BUILDING A CONCRETE

A RATED HOME

A rating easily achieved with concrete build Poor market awareness of low energy concrete builds Air-tightness is the key to unlocking A rating Thermal bridging must also be addressed Architects, builders and engineers need to upskill Mindset change – Open fires ? Attic space ? Quality ?

THE CONCRETE A RATED HOME: KEY POINTS

THE CONCRETE A RATED HOME: STEP 1

Design Energy Efficiency In

House orientation House size Non complex house shape Glazing area Insulation, insulation, insulation Air tightness Mechanical ventilation Renewable technologies – solar, geothermal, wind

Pre-Build Energy Assessment

Advise on specification Provisional Building Energy Rating

(BER) Certificate Know your energy rating before you

build

THE CONCRETE A RATED HOME: STEP 2

Foundation Insulation

U-Value of < 0.18 W/m2 K (<0.15 W/m2 K under floor heating) Edge insulation stripping

THE CONCRETE A RATED HOME: STEP 3

Wall Insulation

U-Value of < 0.2 W/m2 K Increase cavity to 150mm Thermal bridging detailing

THE CONCRETE A RATED HOME: STEP 4

Ceiling & Attic Insulation

U-Value of < 0.11 W/m2 K Insulation depth – up to

400mm (16 inches) Sealed & insulated attic door

THE CONCRETE A RATED HOME: STEP 5

Air Tightness

< 3 air changes per hour Seal first floor joists Seal around windows and doors Seal around waste pipes Seal around electric fittings Seal ceilings Test during construction

THE CONCRETE A RATED HOME: STEP 6

Heat Recovery Ventilation

Heat recycled No open vents Even distribution of heat Fresh filtered air

THE CONCRETE A RATED HOME: STEP 7

Renewable Energy

Solar domestic hot water Geo thermal Biomass Solid fuel stoves Wind Solar photo-voltaic

THE CONCRETE A RATED HOME: STEP 8