energy efficiency installer magazine

November 2012A sustainable future for your business

Baby, it’s cold outside

Insulating older properties

EnergyEf�ciencyInstaller

Reserve your place today Call 0845 287 1970

GREEN DEAL ADVISOR TRAINING COURSEIncludes unique assessment e-survey tool. Discover the benefits at gogreendeal.co.uk

NEw

• Training • Accreditation • Products • Support

Green Deal, the government’s new energy efficiency scheme is almost here.

It’s now time for local installers to get involved.

We’ve been working tirelessly to bring together the most comprehensive package of energy efficient products, installer accreditation, advisor training and informative literature

to ensure you have everything you need.

What’s more, our Green Deal Advisor training course (Fast-tracked for Gas Safe Registered Engineers) is extremely competitive and includes an innovative installer e-survey tool

that will make assessments easy to complete.

Reserve your place today. Call 0845 287 1970

A whole deal more for your business!

Green Deal. from the people who speak your lanGuaGe.

gogreendeal.co.uk

VISIT OUR

NEW WEBSITE

www.energyefficiencyinstaller.co.uk | 3

Contents

04 Installers need to spread the merits

of the Green Deal, says Andrew Keating, Baxi

07 Paul Joyner, Sustainable

Building Solutions, recommends a ‘fabric first’ approach to housing stock

08 According to Lisa Gingell,

t-mac Technologies, the Green Deal encourages people to look at energy wastage

Editor: Lu Rahman Staff Writer: Paul StephenSales Manager: Jonathan Hibbert Account Manager: Paul Smith Publishing Manager: Mark Green Production Manager: Ann ButlerManaging Director: Nick SmithPublished by: Ashley & Dumville Publishing Ltd, Caledonian House, Tatton Street, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6AGTel: 01565 653283

Contents

04

06 08

10

11

14

News: Viessmann backs efficiency campaign

Energy efficient techologies in use

The role of renewables in the Green Deal

Knauf Marmorit looks at insulating older properties

They say: How will the Green Deal affect business?

In focus: The creation of the national body EEPB

Editor’s Comments

Pass it on

Welcome to the preview issue of Energy Efficiency Installer magazine, the ideal place to update yourself on the key developments in the emerging energy efficiency market. With the Green Deal now underway, and you the installer taking advantage of the many business opportunities this flagship scheme will bring, our aim is to offer a one-stop shop for all sectors involved in making the Green Deal a success.

By the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s estimation, there are 14 million homes which are potential targets for the Green Deal, a scheme which should deliver heating and energy efficiency measures worth £1.3 billion. These are exciting times indeed for all those involved. There is a vast array of business to be gained from the Green Deal and Energy Efficiency Installer provides the perfect meeting point for all

technologies involved. This preview issue offers a taster of what’s to come from this important and expanding market.

Many in the energy efficiency sector have remarked upon the ‘soft launch’ of the Green Deal, hoping that as Green Deal finance becomes available next year, the government will start to push the scheme to the general public. This however, looks likely not to be the case and so it’s up to you to take on this role. This means those working in the industry, those looking to diversify into a range of energy efficient services, and those with knowledge and expertise gained through years hard work, must pass it on. In the absence of a government advertising campaign for the Green Deal, make yourself the billboard poster. Tell the homeowner, the tenant, those installers not yet in the know, what you know and why the Green Deal is an opportunity not to be missed. With 65,000 jobs estimated to be created, there is business to be had out there. Make sure you’re part of it in the long term and pass the message on.

With the Green Deal now underway, and you the installer taking advantage of the many business opportunities this flagship scheme will bring, our aim is to offer a one-stop shop for all sectors involved in making the Green Deal a success

Tell the homeowner, the tenant, those installers not yet in the know, what you know and why the Green Deal is an opportunity not to be missed

• Training • Accreditation • Products • Support

Green Deal, the government’s new energy efficiency scheme is almost here.

It’s now time for local installers to get involved.

We’ve been working tirelessly to bring together the most comprehensive package of energy efficient products, installer accreditation, advisor training and informative literature

to ensure you have everything you need.

What’s more, our Green Deal Advisor training course (Fast-tracked for Gas Safe Registered Engineers) is extremely competitive and includes an innovative installer e-survey tool

that will make assessments easy to complete.

Reserve your place today. Call 0845 287 1970

A whole deal more for your business!

Green Deal. from the people who speak your lanGuaGe.

gogreendeal.co.uk

VISIT OUR

NEW WEBSITE

4 | www.energyefficiencyinstaller.co.uk

News

Installers drive Green Deal, says Baxi

Viessmann backs nationalenergy efficiency campaign

Talk it up: Andrew Keating, Baxi, is encouraging installers to spread the merits of the Green Deal to their customers

‘Four into one’ store

Plumbing and heating merchant Plumbase has opened a ‘four brands under one roof’ store in Nelson, Lancashire.

