist to minimise energy use and wastage

Design features to minimise heat loss

Control of airflow � Fit draught-proofing to doors.� Reduce the temperature gradient between inside and outside by use of buffer

zones eg. porch or foyer� Consider using automatic door closure devices.� Try to minimise the number of doors in use.� Where frequent access is required through doorways, consider installing

plastic strip curtains or fast opening/closing doors.

Insulation � Use high levels of continuous insulation to all external surfaces. Significantstandards cost reductions in space heating can be achieved by insulating roof, floor and

walls well beyond the levels set in the Building Regulations. Applying this“spend-to save” principle at the outset will have a substantial impact inminimising the running costs of the building, which is a key consideration formany communities.

� Roof spaces should be insulated appropriately to a minimum depth of 150mm/ 6 inches. Floor insulation should be installed during construction of allnew buildings, including sealing of gaps between floorboards to preventdraughts. Wall insulation should be thickened at locations where radiators willbe placed.

� Select insulation products that are CFC-free with no effects of “off-gassing”.(See guide 5).

Window design � Use glazing configurations with very low heat loss specification (ie. doubleand triple glazing), a large air gap and low emissivity (Low E) glass. Cavitiescan also be filled with gas. Although double glazing saves energy, installationcosts are high in comparison with the annual cost savings realized. Savingsare higher if windows are specified for very low heat loss.

� Consider windows that can be opened in a number of directions, maximisingflexibility to aid summer ventilation whilst protecting occupiers from drafts.

� Window-to-wall ratios should not be excessive and thermal characteristics(known as U-values) should exceed levels set out in the Building Regulations.

� Window design should give flexibility of building use and strike a balancebetween daylighting, ventilation, solar gain in summer, solar gain in winter,conduction loss in winter, noise control, general floor, wall and roof insulationlevels, views out, privacy, appearance and security.

Energy control � Separate electricty meters could be installed for discrete facilities within thesystems building that are to be hired out (e.g. meeting hall, computer suite) to

ensure you can measure and charge for use appropriately.� Any requirement for close control of correct temperature and humidity for

specific spaces within the building must be identified at the design stage eg.for IT rooms, museum spaces etc. Such areas should be separately controlledto achieve their specific performance requirements.

� Specify appliances (fridge, cooker etc) that have maximum energy efficiencyratings under the EU Energy labeling system.

Subject guides

Guide 6: Design checklist to minimise energy use and wastage

Design features to minimise heat loss

Space heating � Underfloor heating (transmitted via a series of underfloor pipes) presents asignificant advantage for meeting halls and auditoriums by freeing up wallspace that might otherwise have been occupied by radiators. Used inconjunction with high levels of insulation, it is economic to run and can supplyuseful “round-the-clock” background heating, ensuring that the building iswarm enough to use at all times. Underfloor pipes will not interfere with theinstallation of a sprung floor for dancing.

� Where radiators are used, ensure that they are correctly sized and placedwhere heat is needed; increase wall insulation where radiators are locatedagainst external walls.

� Fit an “intelligent” boiler management system to make efficient use of hotwater and space heating.

Ventilation � Avoid mechanical ventilation and/or cooling systems (which require energyto power them) by designing for natural ventilation throughout, combinedwith passive control techniques (eg, opening windows, shading, orientation,thermal mass etc).

� Manage ventilation carefully. Uncontrolled ventilation leads to high heat loss.For this reason, some sustainable buildings make use of air-tight constructioncombined with a mechanical heat recovery system (MHVR) that managesventilation and recycles heat.

Water heating � Consider if a central boiler is needed; for instance, it is often more cost andenergy efficient to deliver domestic water heating by point-of-use heaters.

Lighting � Specify energy efficient light bulbs and Compact Fluorescent Lampsthroughout. These are 8-10 times as efficient as ordinary bulbs and last longeralthough initial cost is higher. e.g. a 100w bulb burning 5 hours per day isestimated to cost £12.50 pa compared to an energy efficient bulb at only£2.50 pa.

� Specify lighting control systems that activate lighting when required, avoidingwaste. Use a combination of local manual switching, timers, motion detectorsand daylight sensitive photo-electic controls, to reduce energy use and costs.In addition, encourage a culture of people turning off lighting when notneeded.

