How Green is Glass?
Wednesday, February 15th, 2012Energy efficiency is a hot topic, and this week Nick Shore, the Sustainability Director for NSG Group, shares his view on the topic ‘how green is glass?’
The ‘Energy efficient glass’ Category
The Siberian Effect and our solution to energy efficiency
Friday, February 10th, 2012
The usual relaxed February half-term break may seem under threat, as Britain’s frosty weather looks to linger for at least another week.
The chilly weather conditions that have travelled from as far as Siberia, have hovered around -6C to -9C – but this week temperatures look to plummet to as low as -15C – making Britain colder then the North and South Poles.
The battle against January winds
Friday, January 6th, 2012
If April’s weather is renowned for showers, then January should now be known for its incredible winds.
Winds over the past week have battered Britain – reaching astronomical speeds of over 100 mph, and although these speeds only exist in the most extreme cases, seen along Britain’s coast, elsewhere temperatures have dropped severely, seeing a blow of wintery chill running through suburbs and cities alike.
With this dramatic turn in the weather you might have felt the effects of the cold blustery winds – perhaps with draughts or cold spots near windows. Often ill insulated, draughty properties – including both older properties and new builds – can lose heat through all kinds of nooks and crannies – meaning vital energy escapes and energy bills soar.
Pilkington Spacia™ however, offers a remedy to improve a property’s protection from the outside elements, and whether it’s replacing the frame and glazing unit or simply just replacing the glass in existing frames, Pilkington Spacia™ can help to improve your home’s thermal efficiency – providing a real solution to the problem of balancing historical preservation with modern comfort and environmental requirements.
The self build trend
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Last year only one in ten new homes in Britain was self-built. Plots are difficult to find, and finance and mortgage products are becoming more difficult to secure, while regulations and planning permissions are onerous. Faced with bureaucratic hurdles and frustrations, many potential self-builders abandon projects, sometimes after months of planning.
However, these restrictions may start to ease, as the government is planning to invest £30 million in the hope it drives the development of 100,000 homes over the next decade, after identifying the main barriers to self builders – lack of land, limited finance and mortgage products, restrictive regulation, and lack of impartial information.
The investment, which was announced on 21st November, is an integral part of the new ‘Laying the foundations’ housing strategy that looks to provide short-term finance to the self-build sector, that will have to be re-paid.
In addition to committing the £30 million of funding, the government is aiming to ‘kick start a revolution’ in which local authorities will, for the first time, be required to take self-build seriously. The scheme is asking councils to establish the demand for self-build housing in the local area, making efforts to allow builders access to state-owned land once released, as well as promoting its ‘build now pay later model’.
It is a different story in many European countries where the self-build trend is flourishing, as 50 per cent of all homes are self built.
The Homeruskwartier district in Almere, Netherlands, is a shining example. The city, built on reclaimed polder land, has a population of 180,000 and is the first self-build project attempted on truly large scale. Since 2006, self-builders have successfully erected 800 homes; with thousands more on the way. The scheme operates with the local authority drawing up a suitable street plan, then making plots available at a standard commercial cost. Local people, freed from any further planning restrictions, can then design and build homes specifically tailored to their individual specifications.
Homeruskwartier has received mixed reviews; enthusiasts call it a model of sustainable development, a Grand Designs for the average man, whereas critics describe it as ersatz city, a soulless architectural Legoland.
Building costs in Almere vary depending on how much the buyers do themselves, on average from €800 per sq m to €1,800. That’s around £72,000-£160,000 for someone wanting the same floor space as the typical British three-bed semi (around 105 sq m).
Keeping homes affordable is key to the Homeruskwartier project, which means creating plots for self-build flats as well as houses. One group of 25 individuals built a block of flats. The cost of each flat including the plot and building was just £69,000 without any subsidy. Cutting out the developer’s profit – helped to considerably reduce the overall cost, as there was no need for expensive marketing campaigns and showhomes.
Here in the UK, ministers believe there is ‘huge untapped potential’ for self build, despite the noted restrictions, there are already examples of successful self-build schemes in Britain, within large towns and cities. In Ashley Vale, Bristol, an action group succeeded against the odds to self-build 26 detached and semi-detached homes in 2001. Six further flats were completed last year, which won a CABE Building for Life Award.
Today, many think that self-build properties are cost-prohibitive, but as Ted Stevens, chair of the National Self-Build Association (NaSBA), recently stated: “Most people think building your own home is very expensive. In fact the vast majority of self build homes cost less than £150,000 to construct – and for that you can comfortably build an attractive, energy-efficient, custom-designed three or four bedroom home. We believe the actions taken by this new self build group could potentially make it much easier for people to build thousands of new, affordable homes each year.”
