The Role of Building Regulations in Green Construction
Building regulations play a crucial role in promoting sustainability by setting standards and requirements for new construction and renovations. Hertfordshire has long been a hub of innovation in the construction industry, moreover, local builders and architects are contributing to sustainable development.
Sustainable building practices offer environmental, economic, and social advantages. Energy-efficient buildings consume less energy, produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels by incorporating renewable energy sources. Economically, these practices lower energy costs, benefiting the end user through reduced utility bills. Additionally, socially, energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials create healthier, more comfortable living environments.
Spotlight on Local Sustainable Home Projects in Hertfordshire
We want to highlight how local architects and builders in Hertfordshire are incorporating technology and prioritising eco-friendly practices. These professionals are setting new standards for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. To illustrate, we highlight two standout projects that exemplify this commitment: one by Contour Architecture in Berkhamsted and another by Vines Construction in Stevenage.
Contour Architecture: A Reimagined Sustainable Home in Berkhamsted
A project a Contour’s Architecture A project in Berkhamsted is a testament to what’s possible when sustainability meets design innovation. The project began with the demolition of the existing building down to the foundations, leaving only a few structural walls at the ground floor level. From there, the team reimagined the property, creating a larger footprint and employing a timber framework to rebuild the home.
Key sustainable features of this project include innovations that significantly enhance energy efficiency and environmental performance. These include:
- Enhanced Insulation: High-performance insulation is installed throughout the property to minimise heat loss and maximise energy efficiency.
- Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP): The ASHP powers a wet underfloor heating system, providing efficient, gas-free heating.
- Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHVR): This system ensures optimal air quality while recovering and reusing heat.
- Triple-Glazed Windows and Doors: Superior glazing is implemented to improve thermal performance and reduce energy consumption.
- Comprehensive Modernisation: The contractor fitted new electrics, tiled floors, and energy-efficient windows and doors, ensuring a cohesive and sustainable upgrade.
This project not only meets but exceeds building regulation standards, setting a benchmark for energy-efficient design in residential construction. The LABC Regional Awards 2024 recognised the project as the Best Residential Conversion or Alteration to an Existing Home.
Vines Construction: A Model of Energy Efficiency in Stevenage
Construction’s recently completed project in Stevenage demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Designed to eliminate the need for gas, the property features a range of eco-friendly technologies that substantially reduce its carbon footprint. The installation of solar panels in this project results in an annual reduction of 937kg of CO2 emissions, significantly lowering the household’s carbon footprint. This represents a considerable decrease in greenhouse gas emissions for a single property. To put it into perspective, this reduction is equivalent to the emissions produced by driving approximately 2,300 miles in a typical petrol-powered car! It also offsets the amount of CO2 that 15-20 trees would absorb in a year. Over the 20-year lifespan of the solar panels, this reduction totals nearly 18.7 tonnes of CO2, representing a substantial positive impact on the environment.
Highlights of this project include:
- Renewable Energy Systems: Solar panels generate clean electricity, while an air source heat pump powers the wet underfloor heating system.
- Superior Insulation: The architect specified vaulted ceilings are insulated with 200mm Celotex, far exceeding the current regulatory requirement of 140-160mm.
- Triple-Glazed Openings: The contractor installed all windows, doors, VELUX skylights, and bi-fold doors as triple-glazed to enhance energy efficiency and comfort.
- Sound and Thermal Insulation: Additional insulation between all first-floor joists ensures both soundproofing and superior U-value performance.
- VAT Exemption: In alignment with government guidelines, VAT has not been applied to any first-fix works contributing to the sustainable build.
This project also includes solar-powered electric vehicle chargers, further enhancing its green credentials. Together, these features create a home that surpasses building regulation standards and serves as a model for sustainable construction.
Beyond Compliance: Raising the Bar for Building Standards
Both of these projects highlight how local builders and architects are going above and beyond the requirements of current building regulations.
By investing in technologies like air source heat pumps, triple glazing, and high-performance insulation, these homes not only reduce environmental impact but also lower energy costs for homeowners. Such measures demonstrate the industry’s commitment to creating homes that are compliant and exceeding sustainability standards.
The Role of Building Control in Sustainability
Building control plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable practices. We help in compliance with energy efficiency standards and encourage the adoption of innovative, eco-friendly solutions. By working closely with architects, builders, and developers, building control teams help create structures that benefit occupants and the environment. Such measures demonstrate the industry’s commitment to creating compliant homes and exceeding sustainability standards. See our feature on the Future Homes Standard to read more about incorporating sustainable practices into new and existing homes.
Thank you to Contour Architecture and Vine Construction for providing their case studies.