The 9,000 sq ft store encompasses all four Plumbase Group brands for the first time in the region: Plumbase, Bathbase, Ecobase and Sparesbase, offering a range of products and services; leading brands at competitive prices; over 15,000 spare parts; energy savings solutions; free bathroom design, along with credit account facilities and delivery service, all supported, says Plumbase, by a friendly, professional team that’s on-hand to help and advise.

Plumbase is rebranding its 19 Plumbline stores across Scotland to Plumbase. Each store will be rebranded as part of the initiative.

Heating manufacturer, Viessmann, is supporting the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council’s Hole in the Roof campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to raise the awareness of energy efficiency by getting people to take action and make a change in their homes that could result in financial savings.

Hole in the Roof would like consumers to change their behaviour and stop wasting energy that is metaphorically disappearing through the roof as well as depleting the pocket. Consumers can view the Hole in the Roof website and click on any technology or heating system measure to find out what change could suit them best. This can be a simple measure like draft proofing,

putting a balloon up your chimney, radiator reflectors or installing a renewable technology.

Hole in the Roof is supported by environmentalist, Tony Juniper, BBC’s DIY SOS Charlie Luxton, financial expert, Jasmine Birtles and director general of Saga, Dr Ros Altmann.

Viessmann’s managing director Graham Russell said: “Condensing gas boilers play a major role in the future of the UK’s energy usage and are paramount for reaching the government’s carbon targets for 2020. We recognise the need for the whole industry to work together to make understanding energy efficiency more straightforward for consumers.”

Roger Webb, HHIC director said: “The Hole in the Roof campaign is all about making simple changes in the home in order to make your environment more energy efficient. We have some well-respected supporters from a variety of fields who all support us in our aim to raise the importance of energy efficiency. We want people to become enthused about changing their behaviour to sign up to the fact that as a collective whole we can make a difference. We can’t force people to change their behaviour but we can try to tap into the reasons they might want to. The Hole in the Roof campaign provides a fun and interactive website and a humorous animation to watch called: The Romans all to help kick-start action.”

Boiler manufacturer Baxi believes Green Deal will bring a critical boost to installers if they are able to recommend the most efficient boilers to their customers.

The Green Deal, the government-backed scheme to reduce the UK’s carbon emissions by improving the energy efficiency of our buildings, includes £270 cash-back for homeowners who replace their old boiler with a high efficiency product.

Andrew Keating, managing director of Baxi is encouraging installers to spread this good news to their customers. “Homeowners can reduce their fuel bills by up to £300 a year by replacing an inefficient boiler with a new high-efficiency model. But not all high-efficiency boilers offer the same amount of energy bill savings for the householder,” he said.

“Energy efficiency for Green Deal is measured by Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure (RdSAP) - which predicts heating and hot water costs. Installers should be aware of a boiler’s RdSAP value and pass this information on to their customers.”

Baxi has launched a calculator allowing installers to demonstrate to homeowners the fuel savings they could achieve by replacing their inefficient boiler.


News

High rise insulation guaranteeThe Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA) has been working closely with the British Board of Agrement and Manufacturers/System Designers to develop cavity wall insulation (CWI) procedures to assess, fill and issue guarantees for high rise properties.This CWI development has come about since the government’s Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) impact assessment identified significant potential for installing CWI in properties of more than three storeys high. This is due to the fact that CWI is one of the most effective energy saving measures that can be easily retrofitted to buildings and that also helps to reduce carbon emissions.

Gerry Miller, chief executive of CIGA, commented: “Significant potential exists for the fitment of CWI in higher rise properties and, although these are more costly to treat than standard buildings, we are able to offer the established CIGA Guarantee for such work. This announcement will help support delivery of the ECO and Green Deal initiatives by ensuring that consumers in such properties can benefit from the protection of the CIGA Guarantee and be entirely confident about having such work undertaken.”

NICEIC offers Green Deal certification

NICEIC is offering certification to any business wishing to become a Green Deal advisor.

Green Deal advisors will be responsible for carrying out the initial assessment of a property to identify which measures may be appropriate. Advisors may undertake assessments on domestic and commercial properties, but must be certified by a UKAS-accredited certification body and be registered with the Green Deal Oversight Body.

The first firm to achieve Green Deal Advisor certification from NICEIC was Darren Evans Assessments which

provides a range of energy efficiency and sustainability services for architects, developers, housing associations, and commercial and domestic landlords. It is now certified to carry out an assessment of domestic properties under the Green Deal initiative.

Kier Services, a division of Kier Group, has become the latest organisation to receive Green Deal accreditation from NICEIC. Kier Services is a provider of specialist services to the public and private sector and is now certified to carry out installer work as part of its maintenance business under the Green Deal initiative.

Anglian wins 40 property EWI pilot for Russet Anglian Building Products has been awarded a 40 property pilot for Russet. The £600k scheme includes external wall insulation (EWI), loft insulation top-ups and boiler renewals.

Russet manages over 7,000 properties mostly within the Tonbridge and Malling area and is one of nine Registered Providers as part of the Circle Group.

With over 600 No Fines properties the results of this substantial pilot scheme will steer Russet’s future strategy for addressing affordable warmth for the remaining stock of solid wall construction properties.

