Achieving zero carbon code level 6 for the Kingspan Lighthouse building

Abstract

The Kingspan Lighthouse building is the first house to achieve the highest level of the Code for Sustainable Homes, level 6. One of the key requirements for a house to achieve level 6 is that it is ‘net zero carbon’ for all its energy use, meaning that it generates as much energy annually from renewable sources as it uses. The house was designed first to need less energy to run and second to source the remaining energy required from renewable sources. The house has high levels of energy efficiency. Reducing electricity demands was paramount, as this is the most expensive form of renewable energy to produce. Renewable energy is supplied by photovoltaic panels for electricity, and solar thermal panels and a biomass boiler for hot water and heating. The house has many other sustainable features, including water conservation. The costs of this zero carbon home are considered and the many opportunities for future potential cost savings are identified. The paper also includes consideration of the use of biomass for renewable heat. Implications for zero carbon design and policy making are discussed along with how such demonstration projects have been influential on the government’s proposed zero carbon definition.

Cost analysis error? Exploring issues relating to whole-life cost estimation in sustainable housing

“…CLG (2008) reported an extra construction cost amounting to about 37 per cent of current rates will be needed to achieve zero-carbon buildings. This figure closely compares with that obtained by Holden and Twinn (2011) in the Lighthouse project.…”

“…This study obtains secondary data from the first zero-carbon house -the Lighthouse from Holden and Twinn's (2011) work and related accounts as a basis to compare the outcomes of different whole-life cost techniques. A brief background to the Lighthouse is explained in the subsequent sections.…”

“…Evidence of this can be seen in the blanket incentive of stamp duty exemption in houses costing up to £500,000, and reduction in stamp duty levy of £15,000 when the purchase price is greater than £500,000 (CLG, 2007). Undoubtedly, there is a burgeoning impression that the initial capital costs of zero-carbon homes are relatively higher than conventional homes (Chow, 2009;Cook, 2011;Holden and Twinn, 2011).…”

Editorial

“…This issue of Energy comes at the question in three different ways. Holden and Twinn (2011) address the question of how best to achieve a zero-carbon home. Their Lighthouse building is, of course, an exhibition house, not a maritime construction!…”

Editorial

“…Cross-learning is important, and this is supported by a paper on lessons from life-cycle analysis for bioenergy (Vad et al, 2011) which gives good advice on allocation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and adds to the discussion regarding the UK's carbon code level 6 which was described in an earlier issue (Holden and Twinn, 2011). Regulations that do not consider the whole life cycle seem particularly inconsistent with analysis of sustainability and of GHG emissions in capital goods and some other indirect emissions.…”