� Use low pressure sodium lamps for external lighting for car parks and security,as these are the most efficient option available. The quality of the light colourprovided is low, but adequate for these applications.

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Subject guides

Guide 7: Renewable energy options appropriate for community buildings

Application and practical considerationsLocal examples wherethe technology is in use

Solar Thermal system

Gathers energy radiated by the sun through collectors mounted onthe roof to directly heat fluids – primarily used for heating water.� An easy to install, relatively cheap option. A “must have” if this is

the only renewables use you are able to incorporate in your design.� Low installation costs (@ £3-4k) with reasonable pay back period –

small scale could potentially be fully funded via the SCHRI (see HIECommunity Energy Unit in Where to go for Further Information).

� The technology is well developed with a choice of equipment for manyapplications.

� Generally comes with 10 year warranty and requires littlemaintenance.

� Requires a conventional water heater to work in tandem. Couldprovide all hot water in summer and a contribution for the rest of theyear.

� Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.25-0.5 tonne/yr depending on type of

fuel replaced.

Photovoltaic Cells (PV)

The cells convert light to Direct Current electricity, producing powerduring day light hours which can be stored in batteries for later use.� Can be used in very small scale applications through to integrated

systems for offices/ public buildings.� Expensive to install for whole building system. Price depends on the

size system and amount of electricity required. Grant funding isavailable from Energy Saving Trust, but not at 100%.

� Long pay back period – up to 90 years. Therefore, highest cost-benefit is from small cell applications, which could receive assistancefrom SCHRI e.g. see examples:- street lighting, parking meters,power/heat a bio-digestor system for toilets without mainssewerage.

� Valuable in remote locations with no mains electric, where a batterystore is used.

� Power use can be controlled by timer or movement sensor e.g. forsecurity lights.

� A high seasonal variation in power output means that back up poweris ideally necessary e.g. with wind or conventional

� Check planning requirements, especially for listed buildings andconservation areas. Usually installed on roof, although can beincorporated into wall design.

Mull & Iona Slaughterhouse.

Ardross Millennium VillageHall

Bus shelter lighting inShetland; combined withresponsive sensor toactivate lighting only whenin use.

Abriachan Forest Trust:-S- to power playing of soundtrack recorded on smallinterpretive panelsS- to power the pump on thecomposting toilet

Recent extension toFortrose Academy, Fortrose

Fishmarket, Wick

Subject guides


Application and practical considerations Local examples wherethe technology is in use

Single Wind Turbine

A single turbine can be linked to a building to produce and storeelectricity – or to feed direct into storage heaters.� Knowledge of the local wind resource is critical to design, drawing on

Meteorological Office Data etc; specialist input is usually required.� A suitable site for the turbine is required on or in close proximity to

the building site.� Installation cost ranges from £5-25k depending on size and type. Easy

to install. Low maintenance - turbine life up to 20 years. Potential todecrease electricity bill by 33%.

� Particularly suited to off-mains-grid locations where a conventionalsupply is expensive to install. For off-grid systems, the size of thebattery bank will determine how long applications can be run if thereis no wind. Wind power is most commonly installed as part of ahybrid system, with a second tandem renewable source or mains/fossil fuel supply.

� Can be used in conjunction with storage heaters to provide a baselevel of heat to a community building.

� CO2 emission reduction is 5-6.6tonnes/yr for a 6kW systemproducing 12,000-15,000 units/yr.

� Planning concerns include noise, safety and visual impact.

Small Scale Hydroelectric

A mature and proven technology to produce and store electricity -‘micro’ (under 100kW) hydro schemes suitable for local application.� Hydro costs are very site specific – and can be high.� Relies on the water source being close to site of power usage. Beware

of droughts!� Useful in remote non-mains locations – where they generally produce

a more reliable power supply than other renewable technologies.� Planning considerations: Abstraction License needed (SEPA) to set

requirements to maintain river ecology; visual and noise impact fromturbines (relatively easily overcome).

Biomass (also called bioenergy & biofuels)

Energy from direct combustion of organic matter of recent origin toproduce electricity and/or heat for space and water heating e.g.woody products, animal wastes or high energy crops burnt in boilersor stoves.� The capital cost of the boiler installation is significantly greater than

conventional systems – however wood fuel prices offset this overtime being very competitive compared to fossil fuels.

� Wood pellets, chips or logs (of low moisture content) are usual fuelfor small scale systems. Research the continuity of affordable/localbiomass supply at the outset.