Project design and management is by construction consultants Baily Garner who led a detailed evaluation of external wall insulation systems prior to the eventual selection of the Wetherby Building Systems.

Residents have been closely involved in the design and implementation of the project – remotely monitored energy meters have been installed to a number of properties to check if predicted energy usage savings are realised.

Geoff Spencer, Anglian divisional director commented: “Anglian has successfully installed thousands of windows and doors for Russet over many years. It is great now to extend the relationship to include external wall insulation.”

Anthony Cross, operations director for Russet said:“Our priority is to tackle fuel poverty – EWI offered the best way forward. We’re delighted to have such a great design and build team to undertake the project which has had an enthusiastic ‘thumbs up’ from residents.”

High hopes: CIGA has helped develop cavity wall insulation procedures to assess, fill and issue guarantees for high rise properties


Body buildingA national body, the Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings (EEPB) has been launched to facilitate closer working relationships between industry, government and community organisations on all aspects of the Green Deal and energy efficiency in buildings in general

In Focus

Formerly the well-regarded Energy Efficiency Partnership for Homes, this new and reinvigorated not-for-profit Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings (EEPB) has a broader scope covering domestic and non-domestic buildings, as well as greater access to a library of resources.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) asked the Partnership to facilitate and manage its four Green Deal advisory forums, demonstrating government’s engagement with stakeholders and enabling a wide network of experts to participate.

These forums were an essential way for government to gather views on policy design and engagement, and for the industry to hear about and react to the latest developments. One of these, the Installer Accreditation and Qualification forum, advised on the creation of a comprehensive installer accreditation framework. A number of task groups were formed, allowing installers to contribute with their views and expertise.

The aim was to give even the smallest SMEs the opportunity to have its voices heard by government, helping to ensure it doesn’t implement policies which are unfeasible or unsustainable.

However, the Green Deal, the government’s flagship policy introduced to encourage homes to be more energy efficient, is such a vast project that many related policy areas cannot always be under direct control of the Green Deal team. Therefore, with the combined expertise of its members, the EEPB

will be able to advise on all related aspects of energy efficiency, fuel poverty, building regulations, product standards, microgeneration and more.

So in addition to acting as a network for all organisations involved in the Green Deal, the Partnership gives installers face-to-face access to all relevant government agencies. It will engage with all key government departments involved in policy formulation and implementation, including DECC which is responsible for energy and carbon policy, Green Deal, the Energy Company Obligation, microgeneration and fuel poverty (England); DCLG for building regulations, EPCs, planning and local authorities; BIS for construction industry, skills and consumer protection; and Defra for product policy and standards. In addition it will offer support to Treasury and the devolved governments.

Dr David Strong, chairman of the EEPB, says: “The creation of the EEPB comes at a very significant time as all organisations across all parts of industry are seeking to collaborate and find answers to how we make the most of the new energy efficiency policies coming through from government. Similarly, a broad group of government departments will benefit from the expertise our members can offer.”

The EEPB works on a membership basis, and is open to all renewable energy installers. Whether they are involved in solar technologies, biomass, heat pumps, wind or hydro, and regardless of size, organisations are

encouraged to join the Partnership. This way they can stay up to date with the range of issues surrounding the Green Deal while bringing their own expertise to the table. One of the main objectives of the organisation is to gather evidence on the performance of technologies and buildings and facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices, something that installers can be actively involved in.

It also puts them in contact with a comprehensive range of construction supply chain sectors, making it a powerful platform for networking

The Energy Efficiency Partnership for Buildings has already received the backing of a significant group of founding members, including Enact Energy, npower, Strutt & Parker, Centrica, Kingfisher and Knauf Insulation.

In addition to installers and contractors, membership is open to local authorities, housing associations, consultancies, Green Deal providers and developers among others.

Application for membership can be done online at www.eepb.org.uk/registration.

The EEPB is wholly owned by the National Energy Foundation (NEF), a charity which is also one of the longest established bodies of energy efficiency expertise in the UK. NEF’s focus is on reducing the use of energy in buildings. It does this through information, advice and technical support, and through infrastructure support, especially in the areas of energy certification and standards.

Perfect timing: David Strong, EEPB, says the creation of the Partnership comes at a significant time as organisations across all parts of industry seek to collaboration


In Focus

Material worldThe holy grail of sustainable construction, namely reduced thermal conductivity with relatively small and simple changes to construction methods at little or no extra cost, is in sight, says Paul Joyner, director of Sustainable Building Solutions at Travis Perkins

The discussion around sustainability has, for too long, been centred on the job that renewable technologies can do in bringing both new build and our ageing housing stock into the low carbon future.

However, there is an increasing body of opinion that building fabric and the role that it can play in making homes more sustainable, has been overlooked. I’ll go further. My own view is that we need to take a fabric first approach before any renewables are ‘bolted’ onto a property.

