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Rules of ThumbMinimise Energy in Construction Use
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Rules of Thumb | Key Indicator / Prompt |
- Build to reduce the amount of energy used.
| Construction
Source labour and materials locally.
Use environmentally friendly and low embodied energy materials.
Minimise waste and pollution.
Develop an on-site energy programme to control heating and lighting.
Monitor use of energy and fuel.
Design
Identify sources of free heat gain.
Ventilate naturally. maximise solar gain from sunlight, particularly in winter.
Improve building fabric insulation, choose an organic material and aim to meet BREEAM insulation standards.
Make the building airtight - minimise heat loss through ventilation.
Prevent heat loss through goods doors.
Use low emissivity glass.
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- Source energy with minimum environmental impacts.
| Use renewable energy for electricity and heating generation. Choose your fuel carefully:
- Solar
- Heat Pump, ground source / water source
- Photovolatics
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
- Wind
- Green electricity
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| Where natural ventilation is not sufficient, use a mix of natural / mechanical ventilation and air conditioning. Control the heating and lighting - variable speed drives.
Zone the space heating system to allow part-use of the building to be lit / heated.
Calorifier served by main boilers are inefficient - use point of use water heaters and / or active solar heating when possible.
Use efficient lighting - low voltage, dimmer switches, zoning, automatic turning off when the area is unoccupied.
Ensure the boiler is sized to meet the needs of the user.
Use energy efficient office equipment.
Use high efficiency fans and pumps.
Use 'A' rated domestic appliances.
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The above 'Rules of Thumb' relate to 'Minimising Energy in Construction Use' within the Sustainability Guide.
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A guide to sustainable construction and development in the North East | |