Two in Westray, Orkney(3KW and 6kW).

One turbine suppliespower to Scoraig school(Wester Ross) and anumber of schools inSheltland.

One turbine providesintermittent power supplyto households on the Isleof Muck

Isle of Eigg – Power supplyto the Pier Centre, housingcafé, shop toilets andshowers

Community-owned hydro-schemes at Knoydart,Lochaber and Assynt,Sutherland

Bettyhill Swimming Pool,Sutherland

Poolewe Swimming Pool,Wester Ross (at planningstage)

Acharacle communityoffice, Lochaber

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Application and practical considerations Local examples wherethe technology is in use

� Overall a biomass system is considered ‘CO2 netural’ with net Zero

Carbon emissions (carbon used in growing = carbon released inburning). However, this relies on the fuel supply being managedsustainably.

� Use of the technology can support new jobs and enterprises in anarea in forestry and chip processing or short rotation coppicing.

� Planning issues include: storage space for fuel; fire safety regs; fluevent specifically designed for wood fuel appliance; smokeless zone.

Geothermal - using the temperature of the earth.

Earth temperature a few metres below ground level stays constantat 11-12C throughout the year. This geothermal heat can be pumpedinto a building using a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP).� Can meet 100% of space heating requirements; usually only able to

pre-heat domestic hot water – with a top- up heating sourcerequired.

� Installation costs are cheaper if done during new build, as installationcan be combined with other site earthworks.

� GSHP can be cheaper to run space heating than oil, LPG and electricstorage heaters, but is more expensive than mains gas.

� Planning considerations: is under floor heating possible? (radiatorscan also be used); is there space and suitable ground material for thetrench which will bury the ground loop?; what auxiliary heating willyou use?

� Environmental disadvantages are:– the use of mains electric isrequired to operate the pump (every unit used in pump produces 3-4units ground heat) however this still produces less carbon emissionsthan a conventional boiler; also, refrigerants are used in the system.

Green Electricity Tariffs

Buying Green Tariff electricity from the mains means your electricitysupplier is obliged to source an amount equal to the power youconsume from existing renewable energy sources, through the mainsgrid.� Electricity is supplied to your building in exactly the same way – but

is purchased by your supplier from a green electricity source such ashydro or wind farm.

� You pay a premium for a Green Tariff, as generation from renewablesis more costly, so your power is more expensive per unit to purchase(a few pounds per month – cost varies with supplier).

� The benefit to the community is not highly visible, but thiscommunicates to energy companies that there is a consumerpreference for renewables.

� When you buy ‘regular’ electricity, a small part will be fromrenewables, set by government targets and legislation which requireenergy suppliers to source a minimum percentage of the electricitythey sell from defined renewables sources.

Averon Leisure Centre,Invergordon, Easter Ross

Glenelg Community Hall,Skye & Lochalsh, hasinstalled a GSHP in the newbuilding to provideunderfloor heating for allrooms in the hall

New community centre atGlendale, Isle of Skye, Skye& Lochalsh

Glenelg Community Hall,Skye & Lochalsh, ispurchasing Green tariffelectricity to power thepump which drives theGSHP system

Subject guides

Guide 8: Sustainability pointers for water, sewage and waste management

Action Savings and Constraints

Ensure installation of water meters.

Specify toilets and urinals with low-volume flush(use lowest available); alternatively installsmaller cisterns or water dams to reduce flushvolumes.

Use urinal equipment that does not require aconstant flow of water: S

- install variable timing systems for automaticurinal flushing, or S

- install pressure-drop or occupancy detectionsensors to link urinal flushing to use.

Specify taps that make efficient use of water;use spray heads or flow restrictors, oralternatively, percussion taps (“pressmiser”),which contain an adjustable flow restrictor. Fitshowers with low flow heads.

Fit plugs to sinks.

Install a rainwater collection system to supplywater for toilet flushing, washing machines and/ or watering gardens.

Waste “grey water” from sinks, showers andwashing machines, with a relatively low level ofcontamination, can be recycled for purposeswith a low quality requirement e.g. to flushtoilets or for watering planted borders on site.

Careful consideration should be given tominimising the need to construct storm drainsdue to their high cost. Most relevant to newbuilds.

Allows monitoring of water use and detection ofleaks.