A fabric first approach is vital if we are to make a real dent in our carbon reduction targets and getting builders on board is the first step. Fabric first provides a simple solution because, by making just small changes to the products used and the construction methods, it is possible to achieve what too many have wrongly regarded as the holy grail of sustainable construction, namely significantly reduced thermal conductivity with relatively small and simple changes to construction methods at little or no extra build cost.

Why is a fabric first approach best? Firstly, because the building fabric will always remain in place, require minimal maintenance and offer a lifetime of performance. The correct order of procedure should be to get the fabric right first and maximise the performance of renewable technologies if a choice is made to use them.

Secondly, buildings should not just be green, but they should be better quality homes. A fabric first approach does both of these things.

However, there is also a need for builders and merchants to push the boundaries and aim higher. With a little help and advice most builders should be able to achieve a Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 house with a fabric first approach. In my experience, a few further tweaks to the type of products specified and Code Level 4 is attainable if builders are given the right advice. My argument is that we need to be aiming higher, by using the right fabric approach plus renewables, all the way to Code Level 6.

The key to fabric first is going to be the merchants. We need to be able to recommend ‘best in class’ materials to give the best energy efficiency. We cannot expect builders

to understand the technical specifications of each individual product. We, the merchants, need to fill the knowledge gap.

Merchants have traditionally just supplied whatever has been asked for over the counter. If we are to achieve more efficient buildings we need to change the dynamic of the merchant builder relationship, in order that we are recommending and advising, not just distributing. With building regulations changing every three years and the efficiency of buildings becoming a higher priority within these changes, achieving the right new-build or retrofit solution at an acceptable cost can be a challenge.

Of course, not all builders have the ability or want to create a Passivhaus, but aiming for Code Level 4 or 5 in all buildings is better than building only a few homes to Passivhaus standards.

For this reason, Sustainable Building Solutions, a division of Travis Perkins, set up to provide help, support and expert technical assistance to the construction industry, has produced a set of standard construction drawings for new-build and retrofit with the objective of being an information resource and advice service to customers with the ultimate aim of maximising the fabric’s contribution to SAP.

All of the drawings have been completed with the BRE and are LABC-registered. Anyone using these drawings, and crucially all the products specified within the details, will find passing the SAP testing much easier, for three key reasons.

Firstly, using these drawings reduces the need to use default SAP figures. Secondly, these drawings make some very simple, but significant, changes to standard build methods which mean the fabric can be used to its maximum capability. Finally, the drawings have been independently tested and verified by BRE, LABC and the HBF.

If a house is built well and with the right products it will last for hundreds of years. Bolting technology onto an unprepared shell won’t make much of a difference. If sustainable buildings are to become a way of life we need to start with fabric first.

Cut our cloth accordingly: Paul Joyner, Sustainable Building Solutions, says we need to take a fabric first approach before any renewables are ‘bolted’ onto a property


They Say

Six

of

the

bes

tLe

adin

g in

dust

ry e

xper

ts re

veal

thei

r opi

nion

sQ

If you would like to see your company logo here, call Paul Smith 01565 653283

What do you predict the impact of Green Deal will be on your area of business over the next 12 months?

“I feel that there is a big market for landlords with commercial buildings because commercial landlords want to attract tenants whose businesses require low running costs. And these landlords – in contrast to those in the domestic market – hold onto their property longer, meaning a better return.”

Lizzie Phillips, Cavendish Engineers

“Green deal encourages people to look at where they may be wasting energy, then look at solutions to save it. At t-mac we help people do both, by metering and monitoring to pinpoint inefficiencies, then adding an element of control to remove the inefficiency and bring energy savings.”

Lisa Gingell, t-mac Technologies

“As a multi-technology installation company that has achieved Green Deal Installer status, we see massive potential in the Green Deal. When all the red tape is removed and the consumer and industry is confident in its plans, we expect this to be a driver of growth for the company.”

Daniel Silcock, Renewable Solutions UK

“I think the Green Deal will enable businesses and homeowners, to save money. LED lighting is one answer and many people still have no idea how much can be saved by a simply changing a light bulb. We can and have reduced electricity bills by as much as 68 per cent.”

Brian Pinner, Carlton LED Lighting

“Will Green Deal loans be popular with householders? Nobody knows the answers. However, if the initiative takes off there are career and expansion opportunities for firms who homeowners feel they can trust to recommend and deliver the most cost-effective energy saving devices.”

David McCann, Solar Solutions

“We believe that the Green Deal will be the catalyst needed to successfully demonstrate the link between water saving and energy saving whilst showering. We see products that support this being more in demand. This will drive innovative new approaches to water saving in our industry.”

Alex Davies, channel manager, Mira Showers


The Green Deal began in October but will it open the door to new markets for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) focusing on home improvements or renewables? Or will the beneficiaries be corporates with the financial clout and integrated logistics to offer consumers a one-stop solution?

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) believes the Green Deal framework offers business opportunities for merchants and their trade customers. BMF is supporting merchants that want to become Green Deal Providers in their own right and offer their trade customers a route to compete with the corporates.

