Carbon footprint……… and the ways in which we can reduce it are a hot topic of conversation these days.  New solutions are being tried and tested but listed below are just some which have been proven: Microgeneration is the production of zero or low carbon heat and power by individuals, small businesses and even communities to be self-sufficient.  It is small scale energy production with minimal or in some cases zero carbon dioxide emissions.

Sustainability - Why?

 

- Sustainable building has grown rapidly due to increased public awareness, a considerable increase in government intervention, an innovative attitude from the construction industry and growing recognition from homeowners of the cost savings that can be achieved.

- Once an emerging trend, green building has become an essential part of today's construction industry

- House builders and government are committed to building zero carbon homes by 2016

- The government wants all non domestic buildings to be zero carbon by 2019

- All homes going on sale now require an Energy Performance Certificate

- Energy costs are rising with alternative energy sources and methods to reduce consumption and lower carbon emissions are vital

- Global warming, rising energy costs, the conservation of resources and alternative fuels are issues facing us all. Clean air means cool planet

- There is now a significant consumer appetite for ecological, environmental and sustainable products

- The number of companies providing innovative products, technologies and services to the eco/sustainable marketplace is already significant and growing rapidly

- There is a considerable demand from consumers for products that will cut costs, do less ecological damage and reduce their carbon footprint

- The new build marketplace will generate enormous demand for sustainable products

- The self build market is thriving and 'self-builders' are enthusiastic about sustainable and ecologically sound construction

- More people than ever are extending their homes and many of those are looking to include cost effective sustainable and ecological materials, fittings and products

- With the results of climate change such as flooding affecting large numbers of people consumers are much more aware of the necessity for sound ecological planning, design and building practices

- National media exposure has given the issue a more significant profile and in turn both the public and the industry a greater enthusiasm for the subject

 

 

 

Photovoltaic (PV) systems produce electricity by using PV cells to convert solar radiation.  The PV cell comprises one or two layers of a semi-conducting material  - usually silicone – which on coming into contact with the sun’s rays creates an electric field and causes electricity to flow.   Ground Source Heat Pumps – use energy (heat) stored in the ground for space heating and under floor heating.   Micro Combined Heat and Power (CHP) – in principle the heat output from a gas or oil fuelled engine driving an electricity generator is captured and absorbed by a coolant in a purpose made heat exchanger and then stored as hot water for direct use for central heating or domestic hot water.   Micro Turbines – these are powered by wind or by a natural running water source – most recently the roof or wall mounted wind turbine has increased in popularity to produce electricity.   Solar Thermal Hot Water – solar roof panels are becoming ever more popular.   Biomass Boilers – biomass is organic matter of recent origin which is made into bio fuels: For small domestic boilers the fuel usually takes the form of wood pellets, wood chips or logs, but inevitably these come at a cost, unlike other energies listed above.   Air Source Heat Pumps – these work as a refrigerator but heating instead of cooling.  An air source heat pump comprises three main components:   An evaporator coil – absorbs heat from the outside air.   A compressor – pumps refrigerant through the heat pump and compresses the gaseous refrigerant to the temperature required for the heat distribution circuit.    A heat exchanger – transfers the heated refrigerant to a water coil to feed underfloor heating or domestic hot water.

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