Pilkington Building Products has an extensive range of products including thermally-efficient glass, ideal for self-builders, for further information on our product range visit here.
Energy-efficient construction in Europe
Thursday, October 27th, 2011
The European Union (EU) has adopted a framework for energy efficiency, setting a target for all new buildings and major renovations in the EU to be ‘nearly zero energy’ by 2020. The definition will vary depending on country, but essentially a ‘nearly zero energy building’ is one that has a very high energy performance, with the majority of any energy used coming from renewable sources. The plan is to also refurbish existing buildings to transform them into nearly zero energy buildings. Regulatory support for this initiative has begun, and will increase with the 2011 and 2014 updates of National Energy Efficiency Action Plans.
Germany has some great examples of ultra low energy buildings, including the headquarters of the government-owned German Bank KfW, is one of the country’s most energy-efficient buildings. Designed by architect Sauerbruch Hutton, the colourful tower has an incredibly low annual energy consumption of 7 kilowatt (kW) per square foot. Remarkably, the building is naturally cooled by fresh breezes, thanks to a unique double skin composed of thousands of computer-controlled windows that let just the right amount of air in. The double windows provide ample natural light as well as cutting incoming heat gain.
In Rotkreuz, Switzerland, the Roche tower, which stands 68 metre high, is a beautiful representation of energy-efficient construction. The tower was a winning entry in a competition hosted in 2008, after successfully following a brief that required plans for a high rise building with a high energy performance. It is vertically separated into three parts; a six metre high lobby, a 13 floored office space, as well as an auditorium. An integral part of the building’s energy efficiency encompasses a closed cavity facade, which includes internal ventilation and heating.
It’s not all about high rise buildings or office blocks as back in the UK, London-based Bere:Architects, champions the quest for energy-efficient homes. The creation of a Passivhaus in Camden, provides a heavily insulated timber-framed, 118 square metre, two bedroom home, which aims to reduce energy bills by 90 per cent. The term Passivhaus refers to an advanced low-energy construction standard that ensures homes are cool in the summer, warm during the winter, as well as ventilated with perfect air humidity levels. As a result, the energy-efficient home maintains a high level of indoor air quality while consuming much less energy than other south-facing terraced houses in the area.
Energy-efficient glazing plays a significant role in the design of ultra-low energy buildings and innovative glass solutions will be employed in the EU to help meet its ambitious target for ‘zero energy buildings’. Pilkington energiKare™ glazing incorporates Pilkington K Glass™, our market leading low-emissivity glass, click here for more information.
The Siberian Effect and our solution to energy efficiency
Friday, February 10th, 2012The usual relaxed February half-term break may seem under threat, as Britain’s frosty weather looks to linger for at least another week.
The chilly weather conditions that have travelled from as far as Siberia, have hovered around -6C to -9C – but this week temperatures look to plummet to as low as -15C – making Britain colder then the North and South Poles.
The battle against January winds
Friday, January 6th, 2012If April’s weather is renowned for showers, then January should now be known for its incredible winds.
Winds over the past week have battered Britain – reaching astronomical speeds of over 100 mph, and although these speeds only exist in the most extreme cases, seen along Britain’s coast, elsewhere temperatures have dropped severely, seeing a blow of wintery chill running through suburbs and cities alike.
With this dramatic turn in the weather you might have felt the effects of the cold blustery winds – perhaps with draughts or cold spots near windows. Often ill insulated, draughty properties – including both older properties and new builds – can lose heat through all kinds of nooks and crannies – meaning vital energy escapes and energy bills soar.
Pilkington Spacia™ however, offers a remedy to improve a property’s protection from the outside elements, and whether it’s replacing the frame and glazing unit or simply just replacing the glass in existing frames, Pilkington Spacia™ can help to improve your home’s thermal efficiency – providing a real solution to the problem of balancing historical preservation with modern comfort and environmental requirements.
The self build trend
Thursday, December 1st, 2011Last year only one in ten new homes in Britain was self-built. Plots are difficult to find, and finance and mortgage products are becoming more difficult to secure, while regulations and planning permissions are onerous. Faced with bureaucratic hurdles and frustrations, many potential self-builders abandon projects, sometimes after months of planning.
However, these restrictions may start to ease, as the government is planning to invest £30 million in the hope it drives the development of 100,000 homes over the next decade, after identifying the main barriers to self builders – lack of land, limited finance and mortgage products, restrictive regulation, and lack of impartial information.
The investment, which was announced on 21st November, is an integral part of the new ‘Laying the foundations’ housing strategy that looks to provide short-term finance to the self-build sector, that will have to be re-paid.
In addition to committing the £30 million of funding, the government is aiming to ‘kick start a revolution’ in which local authorities will, for the first time, be required to take self-build seriously. The scheme is asking councils to establish the demand for self-build housing in the local area, making efforts to allow builders access to state-owned land once released, as well as promoting its ‘build now pay later model’.