Toilet flushing uses about one third of domesticwater consumption.Low flush tends to be 2 litres perflush, as opposed to 4 litres, which is a considerablesaving.

Rather than a continuous flush, urinals can be set toflush at 20/40 minute intervals (daytime) and twiceper night/unoccupied time.

Reduces water volume used per wash.

Reduces waste in running water.

Several proprietary systems are available to collect,treat and use rainwater. Water needs to besterilised by a UV filter and topped up from mainsduring low rain fall. Pay-back period to recover costscan be prohibitive.

A number of systems are available that use greywater for toilet flushing. The cost of installing sucha separate system needs to be offset againstdemand. Cost can be prohibitive. Water has to befiltered before re-use. More appropriate for largerbuildings with greater volume and shorterthroughput time than a small facilities with lowvolume and longer storage of grey water (with theknock-on hygiene considerations).

Minimising the amount of paved/tarmac paths/carparking areas allows rainwater to drain naturallyinto the ground. Car parking areas could be formedfrom deep graded aggregates allowing significantsoakaway potential to be maintained whilst stillgiving a good surface.

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The use of constructed reed beds as analternative to a soakaway to treat sewageon site may be an option if there is spacefor the reed bed. The system requiresspecialist installation, regular managementand good explanation to nearby residents ontheir effective, smell-free and non-pollutingnature.

Dry composting or long drop toilets can beconsidered in smaller buildings or as astand-alone facility. Again, the systemrequires specialist installation and regularmanagement.

Include waste recycling facilities in thedesign.

Careful calculation needs to be made of thesize of the reed bed and land area necessary,given the likely numbers of people using thebuilding. Tricky in a refurbishment if no extraland. The rate of break down in the coolScottish climate may make the system tooslow to handle large volumes of waste createdby a sizeable building.

Primarily suitable in rural locations, for low-volume use, where the required drop-heightcan be achieved. Provision of a safe on-sitewaste composting area requires more land.The compost produced could be a usefulgardening resource on site. Local PR andinformation to residents and users required.

Space should be allocated for storagefacilities on-site to aid recycling measures; egsecure and hygienic containers for glass,metal, paper, organic materials. This couldinclude a compost bin.

Subject guides

Guide 8: Sustainability pointers for water, sewage and waste management

Action Savings and Constraints

Subject guides

Guide 9: Access for all - design checklist

Physicalconsiderations

Audio-visualconsiderations

Transport mode

� Provision of entrance ramps, automatic doors, wide doors for wheel chairaccess.

� Electronically pinned-back fire doors.� Low level public telephones for wheel chair users.� Easy access switches at low level for wheel chair users.� Disabled toilet facilities.� Lifts to upper floors to include braille inscription and voice messages.

� Good levels of lighting for those with poor, deteriorating or partial sight.� Visual clues to floors; colour coding to enable people to know where they

are.� Visual as well as audible fire alarm systems.� Braille maps of the building.� Installation of loop systems for those wearing hearing aids.

� Provision of cycle parking (bike racks, covered bike sheds) to encouragebike use and enable children and non-car owners to access to buildingeasily.

� Some entrance pathways and car parking areas to be well surfaced toallow easy access by wheel chair users and those with mobilitydifficulties.

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Subject guides

Guide 10: Sustainability tick list for community buildings

Summary

The Sustainability Ticklist is a series of tables that highlight key sustainability features of abuilding project under the nine aspects of sustainability listed below.

The Sustainability Ticklist is intended to help you:

� develop and maintain an overview of the key sustainability features of your project� prioritise your sustainability goals and define the extent of your sustainability “mission”� develop your project brief� communicate with your design team� communicate your sustainability aspirations to potential funding bodies.

The Sustainability Ticklist summarises a broad range of sustainability features, some of which may not be relevant to your project. It is recommended that you seek the assistance of your designteam to complete the ticklist and to clarify any sustainability features listed that you are unsure about (particularly technical detail).

Sustainability Aspects Tick below to confirm you have consideredall relevant aspects in the attached lists

1 Site Selection and Use

2 Building Surrounds and Grounds

3 Construction Methods & Materials

4 Energy Systems

5 Lighting

6 Access for All and Parking

7 Water Management

8 Waste Management


* Adapted from the SHN Green Scorecard - designed by the SNH Greening officer

Subject guides


Tick listTick listTick listTick listTick list

1 Site Selection and Use

Indicator

� Re-use of existing building to good environmental standards

� Re-use of a site of low ecological value - eg brownfield site

� Site located close to Railway Station (within 15 mins walk)

� Good bus access - serving surrounding communities, partner bodies, customers

(see tick list 6).