Over time, merchants will evolve from just selling products to offer a service or package. The unique selling point of their trade customers, particularly those providing home improvement upgrades, is that they are already in people’s homes to carry out work. This puts them in the best place to advise customers at the so-called trigger points for Green Deal work - when they modify, renovate, buy or sell property.

Given the financial logic, their customers are likely to be receptive to this advice. The ‘rocket and feathers’ effect of fluctuating energy prices is the main reason why householders should take advantage of the Green Deal. Like rockets, energy prices go up rapidly, but come down as slowly as a falling feather. It’s an argument that is equally applicable to commercial property owners, who are also included in the Green Deal. Indeed, the idea of investing now to save later may be an easier message to sell to commercial property owners.

However, on the trade side, caution is required by renewables businesses who think the Green Deal is something that it isn’t. Its primary objective is to help people improve the thermal performance of their homes and workplaces. Solar PV installers, who cannot also offer loft, cavity wall or solid wall insulation may well find the Green Deal is not for them. Conversely, window replacement and external wall insulation firms who form working alliances are likely to benefit from Green Deal opportunities.

It doesn’t matter if SMEs are not ready to compete from Day One. There will be a learning curve for everyone and those who take the time to study the market as it evolves during the first six months will be in a far better position to devise an offer that works for them and resonates with consumers.

EEI: Following the launch of Green Deal, what do you see as the strongest area for growth in energy efficiency? DM: Insulation measures will be the biggest winner from Green Deal. We’ve long since believed in a ‘fabric first’ approach, and so fully endorse the prioritising of ensuring a home is efficiently insulated to prevent heat loss before new heating and energy generation measures are introduced. Immediately behind insulation, gas boilers represent the best method and greatest ROI for reducing energy use and carbon production, particularly when combined with solar thermal.

EEI: How is your business energy efficient? DM: Our strategic approach, Efficiency Plus, twins increased efficiency with substitution to renewables. By using a combination of products from the different technologies we manufacture, plus our controls, we are able to provide bespoke system solutions for any fuel type and application.

By 2009 we had invested Euro 220 million in our head office, which employs 4,000 people across all areas of the business, and have since reduced consumption of fossil fuels by 66 per cent and CO² emissions by 80 per cent. We have been recognised as Germany’s Most Sustainable Production 2009 and Brand 2011.

EEI: What are your plans for 2013? DM: 2013 will see us continue to provide product innovation and develop sustainability in all technologies. This includes recently announced areas such as fuel cells for mCHP, where we are partnered with international brands Panasonic and Hexis. 2013 will also see the development of new products such as gas heat pumps with efficiencies of 125-140 per cent that are suitable for installation into any UK home that is serviced by a gas condensing boiler.

EEI: What is the most valuable piece of business advice you’ve ever received?DM: “Nothing is so good that it cannot be improved.”

Under the spotlightDarren McMahon

Viessmann

Advantage SMEsThe Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) thinks the Green Deal can bring opportunities for merchants and their trade customers. BMF policy manager, Brett Amphlett, explains

Growth spurt: Brett Amphlett, The Builders Merchants Federation, believes the Green Deal framework offers business opportunities for merchants and their trade customers

They Say


There are many ways to thermally

upgrade an older property - loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and external wall insulation known as EWI or ETICS

(external thermal insulation composite system).

Before commencing work on an EWI system installation, it is always best to check with the local authority planning department as an EWI system can dramatically change the look and feel of a building and may require planning permission.

A check should be made with the building control department to see if a certain type of insulation maybe required. If the building is within 1m of another building, mineral fibre insulation may be required to comply with fire regulations.

If there are any large cracks in the substrate then it would be advisable to ask a structural engineer to give a report to ensure that the substrate is in a sound condition and that any potential repairs and damp issues are resolved prior to installation of an EWI system.

Other considerations would be the relocation of domestic services into the property, such as electricity, gas, telephone and satellite installations, as these are often fixed to the external walls of older properties, although some services can be boxed in to hide them, access maybe required by the utility company for maintenance.

Air vents, boiler ducts, outside taps

washing lines and external lights all need to be relocated or extended to the surface of the EWI system and fixing points inserted in the system to take the newly positioned services.

Ventilation to the eaves of the soffit will need to remain open so the system may need to be terminated short of the soffit or chamfered back to allow passage of air to the loft space.

Overhangs such as parapet walls, gable ends and other projections from the walls will need to be allowed for and a suitable weather tight detail designed to ensure weather tightness.

Sheds and fences, may need to be relocated as these often abut property walls and canopies. Lean-tos and conservatories may need fabricated flashings made for them.

Window sills will need to be extended and in the case of UPVC windows the original fabricator can often provide these to suit the window system used on the property, it is important to allow an overhang to the face of the finished render system and this is generally around 35mm.

Identification of the existing damp course must be carried out as this should not be bridged by the new EWI system and should be at least 1500mm – 200mm above any surface finish such as decking or paving.

If no damp course is present, then consideration should be given to one being injected into the substrate for masonry situations, as this will be much easier at this stage before the application of the EWI system.

