Green Building Forum - All Discussions

Does Insulation Offgas?

ecopaddy — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:00:18 +0000

Hello.

I am looking to insulation a floor area that will have underfloor heating on top of it. I have read in a number of articles that synthetic insulation such as polyurethane, phenolic, polystyrene, etc offgas.

Is there actually any documented research on this area?

If so, I would like to know what type of substances they offgas and what the possible health implications are.

I would consider natural alternatives in the first place but based on the thermal conductivity, the natural insulations seem far less effective that the synthetic variety.

Thanks,
Paddy.

Lime plaster as an air barrier

Terry — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 10:41:53 +0000

Threads on the old forum indicate that cement render is an effective air barrier when trying to achieve air tightness.
Would this apply to lime render as well and how would it compare with cement render?
Does anybody have any data to quantify how effective these renders are as an air barrier?

unsealed solum.

westies2803 — Sat, 05 May 2007 19:14:03 +0100

Hi everyone,
I'm in the process of purchasing my first older property, However the survey has flagged up the above problem amongst others. What I need to know is how deep do I have to go down before back filling with hardcore, sand, waterproof membrane then concrete? Any help you guys can give me will be really appreciated.

Timber flooring

Jason H — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 15:52:22 +0100

Old floorboards shrink, revealing gaps between them that get all gunked up. There are loads of nasty things to fill these gaps up- is there a green product like a wax that will harden?

Breather membranes

Julian — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:13:54 +0000

Timber frame extension: trusses at 600 centres, reclaimed concrete Double Roman 50's.

Is Tyvek really worth the extra money or are you simply paying for the DuPont brand? (The nice people who make the Teflon that's sprayed on my kids school uniforms). There's a range of prices for these membranes; are the cheaper ones less breathable than the Tyvek?

Julian

Building Regulations Part L compliance abuse?

GBP-Keith — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 17:58:57 +0000

It seems that some building design software is helping builders all over the UK to keep to their old, outdated approach to the insulation of houses. I met a friend the other day who prepares home plans for building regs submission, and, since April last year the firm he works for has been sending their designs (prior to submission) over to a second firm who runs the proposal through software developed by a well known insulation manufacturer. Apparently what the software does is tot up the CO2 shortfall of the design (in this case just what they were doing before last April) then offer advice on how many solar panels (active or pv) can be put on the roof to offset the difference to save on using a better insulated wall/roof or whatever.

This not only smacks of dreadful cop-out in the extreme but harks back to the late eighties when builders were allowed to trade-off walls against windows etc.

I see at least two serious issues with this state of affairs:
1. this is probably the reason why the LCBP is over-subscribed. Actually being abused to let builders and their clients build building that don't meet the regulations.
2. the solar panels wood burning boiler or whatever is used is not part of the structure of the building so the homeowner could easily switch it off/remove/replace it at any time.

Someone told me there may be an amendment in the pipeline to close this loophole but why does the gov not target the software or insulation manufacturer/s for encouraging it?

I may be wrong about all the above. If I am no doubt you will all correct me. But if I'm not then I want to get this exposed in the next issue of BFF so any supporting feedback would be appreciated.

traditional lime based render, help please

Kieran — Tue, 01 May 2007 02:52:32 +0100

I want to build a house with mostly timber cladding but I don't like the detail that is required where the building hits the ground (the timber cladding should be stopped short of the ground by at least 300mm to prevent water splashing onto its surface and causing damp problems). I want my wall to disssappear into the ground for various, mostly Scottish vernacular reasons.

What is a good, sustainable method to do this?

The structure is timber frame, 300mm insulation, with waterproof membrane then cladding, I was thinking of a traditional lime based render but don't know much about lime. What is a good substrate for lime? that is thinish, no more than 75mm. Timber lathes? okay externally on exposed Scottissh site?

"third tap" solar hot water

nick a — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 22:29:12 +0100

I've been asked to install a third tap solar thermal hot water system. It apparently consists of a panel, cylinder and dedicated pipework to a second hot tap at ususal hot outlets. It is entirely independent of the existing hot water system and only has the solar heat source. The customer has a combi and prefers this option to either 'decombificaiton' or pre-heating the incoming cold to the combi.
Is anyone familiar with this system?
What are the advantages and disadvantages over the other options?
Could I use a regular single coil cylinder (proposed open-vented) as I only have one heat source?
How can I prevent having stored water at a tepid temperature which contravenes water regs and is potential breeding ground for nasties?

Any advice much appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick

Code for Sustainable Homes

Nanuls — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:46:18 +0100

Does anyone have an opinion on the Code for Sustainable Homes document released by the government in December?

Do you think it will encourage the growth of sustainable housing?

