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This paper presents the methodological approach and findings of a simulation study of advanced energy conservation, generation and management technologies applied to two case study dwellings in the UK, so as to achieve net zero energy (NZE) target that includes a reduction of net regulated energy (HVAC) to 0 kWh/m 2 per year and energy generation of at least 50 kWh/m 2 per year. The performance of the dwellings are also tested for a change in energy use and risk of summertime overheating in future climates in the short (2030s), medium (2050s) and long term (2080s). The findings indicate that to meet the NZE targets, regulated loads need to reduce by about half (over current Building Regulations) with community (rather than building-level) renewables playing a major role. It is also found that the NZE targets, given current regulations, are not particularly difficult to achieve in design with regard to energy efficiency but are highly expectant with regard to renewable energy. Further, summertime overheating is projected to be a risk for net zero energy dwellings by the 2050s. Despite this the regulated energy use of both dwellings is projected to reduce by 11 kWh/m 2 /yr, accompanied by a small increase in renewable generation (2 kWh/m 2 /yr). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the UK, 20% of houses were built before 1919 and are protected from energy efficiency requirements that would unacceptably alter their character. To meet carbon emission reduction targets, however, it is necessary to keep the number of buildings exempt from energy efficiency improvements to a minimum. The need to preserve the aesthetic and structural qualities of historic buildings makes energy retrofit complicated and costly but these arguments should not be used to resist change. The research presented in this paper investigates how conservation professionals in the UK approach and sanction energy retrofit measures in historic buildings. It provides an overview of the current UK legislation and guidance relating to energy efficiency in heritage buildings and presents findings from a study focused on the approach of conservation professionals to retrofit slim profile double glazing (SPDG). It finds that there is regional variation to energy retrofit in historic buildings between Scotland and the rest of the UK, and that individual conservation professionals hold different views on the use of SPDG, which leads to inconsistencies in its application. Recommendations are made for a more consistent approach to window upgrade as a means of improving the energy efficiency and comfort of historic buildings and for greater interdisciplinary cooperation to align conservation of energy with conservation of heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fossil fuel energy use in heating and cooling buildings is considered to be a major contributor to observed climate change effects, so there is an environmental imperative to reduce energy use in buildings. We should also improve buildings’ energy efficiency on health grounds. Climate change is predicted to produce more frequent extreme weather events, while epidemiological evidence indicates relationships between ambient temperature and ill health. This points to the need for addressing both climate change itself and the way buildings mediate outdoor conditions, for the sake of vulnerable occupants. The UK government requires evidence in support of policy-making concerning energy use in buildings and consequences for health. This paper reviews epidemiological research to illustrate problems associated with measuring the direct health impact of indoor temperatures, for which evidence remains limited. Conventionally, temperature-related health effects are discussed in terms of seasonal excess deaths. The paper goes on to describe a population-based study in London that considers morbidity rather than mortality. A new methodology is developed that links the risk of cold homes with excess winter hospital episodes, demonstrating its potential for identifying small areas for priority action on improving domestic energy efficiency in terms of health as well as the environment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Improved methods for quantifying energy savings in buildings need to be supported by empirical measures rather than modeled estimates of future annual energy demand. This paper uses power temperature gradient (PTG, W/K), or the slope of power demand in response to changes in external air temperature; first, to categorise dwelling energy performance from daily energy data (when 0–15 °C outside); second, to investigate variations in 24-h profiles of delivered power. Estimates of PTG were obtained from 567 UK dwellings with 118,000 days of gas and electricity data. From a multivariable regression model, PTG was predicted by dwelling characteristics (number of bedrooms, number of floors, dwelling type, and dwelling age category (all p < 0.001)) but not by number of occupants. When dwellings were grouped into quintiles of PTG, mean PTG had threefold increase from the first to fifth quintile (188 to 563 W/K, respectively). This was reflected in 24-h profiles of delivered power (30 min intervals): at 0 °C, each 100 W/K decline in PTG corresponded to ∼2.5 kW decline in mean morning and evening peak power. Using PTG to estimate reductions in peak power as equivalent ‘negawatts’ reframes potential benefits of energy efficiency retrofits and for grid resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]