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University helps to design a low carbon future

08/07/2020
University helps to design a low carbon future

Passivhaus is a voluntary standard for achieving high energy efficiency in a building and has become a go-to low energy standard for those looking to minimise energy consumption.

Its use is not restricted to houses, although it is most commonly associated with them. Statistics suggest that the UK is building approximately 200,000 new homes per year, however only around 1% are being delivered to the Passivhaus standard. The technologies, materials and training for designers who wish to construct Passivhaus buildings are readily available; the challenge comes down to the high costs and financial viability which ultimately results in late adoption.

The BECCI project, residing in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Wolverhampton, recognised the lack of knowledge surrounding the Passivhaus standard within the Construction industry and hosted a 3-week webinar series: “Passivhaus Design Principles”. The Passivhaus series attracted more than 100 attendees, ranging from housing associations and local councils to architects and product manufacturers. The course was fully funded.

All attendees received workshop packs to complete at home, to re-enforce what they learnt in the webinars as well as access to all presentation materials.

Dr Vinh Doan, part of the University of Wolverhampton BECCI team commented:

“For the UK to reach its ambitious carbon reduction targets, it will need to apply some of the principles of Passivhaus to the wider housing stock. While many of us are unlikely to create fully functioning Passivhaus standard buildings, we can insulate and ventilate our homes effectively to ensure that they are as energy efficient as possible.”

Dr Louis Gyoh, Principle Lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton, presented the topic of “Passivhaus Energy Balancing” in the final webinar, covering complex Passivhaus calculations to transfer knowledge on the building physics for the effective design of low-carbon buildings.

Feedback received from the series was exceptional, with 100% of attendees satisfied with the webinar and 100% stating that they would recommend it to a friend or colleague.

Dr Paul Hampton, BECCI Project Director, added:

“During these unprecedented times it is excellent to see the active collaboration and knowledge transfer between businesses taking place through webinars. The attendance and interaction was above and beyond what we had anticipated and it is great to see so many of us coming together to work towards these low carbon goals.”

For more information on the BECCI project and our future webinars, please email BECCI@wlv.ac.uk