A U-Value calculation with a condensation risk should be carried out to establish the building’s current thermal performance and to see what effect the new EWI system would have on the building after installation as grants maybe available with the cost of thermally upgrading the building.

This calculation would also highlight any potential condensation risks that may affect the building by adding insulation to the external wall, particularly, if the cavity has been previously filled with injected insulation.

If the current property already has sand and cement render system installed or pebble dash this should be checked for potential problems, as these renders can sometimes be unsuitable for the application of an EWI system and advice should be sought from a system manufacturer’s technical department before application of a system.

Design advice and technical help should always be sought from the system supplier or designer prior to application of any system.

Insulation

Outside interestInsulation is a key area of expertise under the Green Deal. Steve Webber, product manager at external insulation and render specialist Knauf Marmorit, discusses how to insulate older properties

House beautiful: Steve Webber, product manager at Knauf Marmorit, offers advice on the best way to insulate older properties

Before commencing work on an EWI system installation, it is always best to check with the local authority planning department as an EWI system can dramatically change the look and feel of a building and may require planning permission


It’s fair to suggest that for most

homeowners, a new boiler isn’t one of those things they spend a lot of time dreaming about. Usually it’s a

distress purchase, a necessary evil when the existing boiler finally gives up the ghost.

A local installer comes to the rescue, supplying and fitting a unit that is probably much more efficient than the one it replaces. Not that saving the planet is uppermost in the minds of householders – they simply want to restore their central heating and have a bath, at the least possible cost.

So any notion promoting products has been alien to most installers – they have simply supplied what they have been asked for.

However, that may be about to change. The much-discussed Green Deal requires a comprehensive assessment of a dwelling’s energy efficiency – and its use by the current occupiers. This should result in a bespoke cost-benefit analysis of possible energy efficiency measures for that particular property and its occupants, rather than some rule-of-thumb average.

“The replacement of a boiler is likely to be the trigger point for a discussion about a whole range of energy efficiency measures” suggests Tim Pollard, Plumb Center’s head of sustainability. “That places the installer right at the centre of things – who better to advise the homeowner?” For this reason, Pollard, who was the driving force behind Wolseley’s Sustainable Building Center project, sees clear benefits in installers becoming not only accredited Green Deal Installers, but Advisors too.

“It may be a culture change for many installers, but it’s a great opportunity for local businesses to meet the wider needs of their domestic customers” he adds.

The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) Affordable Warmth measures, replaces

the current Warm Front grant scheme. Aimed at those most in need, this requires an assessment to be carried out, but cost to the householder will not be an issue.

For other Green Deal customers however, things will be different. The assessment will set out clearly the appropriate improvement measures for that particular building, and their likely energy savings. Green Deal will enable payment for these measures to be spread over a period determined by the predicted cost savings they deliver and the lifetimes of the products. The attraction for the householder being the ‘pay as you save’ concept - the repayments should not exceed the predicted energy cost savings.

“Installers have the opportunity to extend their range of services,” says Pollard. “Not just by becoming Green Deal Advisors, but by offering complementary products and services. We estimate that around 80 per cent of Green Deal measures could be within the scope of existing heating installers. While fitting new windows will probably be unrealistic, measures such as installing loft insulation are not, and Plumb Center will be distributing a range of relevant Green Deal products, making it an ideal one stop shop”.

To support the development of installers’ skills, Plumb Center has developed a suite of fully accredited training courses, at eight locations nationwide.

So, which are the technologies most likely to interest the domestic customer? For most households, improved insulation is by far the cheapest and most cost-effective area to consider, with many (but not all) items repaying their cost relatively quickly.

Renewable energy is another area to consider. Solar thermal is a relatively simple technology, which can supply up to 60 per cent of a building’s hot water requirements. Perhaps electricity generation by a solar PV system, which remains an attractive long-term proposition for many, despite the phased

reduction of government support through the Feed-in Tariff scheme.

Other technologies that have been adopted less widely in the domestic arena, but are appropriate in the right circumstances, include heat pumps (ground source, air to water and air to air), biomass boilers, micro CHP and heat recovery systems.

Despite the current level of interest in Green Deal, it won’t be for everyone, says Pollard. “Some customers will want to keep things simple, and pay for energy efficiency measures in cash, or using alternative financing routes. Others may not wish to have an ongoing financial obligation linked to their property – specifically its electricity meter.”

It may be then that one of the most significant impacts of the introduction of Green Deal will be indirect: encouraging householders – and installers – to look at domestic energy usage holistically, rather than on a product-by-product basis.

Renewables

Opportunity knocksThe Green Deal is upon us. Tim Pollard, head of sustainability, Plumb Center, looks at the benefits available for Green Deal Installers and Advisors

Going green: Tim Pollard, Plumb Center, looks at Green Deal and the opportunities which will arise through its implementation


Amazing glazingAs increasing numbers of householders look at their energy consumption, glazing and fenestration has an important role to play. Keith Riddle, managing director of Velux, throws some light on the topic

With 2016 fast approaching,

when all new homes will be required to meet zero carbon standards, the industry is looking to new innovative

technologies and techniques to ensure buildings meet increasingly strict Building Regulations.