� Good cycle access via dedicated cycle routes (see tick list 6)

� Site not overshadowed or obstructed overhead (to accommodate renewable energy

installation)

� Site can accommodate a sustainable waste-water treatment system

� Site chosen so that development will minimise negative impact on natural heritage

� Site chosen to avoid exposure to flooding, exessive frost and prevailing winds, and erosion

� Site chosen to take account of future climate change (warmer and wetter conditions)

2 Project Brief and Design

Indicator

� Appoint architects with sustainability and environmental expertise

� High levels of insulation to roofs, walls, floors and windows, exceeding U-values (heatloss

limits) set out in the Building Regulations

� Use of passive solar design

� Design to accommodate future climate change (warmer and wetter conditions)

� Design to minimise construction waste, eg using off-site pre-fabrication

� Design for ease of disassembly (and re-use of components)

� Extremely low electricity use (kWh/m2/year within ‘low consumption’ bands).

� Extremely low water use (< 7.7 m3/person/year)

� Natural ventilation for >80% of building

� Passive heating/cooling systems i.e. not driven by electricity

� Adequate natural working lighting for >80% of building

� Renewable energy system installed to provide electricity (Solar PV, Wind micro-turbine)

� Electricity submeters installed - eg for IT suite, day use for each part of building, night

heating, night non-heating

� Rainwater collected and stored for “grey water” use

Tick here

Tick here

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Subject guides



Tick here

3 Construction Methods & Materials

Indicator

� Building materials have low “embodied energy” (energy used in extraction, processing

and transportation)

� A significant proportion of building materials are from a renewable resource (eg timber

that is sustainably managed)

� More than 10% of building materials are recycled (eg aggregate, stone, timber, blocks

made from pulverised fuel ash (PFA))

� Building materials sourced locally to maximise benefit to local economy and minimise

energy use in transport

� Insulation manufactured from renewable material that will perform well for the lifetime of

the building

� Paints, varnishes, glues have low chemical content (eg absence of VOCs, heavy metal

and other toxins)

� Window frames manufactured from sustainably sourced timber

� Timber and timber products carry FSC certification (or equivalent)

� All windows are double glazed using energy efficient glazing (low-E / low emissivity glass)

� All pipework is well insulated

� Natural floor coverings and fixings installed, eg solid wood, marmoleum, wool carpet

(fixed with grippers, not glue)

4 Heating and Cooling Systems

Indicator

� Heating system creates no CO2 (“zero-carbon” system)

� Renewable energy heating system (eg woodfuel, ground source heat pump, electric

from Green tariff)

� Condensing boiler used (if “wet” central heating system is installed)

� Electrical ‘point of use’ water heating installed, rather than boiler/immersion heater

� Timers to control all heating

� Thermostats to control all heating

� Any essential active cooling system does not use ozone-depleting substances

� Heat pumps & ducting used to recover and recirculate heat

� Solar Water Heating system installed

Tick hereTick hereTick hereTick hereTick here

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Subject guides


Tick here

Tick here

5 Lighting

Indicator

� Low energy light fittings installed throughout

� Motion and light level sensor switches installed in >60% of lighting

� Individual light switching installed

� Low energy sodium external lighting

� Motion and light level sensor switches for external lighting

� Fit skylights, sunpipes etc to reduce lighting demand

� Fit brise-soleil (canopies), tinted glazing, blinds etc to reduce glare

� Use task lighting (e.g.desk lamps) to reduce overall light demand

6 Access for All & Transport

Indicator

� Covered and secure cycle parking

� Showers, clothing lockers & changing rooms installed for cyclists

� Collaboration with The Highland Council and cycling bodies to provide safe walking and cycle

routes

� Collaboration with Highland Council and bus companies to alter bus routes and timetables as

appropriate

� Clear visual/braille and audio interpretation of building layout, fire alarms etc.

