Energy usage is a key issue in the twenty-first century. We are committed to producing buildings that utilise the best and most appropriate technology. With each commission we consider the following items to gauge the performance of the building during briefing, design, construction and beyond:
• understanding the whole model;
• insulation, sealing and energy reduction;
• the effects of the Climate Change Levy; and
• educating the end user.
Understanding the Building Model
Sustainable products are more available than ever but currently a layman’s method for comparing the technologies both old and new does not exist. To facilitate a better understanding of the diverse range of products and their inherent benefits and drawbacks MKL maintain a detailed in-house database of technology types, products and case studies with comparative information for each to allow the right technology to be deployed.
Insulation, Sealing and Energy Reduction
These are the three key factors in sustainable design in the northern European climate.
Insulation and controlled ventilation are the unglamorous counterparts to technology. Increasing the thickness of insulation can significantly reduce the energy requirements of a building. Equally, a well sealed building doesn’t leak energy. It is largely accepted that reducing the energy used by the building is the first step towards sustainability. It is common to consider high technology to produce green energy as a cure to the problem of inefficient building. We consider possibilities of prevention first. This is the foundation for our building.
In addition we consider the energy used by our buildings. On site generation of some or all of the buildings energy requirements can save the huge wastage, greater than 60% caused by grid transport. Heating systems are now available that provide close to 100% efficiency. Clean sources of power from the wind, earth and sun are becoming increasingly viable as real commercial solutions when considered in conjunction with our foundation approach for the economic building. Moreover, anticipated installation of near-future technologies in a product such as photovoltaics, where price is reducing and efficiency is increasing, is a key to a complete solution.
When blended together the combination of cheap preventative measures, clean efficient energy and anticipation of future developments provide green buildings that are commercially viable at completion and have the potential for further improvement to benefit the environment and the users.
The Effects of the Climate Change Levy
Changes to the building regulations are the embodiment of the increasing importance that the government is placing on energy efficiency. The changes affect Part L: Conservation of heat and Power. The implications are that buildings will have to be better insulated, better sealed, lighted and heated more efficiently.
Some members of the construction industry have jumped on this as yet another factor that will increase the cost of construction. Much like other factors concerned with improving quality, health and safety legislation for example, concerns are often valid only when directly correlated to traditional methods of construction.
A fresh evaluation of the building model incorporating and understanding new technologies, construction methods and products, in line with the Egan Report, will generate the well-formed buildings of the future that are more economic over their lifetimes, and often even to build.
Educating the End User
All this is rendered meaningless if the end user doesn’t ‘buy in’ to the building solution. When you decide to build for sustainability, tell your employees. The provision of an end user document explaining how the building and the individuals’ environments operate are likely to guarantee success.
As part of the process of realising your building, Markland Klaschka Limited will provide clear signage and documentation that explain the strategy and function of both manual and automated controls and how they should be used to optimise the building environment.