In many cases, however, energy efficient homes have come to resemble little more than gloomy boxes. Adequate glazing is not only a desirable attribute in a home, school or office space but, used properly, can also play a significant role in reducing the demand for fossil fuel energy for heating, hot water and electricity.

A bright ideaWindows allow natural light to enter a space, minimising the need for electrical lighting during daytime hours, with a range of solutions available for even the most awkward of spaces. In rooms with no external wall, for example, sun tunnels can be used to similar effect as windows, directing sunlight from outside into what would otherwise be a dark and isolated room. Similarly, windows in flat roofs can brighten narrow hallways and side extensions.

As well as allowing light to perforate a building, glazing can be intelligently used to enable solar gain from the sun to heat a space as well as regulate its thermal performance. Double glazing installed on warmer southerly elevations can capture heat from the sun, warming a room, while triple glazing on darker northerly aspects will ensure heat loss is minimised. Blinds can also work in tandem with glazing to help screen areas as well as insulate. Velux has found that aluminium backed black out blinds can increase the insulating value of a window by as much as 20 per cent.

Similarly, solar collectors can be employed to capture light from the sun, converting it into thermal energy that can meet up to 70 per cent of a home’s hot water requirements.

Single visionOur mantra has always been that one

experiment is better than a thousand expert views so we have developed our European-wide Model Home 2020 project which involves the design and build of two carbon neutral homes in Kettering, Northamptonshire, to prove the benefits of increased natural light in the home.

The CarbonLight Homes use natural light to help reduce carbon emissions by 70 per cent. The two semi-detached homes achieve an average daylight factor of 5 per cent in the living spaces, which is three times more than the Code for Sustainable Homes requires while solar collectors are used as the primary source of heating throughout the homes - not only for hot water but space heating as well. In colder months, air source heat pumps work in tandem with the solar collectors to ensure a comfortable temperature.

Double whammyThe benefits of increased glazing in the homes is two fold, with their numerous windows not only ensuring there is lots of natural light but also adequate ventilation

and reducing the need for mechanical air conditioning units. The atrium and first floor mezzanine of the CarbonLight Homes not only serve as an attractive focal point but also allow the homes to be cooled using purge ventilation. Their intelligent home control systems mean windows and blinds can be opened and closed at a pre-arranged time, while a climate control system can detect changes in the weather and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature even when occupants are out.

Velux firmly believes that buildings should promote the health and wellbeing of occupants with daylight deprivation proven to exacerbate depressive illnesses. We are eager to prove the wide ranging benefits of increased light in the CarbonLight Homes and will be recruiting test families to live in them for a 12 month period at the end of the year. This will help us to inform the fenestration industry whose role in providing attractive, energy efficient homes becomes increasingly important.

Let there be light: According to Velux, adequate glazing plays a significant role in reducing the demand for fossil fuel energy for heating, hot water and electricity

Fenestration


A real ProOne of the major issues facing the country in its drive towards increased energy efficiency is the dilemma of old housing stock. With the help of the Green Deal, more households will be able to improve the efficiency of homes – but, asks Nu-Heat, is there more that can be done?

Heating

Underfloor heating (UFH) is an ideal

emitter to improve efficiency further, particularly when partnered with a new condensing gas or oil boiler. Condensing boiler technology is most

efficient at a design flow temperature of less than 55°C. Heating systems using LoPro10 are designed to run at flow temperatures lower than 55°C, ensuring that the condensing boiler achieves maximum efficiency. Radiator-based systems, however, are typically designed to a flow temperature of 70-80°C, outside of the boiler’s condensing range.

Retrofitting UFH has traditionally been hindered by the problem of floor height build up, but Nu-Heat has launched a new floor construction offering minimal build-up. LoPro10 has one of the lowest profiles currently available at 15mm plus tile, wood or carpet floor finish. Tiles can be laid directly on to the dense, rigid gypsum board with no requirement for any intermediate layer. This both helps to keep the floor height build up to a minimum and allows for quick installation.

LoPro10 panels are of a composite gypsum construction with low thermal resistance and high-density properties that provide high thermal output compared to similar low height plywood and chipboard based systems. LoPro10

also has one-third less thermal mass than a screed floor, allowing it to heat up and cool down rapidly.

To help meet Building Regulations Part E acoustic criteria, LoPro10 provides airborne acoustic reduction on timber upper floors by adding mass – 15.5kg/m². This means it feels more solid underfoot than many lightweight floating floors.

Running costs over electric systems

are much improved. For example, 1kW of electricity at 12 – 14p is more than three times the cost of 1kWh of gas at 3.5p, meaning that a LoPro10 system partnered with a gas condensing boiler offers both greater efficiency and better running costs than an electric system.

The 10mm PEX-c pipe is extremely flexible and light; it is practical for moving around site and easily placed in the grooved panels in lengths of up to 60m.

