Buildings strategy and policy
According to DECC, domestic and non-domestic buildings contribute over half the UK’s CO2 emissions. Addressing energy demand and emissions from the built environment is an essential part of our transition to a low-carbon economy. We have expertise in most aspects of the built environment, from strategic studies on Zero Carbon Homes (ZCH) to site energy strategies for housing developers. Our strategic work covers both new and existing buildings.
New buildings
One of the most ambitious low-carbon initiatives introduced in the UK is the Zero Carbon Homes policy. With an overall aim to reduce net CO2 emissions from new homes to zero in 2016, the policy will drive enormous changes in the way we build, heat and power future homes. We have played a major role in the development of this policy. We provided the first report on the costs of Zero Carbon Homes to the Renewables Advisory Board. More recently, we have delivered two projects to DCLG on the costs and design implications of the policy; our models have provided the evidence used in the government’s Impact Assessment.
Our links with technology suppliers and developers allow us to access the latest data during our consultation work, while our engineering expertise ensures that we always deliver rigorous and independent analysis to our clients.
Existing buildings
Although policies such as ZCH can reduce emissions from new buildings, addressing the existing stock is critical if we are reduce overall emissions. Element’s cross-sector expertise means we are uniquely placed to deliver projects on energy efficiency, renewable heat and electricity. Our National Housing Energy Model includes a detailed breakdown of the entire UK housing stock, and is used to assess the CO2 savings and costs of energy efficiency policies. This model forms the core of the Energy Saving Trust’s housing policy work, and is a highly valuable resource for central and local government, as well as energy suppliers or energy efficiency suppliers looking to target consumers, for example under the Suppliers’ Obligation.