20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
SynopsisDomestic works & Climate Change – Some Ideas
With climate change at the top of everyone’s ones agenda, the even the construction industry is receiving unprecedented demands for integrated renewable energy technologies, green specifications and ethical practices. Leigh Bowen has worked for over 7 years on a range of super green schemes while at ZEDfactory working with Bill Dunster and now runs his own practice specialising in small to medium scale domestic works with a green angle. There is now a direct link in clients minds between upgrading and expanding homes and climate change – People either want to be seen to be doing their bit or actively want to reduce fuel bills and have a lower impact on the planet for their children’s sake – It’s often the children who encourage their families to act.
Leigh will present some ideas in progress for tackling this market, some case studies that are ongoing, and show how small and medium size contractors are getting involved. Having seen both large and very small scale green schemes in practice Leigh is a disciple of the green construction industry and views forums like the FMB conference as the best way of dispelling the myths surrounding costs and the practicalities of renewables and eco building products with the mass market in mind, and not just the worth green brigade!
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
Leigh BowenBaHons | DipArch Energy Efficient Building | RIBA
50°North LtdArchitecture | Design |
Sustainability
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
Who Are We?• Architects with 7 years of experience on ground
breaking eco projects;• Experience in project coordination, specification
and design of green buildings;• Based in London, 3 staff, CAD based,
Environmental specialists;• Part of construction group capable of delivering
domestic extensions & lofts, new build homes and larger buildings of all types
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
Francis CourtFrancis CourtFuture proofed social housingFuture proofed social housing
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
Not obviously Not obviously green?green?Lifestyle without compromiseLifestyle without compromise
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
Community Community BuildingsBuildingsIntegrated renewables & Integrated renewables & healthy livinghealthy living
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
RenewablesThe ‘kit of parts’ available to The ‘kit of parts’ available to householdshouseholds
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
Drivers of change?• Householders are now making the link between
their lifestyles and climate change;• Fuel bills are rising at an alarming rate;• Fuel poverty is on the rise;• Renewables are more affordable now;• Costs of moving is on average £30k in some
regions so people are choosing to upgrade and make their homes more efficient
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
What Clients Ask For• Cost effective construction so that part of the
budget can go toward renewables;• Excellent quality construction to avoid heat loss,
spending money on maintenance;• ‘You do the thinking’ and we’ll pay for the result..
Cash rich / time poor’;• Honest, reliable service with ‘handholding’;• Green knowledge
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
Working Together?• Client, contractors, specifiers work together – This
requires MORE EFFORT;• Communication… Letting the client know that a
project that is green WILL take longer and WILL cost more but… many of the clichés surrounding green buildings are out of date;
• Reliable supply chains;• Product knowledge;• Holistic approach
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
Current ProjectsWind turbine planning Wind turbine planning applicationsapplications
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
The ‘Eco Loft’Greener specification and Greener specification and healthier interiorshealthier interiors
Graph above Copyright of ZEDfactory Ltd 2006
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
The ‘Sustainable The ‘Sustainable Family Home’ Family Home’ Existing housing stock upgradedExisting housing stock upgraded
20th October 2006 Federation of Master BuildersEBC Annual Event
Some ProposalsWhere we’re taking Eco Where we’re taking Eco refurbishmentrefurbishment• Individual clients requesting single eco
items (solar panels or better insualtion);• Whole house refurbishments (at time of
purchase when value is achieved);• Groups of homes (e.g. terraces) where
district systems can be utilized;• Moving with our partners toward carbon
neutral design and specification