Quick work: LoPro CGI screed. LoPro10 has one-third less thermal mass than a screed floor, allowing it to heat up and cool down rapidly, says Nu-Heat

Tall order: LoPro10 comparison showing height of 15mm

14 | www.energyeffi ciencyinstaller.co.uk

Case Studies

Stockport Homes has brought clean energy to its Housing Association residents with 2,000 domestic solar PV kits, featuring mounting system technology from Tritec UK.

This large-scale solar energy project formed part of the ‘Stockport Homes Shine’ initiative to address fuel poverty and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Installing PV panels on the roofs of every suitable Housing Association home had the potential to deliver much-needed free electricity to residents, while also providing a return on investment to Stockport Homes, via the government’s Feed-In Tariffs scheme.

Stockport Homes turned to PV installer The Green Electrician and its GreenKit distribution division. GreenKit is designed to provide predesigned kits containing everything an organisation needs to begin generating solar power – from testing equipment to mounting frames and fi xings from Tritec.

“Following a successful trial installation, 2,000 2kW domestic solar PV kits were installed across Stockport Homes’ housing stock,” said Rupert Higgin, managing director of The Green Electrician Group. “The installation time was greatly reduced as a result of the predesigned PV kits from GreenKit and the cutting-edge technology from companies like Tritec.”

“The Stockport Homes installation proves that large-scale solar projects need not be a headache,” added Steve Griffi ths,

sales and marketing director at Tritec UK. “Taking advantage of available technology can ensure an installation is delivered on time and on budget. Mounting systems like Tri-Stand Aero, with its skilfully-designed aerodynamic shape, put considerably less weight on roofs than conventional module supports. This kind of innovation can make all the difference in achieving cost-effectiveness from solar PV.”

The Housing Association says it is now producing 1.7GWh of clean electricity every year, which translates to an annual saving of 922 tonnes of CO2.

Stockport Homes also estimates that each household is saving 20–30 per cent on its electricity bills, around £130 a year.

What: Stockport Housing Association slashes carbon emissions

How: 2,000 domestic PV kits using Tritec mounting systems

Result: 922 tonne annual reduction in carbon emissions plus £130 energy bill saving per household

What: Diffi cult-to-heat Victorian building transformed by secondary glazing units

How: Selectaglaze bespoke window units

Result: Signifi cant reduction in road noise and heating bills

Numbers game: Stockport Housing Association’s residents now benefi t from 20-30 per cent reductions in their electricity bills following the installation of 2,000 PV kits

Solar PV

Fenestration Originally part of St. Pancras Railway Station and the adjoining Midland Grand Hotel, St. Pancras Chambers is a complex of 67 individually designed apartments carved out of the interior of George Gilbert Scott’s gothic Grade 1 masterpiece fronting London’s Euston Road.

However, creating modern and high calibre living spaces within a building which began its life in 1873 posed a real challenge to developers. Peter Thompkins’ apartment contained a ceiling 10 metres high, mezzanines and balconies, and was diffi cult to heat in winter.

He said: “With the original single-glazed lancet windows retained in line with English Heritage requirements, even after installing seven radiators in one of my rooms, I was unable to heat the apartment adequately.” Peter contacted Selectaglaze which was able to tailor secondary glazing units to thermally insulate the windows and cut road noise from a busy central London thoroughfare.

He added: “Selectaglaze exceeded all our expectations, not only from a thermal point of view but because we no longer hear the noise from Euston Road.

“This is a highly theatrical space and I feel privileged to live here, particularly now that cold days are a thing of the past.”

Great Scott: George Gilbert Scott’s St. Pancras Chambers have been made more habitable for residents following the installation of secondary glazing units

Energy Effi ciency Installer

Meeting the needs of a developing market

15,000 circulation reaching all registered Green Deal installers, professional services and specifi ers

Launching February 2013 in time for Ecobuild

Heating & Cooling Microgeneration Building Fabric

Water Heating Lighting Windows & Doors

Providing expert opinion on latest technologies.

Keeping you up to date with changing legislation and policies. Explaining complex Green Deal structures and relationships and increasing the understanding of complimentary sectors.

Insights into business issuessuch as fi nance, sales andpartnerships.

For all advertising enquiries please contact Paul Smith on 01565 626 762 or [email protected]

To request your personal copy of Energy Effi ciency Installer contact Meryl Egan on 01565 653 283 or [email protected]

Looking for a flexiblemounting system,saving you both timeand money?

Innovation is driven by passion. We combine impressive solutions into one well-thought-out system.

TRI-STAND for example is suitable for the quick and cost-effective insertion of PV modules on pitched and

flat roofs as well as building exteriors. Plus, thanks to our dimensioning software TRI-DESIGN, you can

design everything in no time at all – and in compliance with all the applicable standards. This way, increasing

efficiency is child’s play – from the smallest to the largest solar system. www.tritec-energy.com

Ins_TRI-STAND_engl.indd 1 14.09.12 10:57

energy efficiency installer magazine

Documents

green deal finance

green deal knauf marmorit

energy efficiency sector

mark green production

energy wastageeditor

department of energy

installer accreditation

paul stephensales manager