It is a different story in many European countries where the self-build trend is flourishing, as 50 per cent of all homes are self built.
The Homeruskwartier district in Almere, Netherlands, is a shining example. The city, built on reclaimed polder land, has a population of 180,000 and is the first self-build project attempted on truly large scale. Since 2006, self-builders have successfully erected 800 homes; with thousands more on the way. The scheme operates with the local authority drawing up a suitable street plan, then making plots available at a standard commercial cost. Local people, freed from any further planning restrictions, can then design and build homes specifically tailored to their individual specifications.
Homeruskwartier has received mixed reviews; enthusiasts call it a model of sustainable development, a Grand Designs for the average man, whereas critics describe it as ersatz city, a soulless architectural Legoland.
Building costs in Almere vary depending on how much the buyers do themselves, on average from €800 per sq m to €1,800. That’s around £72,000-£160,000 for someone wanting the same floor space as the typical British three-bed semi (around 105 sq m).
Keeping homes affordable is key to the Homeruskwartier project, which means creating plots for self-build flats as well as houses. One group of 25 individuals built a block of flats. The cost of each flat including the plot and building was just £69,000 without any subsidy. Cutting out the developer’s profit – helped to considerably reduce the overall cost, as there was no need for expensive marketing campaigns and showhomes.
Here in the UK, ministers believe there is ‘huge untapped potential’ for self build, despite the noted restrictions, there are already examples of successful self-build schemes in Britain, within large towns and cities. In Ashley Vale, Bristol, an action group succeeded against the odds to self-build 26 detached and semi-detached homes in 2001. Six further flats were completed last year, which won a CABE Building for Life Award.
Today, many think that self-build properties are cost-prohibitive, but as Ted Stevens, chair of the National Self-Build Association (NaSBA), recently stated: “Most people think building your own home is very expensive. In fact the vast majority of self build homes cost less than £150,000 to construct – and for that you can comfortably build an attractive, energy-efficient, custom-designed three or four bedroom home. We believe the actions taken by this new self build group could potentially make it much easier for people to build thousands of new, affordable homes each year.”
Pilkington Building Products has an extensive range of products including thermally-efficient glass, ideal for self-builders, for further information on our product range visit here.
Energy-efficient construction in Europe
Thursday, October 27th, 2011The European Union (EU) has adopted a framework for energy efficiency, setting a target for all new buildings and major renovations in the EU to be ‘nearly zero energy’ by 2020. The definition will vary depending on country, but essentially a ‘nearly zero energy building’ is one that has a very high energy performance, with the majority of any energy used coming from renewable sources. The plan is to also refurbish existing buildings to transform them into nearly zero energy buildings. Regulatory support for this initiative has begun, and will increase with the 2011 and 2014 updates of National Energy Efficiency Action Plans.
Germany has some great examples of ultra low energy buildings, including the headquarters of the government-owned German Bank KfW, is one of the country’s most energy-efficient buildings. Designed by architect Sauerbruch Hutton, the colourful tower has an incredibly low annual energy consumption of 7 kilowatt (kW) per square foot. Remarkably, the building is naturally cooled by fresh breezes, thanks to a unique double skin composed of thousands of computer-controlled windows that let just the right amount of air in. The double windows provide ample natural light as well as cutting incoming heat gain.
In Rotkreuz, Switzerland, the Roche tower, which stands 68 metre high, is a beautiful representation of energy-efficient construction. The tower was a winning entry in a competition hosted in 2008, after successfully following a brief that required plans for a high rise building with a high energy performance. It is vertically separated into three parts; a six metre high lobby, a 13 floored office space, as well as an auditorium. An integral part of the building’s energy efficiency encompasses a closed cavity facade, which includes internal ventilation and heating.
It’s not all about high rise buildings or office blocks as back in the UK, London-based Bere:Architects, champions the quest for energy-efficient homes. The creation of a Passivhaus in Camden, provides a heavily insulated timber-framed, 118 square metre, two bedroom home, which aims to reduce energy bills by 90 per cent. The term Passivhaus refers to an advanced low-energy construction standard that ensures homes are cool in the summer, warm during the winter, as well as ventilated with perfect air humidity levels. As a result, the energy-efficient home maintains a high level of indoor air quality while consuming much less energy than other south-facing terraced houses in the area.
Energy-efficient glazing plays a significant role in the design of ultra-low energy buildings and innovative glass solutions will be employed in the EU to help meet its ambitious target for ‘zero energy buildings’. Pilkington energiKare™ glazing incorporates Pilkington K Glass™, our market leading low-emissivity glass, click here for more information.