� Permanent video conferencing suite/cam recorders installed

� Low level, easy access switches, handles (incl lever door handles), telephones etc. for wheel

chair users

� Good level of lighting, avoiding glare, throughout building for those with deteriorating sight

� Step-free access around the entire site, with gentle gradients

� Slip-resistant floor finishes

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Subject guides


Tick here

7 Water Management *

Indicator

� Self-closing and spray taps (or equivalent) to minimise water consumption

� Low-flow urinal flush systems

� Equipment, eg dishwashers that are labelled water and energy-efficient

� Re-use grey water and/or rainwater

� Plumbed chilled drinking water (rather than bottled water delivered)

� Reedbed sewage treatment (or equivalent waste water management system)

� Water meters with submeters for large use areas of building

� Water butts to collect rainwater for grounds use

* Assumes that low volume cisterns will be installed, as per Building Regulations

8 Waste Management

Indicator

� Provide adequate and accessible segration, storage and collection facilities for

recyclates (paper, cardboard, cans, etc) both inside and outside the building

� Provide compost bins and manage composting operation


Indicator

� Survey undertaken to identify wildlife habitats and plant species on and near the site

� Design to minimise disturbance to wildlife habitats and plant species

� Wildflower meadow established

� Appropriate native trees, shrubs, hedging are planted

� Wildlife pond created

� Bird, bat, insect boxes introduced to the site

Tick here

Tick here

51


Subject guides

Guide 11: Funding sources for specific sustainability costs

Fundingavailable for:

Renewable energyplanning andinstallation

Solar Photovoltaic

Organisation

HIE Community EnergyUnit (through the ScottishCommunity and HouseholdsRenewables Initiative)

www.est.org.uk/schri

See reference section‘Where To Go for FurtherInformation’ for full list ofcontacts

Energy Savings Trust(EST)www.solarpvgrants.co.ukTel: 0800 298 3978

Type of Assistance

Technical Assistance: Funding is available forprojects that are at a formative stage toinvestigate their potential to make use ofrenewable energy. These grants will:� Pay for the cost of a feasibility study� Provide support to develop a project proposal� Pay for community capacity building relating to

renewable energy.

The maximum grant is normally £10,000. Grantscan be for up to 100% of eligible costs, althoughmatch funding is preferred.

Capital expenditure: A capital grant is availableto pay towards the cost of installing mostrenewable technologies. Funding is available for:� Capital costs for infrastructure� Project management costs associated with the

development and installation of projects� The cost of establishing a partnership with a

third party, such as a renewable energycompany, where appropriate.

Grants are available to install photovoltaic panels.If this is small scale with significant communitybenefit e.g. bus shelter/public toilet lighting, itcan be funded through HIE’s Community EnergyUnit.

For larger installations involving the supply ofsolar power to buildings, applications should bemade direct to the EST – the Community EnergyUnit can advise on making these applications.

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your project. The purpose of your project may primarily be social, economic or environmental, but it might have impacts or benefits in other areas that you havenít yet considered. A small amount of thought at an early stage might make a big difference as the project develops. The Checklist prompts you to consider any impacts your project might have under the headings below :

· Community · Economy · Environment · The Future

There are a number of questions under each of these headings, designed to help you consider a range of sustainability issues. These are only a guide, and may not all apply to your project. Also, there might be other issues you think are important and want to include.

effectiveness. As a general rule its always better to identify these at the outset, rather than wait for them to catch you out later on. Whilst you are working through the checklist, you might find it helpful to note down strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in the table provided at the end. This will allow you to get an overall picture of your projectís sustainability and what further action you might need to take to improve it.

The Sustainability Checklist provides a tool to help you identify the most sustainable way forward for

things, while limiting any negative impact our actions have now or in the future.

Sustainability Checklist

Supporting Action for Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development is about improving our situation and getting the best out of the way we use

The checklist will help you to confirm your project's strengths and weaknesses and might also point to opportunities to improve the project's positive impact as well as threats that might reduce its

COMMUNITY 1. Does the project have widespread Community Support? - Has the whole community been able to comment on the project proposal? - If there are concerns about the project from anyone in the community have they been addressed? - How will you ensure the whole community is aware of how the project develops?

