£17 million worth of funding is to be supplied to 87 social housing projects around the UK in order to test new low carbon building technology. The introduction of this funding was announced by Science Minister Lord Drayson & Housing Minister John Healey on Thursday. The new scheme will see numerous housing units across the nation retrofitted with new green technologies in line with the government’s targets to reduce CO2 emissions by 80% by 2050.

A number of key features will be installed in all proposed buildings:

• Significant upgrades to all insulation using pioneering materials that aid moisture control within the current structures
• Targeted heat recovery systems in high temperature locations such as kitchens & bathrooms in order to aid energy efficiency. Ventilation systems will take the heat produced in these areas and redistribute it elsewhere.
• An ‘air-tightness strategy’ will be implemented to drastically reduce heat loss. Previously open chimneys and vents will be sealed, floor and wall insulation installed and walls coated with a special plaster.
• Innovative heating systems with the ability to learn the occupants living patterns to provide heat and hot water to fit their lifestyle.
• State-of-the-art vacuum glazing systems to further reduce heat loss.

These prototype systems will be tested in these properties and hopefully implemented in more and more homes nationwide by 2050. The monitoring of these schemes will provide vital information on how to reach proposed CO2 and energy efficiency targets. These new innovations and developments in technology are an exciting prospect for all.

Author:  Thomas Davies

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