Homes and non-domestic buildings are responsible for almost half of the UK's CO2 emissions.
Reducing the emissions from new and existing buildings is one of the key challenges for industry and Government in meeting urgent climate change targets. The building stock consumes approximately 30% of the UK energy and this in turn accounts for 45% of the CO2 emissions generated. The main use for energy in the domestic sector is for space heating and hot water. This accounts for 82% (DTI 2004) of the domestic energy consumption, with the remainder being used for lighting, appliances and cooking.
The building stock falls generally into two overall categories:
Domestic Dwellings - This will rise to 32 million dwellings by 2050, of which 21 million will require refurbishment as they will be the existing stock.
Industrial - Includes Commercial & Retail Buildings, of which the majority were built prior to 1950.
Given the nature of the current CO2 abatement policy which dictates an 80% reduction by 2050, the UK building stock is viewed as a key opportunity to help achieve this target.
CO2 reduction in the built environment will include initiatives such as:
- "Zero Carbon homes": 100% new houses by 2016, all buildings by 2019
- Energy Efficiency Commitment Programme, EEC 2 (2005-2008), with EEC 3 to follow on with a target to twice the EEC 2 programme.
- Carbon Emission Reduction Target.
- Climate Change Levy (2001): non-domestic users.
- Low Carbon building Programme (2006)
- Introduction of progressively tighter building regulations, including the necessity to improve the existing stock.
Given the potential for saving energy presented by the built environment, it is clear that the opportunities will need to include:
- Reduction in the need for energy - prevention of losses through the building fabric by adding insulation.
- Using energy more efficiently in the building - by better control of the building environment, including ventilation and using low energy products.
- Supplying energy from renewable sources - once the energy consumption is minimised, some renewable energy technologies could be more effectively employed.
The ETI is working on a strategic overview of the buildings sector and is currently developing a programme of activities for the next three years. This work will be in conjunction with key public sector bodies which include EPSRC, TSB and the Carbon Trust, ensuring that the ETI contribution to the built environment will be complementary and effective.
The ETI is proposing to fund a new project focused on the refurbishment of the domestic housing stock to improve their energy efficiency. They are looking to assemble a team of innovative companies and researchers to investigate ways the refurbishment process can be accelerated at a national level.
The project is to determine ways the cost effectiveness and efficiency of conversions at volume, can be significantly improved by optimising at a whole house level, while seeking to minimise impact on owner/occupiers. For further information click here