2. How will the project strengthen the local community? - Does the project promote or increase access to culture (eg Gaelic), arts or crafts, music, sport, local

history or archaeology? - Does the project provide training or other resources to increase community confidence or allow the

community to be more self-reliant? 3. How does the project help to ensure everyone has access to the same level of resources? - Will the project help meet local needs for new services or to make better use of existing resources,

including volunteers? - Does the project improve access to infrastructure, services, information or support? - Does the project make efforts to support the involvement of all members of the community, including

those sometimes excluded such as older people, young people and people with disabilities?

- Will the projectís activities compete with or have a negative impact on other organisations and services? (I.e. Hall tearoom competing with local businesses or noise from a youth club impacting on other hall users.)

- Does the project overlap with work of other organisations? - Has consideration been given to impact on similar projects in the surrounding area?

ECONOMY

1. Does it help increase value of local products or make sustainable use of existing resources? - Does the project create new income streams from renewable natural resources? - Does it help to diversify the local or regional economy? - Where appropriate, does the project encourage visitors to stay longer? - Does it encourage inward investment?

2. Does it create jobs or retain existing jobs? 3. How does it help to develop skills of local people? - Are efforts made to encourage uptake of such opportunities by long term unemployed or people with

special needs? 4. Local Sourcing? - Does the project purchase goods and services locally? 5. How does the project impact on existing businesses? - Will there be benefits as a result of the project for local businesses? - Will the project compete with existing local businesses?

- Will the project impact on businesses in surrounding areas?

4. Does the proj ect have any impact on existing facilities or other organisations?

ENVIRONMENT

buildings being used rather than making use of existing buildings? Does the project use recycled materials and rechargeable equipment?

materials generated. 2. Does the project minimise energy use and/or support the development or use of renewable energy?

If so, how will this be achieved? - Has the project undertaken an energy efficiency assessment? - Does the project, where appropriate, aim to reduce car use and promote public transport? - Has the project considered development or use of renewable energy sources?

3. Does the project provide access to and awareness of wildlife and open spaces? If so, how will this be achieved? - Does the project provide sustainable access to wildlife and open spaces? - Does the project support access for all users? (People with disabilities, bike or equastrian access?) - Does the project provide interpretation of the local area? 4. Does the project safeguard, protect and enhance the natural environment and support local

biodiversity? If so, how will this be achieved? - Has the project adopted good environmental management practices? - Does the project protect fragile ecosystems? - Does the project support the enhancement of native species and their habitat?

THE FUTURE 1. What positive changes will the project bring? - What changes in service delivery or access to services do you anticipate? - Will new resources, facilities or services be available as a result of the project? - What change in community confidence and capabilities do you anticipate?

employment opportunities? 2. How does the project link with existing services or organisations?

- How do you work with other services and organisations to co-ordinate and maximise resources? 3. How will running and development costs be met in the long term, particularly after the lifetime of

any grant assistance? - Has a long term exit strategy been developed or included in the project plan? - How will you secure volunteer effort if this is necessary for the operation of the project?

4. Does the project have any long-term impacts on the environment? If so, what are these? - Is there a loss of habitat or erosion as a result of the project? - Is there an increase in the use of resources or energy? - Is there a loss of non-renewable local resources?

1. How does the project help reduce waste and pollution?

in bulk to reduce packaging and transport costs. - REDUCE – Does the project take steps to reduce what resources the project is using, ie. Consider buying

- REUSE – Reuse existing resources such as glass jars, furniture or leftover paint. Are new premises or

- RECYCLE – Ensure recycling opportunities are used or developed to minimise the amount of waste

- Does the project work with other organisations to fill a "gap"?

- How will you resource any future costs? – repairs and renewals, insurance, salaries etc.

- How will the project impact on people's quality of life, such as health, safety or access to services or

Network 21 is a Highland Well-being Alliance partnership established to support and build community based awareness and action for sustainable development. If you would like further assistance please contact

overcome negative impacts and useful contacts can be found on the Network 21 website.

For more information regarding Network 21 please contact Helen Turnbull, Network 21 Co-ordinator, An Drochaid, Claggan Road, Fort William PH33 6PH Tel: 01397 706106

Email: [email protected] www.network-21.info Photos provided by Highland Council and Sutherland Partnership

Strengths Weaknesses

Opportunities Threats

Network 21's Co-ordinator for more information. Real examples of things other groups have done to

PR05-08-C Designed by Charlotte Mackenzie, Public Relations Office, The Highland Council NP-05-46849Printed on totally chlorine-free (TCF) material containing 100% recycled post-consumer waste