Pilk 1.1 'U'value double glazed argon glazing.

paul johannsen — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:02:43 +0100

We may have a quantity of large and small high quality high performing glazing available which is currently surplus to requirements. If any one has a project which could use these materials and is fairly local could you forward your frame sizes and an offer to us.
We would probably not consider anything below 20% of the cost though.
regards

PS 1.1U is nearly the best you can get.

heat loss through chimneys

david — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 18:50:42 +0100

I'm trying to build a well insulated house, trying to avoid thermal bridging etc.
Just realised that the chimney stack sticking out of the roof is a big heat sink. I've got a big thermal store at the bottom of the flue, a thick wall of concrete blocks, heated by a wood burning stove, but it's going to leak its heat to outside via the chimney masonry.
Would there be reduced heat loss if I fit a stainless steel insulated flue from first floor level through the roof?
Does anyone have any other ideas?

Heat Pumps, Wood Burners, Underfloor Heating and Solar Hot Water

moogaloo — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:20:44 +0100

I have just purchased a new house (which is currently being rewired) and as I have not moved in at the moment and all floor coverings are in I am getting wet underfloor heating installed under the floor. The house currently has a newish condensing boiler.

I am planning on getting solar hot water system installed and a couple of wood burning stoves in the two main downstairs rooms.

I am also considering an Air Source Heat Pump to drive the underfloor heating leaving the condensing boiler to top up any lack of solar heating in the water tank.

Other considerations might be a Thermal Store that could be topped up by Solar/wood burning stove back boiler/heat pump.

The question is which way to go? The wood burning stoves will be primarily decorative, so I am quite happy to leave them out of the equation and any time I do use them, the rest of the heating system should not work so hard.

So any advice here? Which direction should I go in? What should I look at?

Also can anyone give me any idea of how much an Air Source Heat Pump for a 3 bed semi would cost including installation (Ball Park)?

Cheers

Chris

Chimney / regulations

tonywright — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 05:37:59 +0100

I am currently building my own home and the design has an internal chimney stack/breast. I only wish to hang an imitation flame ELECTRIC fire on the breast itself so do I have to install a flue?

urban wind power

johnquick — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:19:21 +0100

is it worth having a wind turbine on your house in a built up area

any comments would be appreciated especially naming appropiate products.

Air infiltration conversion rates

Mike George — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 11:53:14 +0100

Hi all, I am working on some figures for a publication and I want to check that my understanding of conversion rates is correct.

Here goes:
Part L1 states guidance figures of 10m3/m2/hr @50Pa for new housing
[whole building volume] [m3] per m2 of external fabric [in contact with outside air] per hour @ 50Pa

The software I am using works on values inputted in ach [air changes per hour] @ 0Pa

Converting the requirement to air changes per hour is buiding specific
As a simple example 1ach for a building 200m3 with a surface area of 100m3 would be 200/100 = 2m3/m2/hr @ 0Pa
To convert to values at 50Pa multipy x 20 = 40m3/m2/hr

Therefore in order to comply with Part L1 this example would require a maximum air infiltration rate of 0.25ach

Is this correct? In particular the rule of thumb figure of 20 to convert from 0Pa to 50Pa?

Launch of Wood Culture 07/08, Devon

fostertom — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 15:18:38 +0100

This May, CCANW launches Wood Culture â€“ an ambitious year-long festival celebrating the beauty, usefulness and sustainability of wood and exploring its many uses in contemporary architecture and design.
Over the year, four different exhibitions will be accompanied by a series of events and activities designed to be engaging to everyone, from those with a professional interest to our youngest visitors.
http://www.ccanw.co.uk/pdf/CCANW_SPRING_2007_Web.pdf
The summer exhibition from 7 July-16 September will present our choice of the most inspiring examples of European timber architecture for the 21st Century. The following two exhibitions will focus on contemporary design and domestic architecture. Plus forums, projects, artist residencies and more.

Green Building Bible shortlisted for RIBA award

GBP-Keith — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 19:29:26 +0100

Staff at the Green Building Press offices in West Wales have been celebrating some exciting news. Both volumes of the most recent Green Building Bible have reached the shortlist, of only 6 books, for the RIBA's International Book Awards under the Construction section!

The awards are judged in two categories: The annual RIBA International Book Awards aim to highlight the rising influence and standard of architectural writing and publishing. They celebrate the important contribution writing makes to the dynamic activity of creating buildings and transforming the landscape in which we live.

The Sir Robert McAlpine International Book Award for Construction recognises exceptional writing on the construction and restoration of buildings, building design and building methods, and the use of new
materials and technologies across the construction industry.

The Sir Nikolaus Pevsner International Book Award for Architecture recognises outstanding writing on architecture and architectural practice, the preservation of buildings, historic and theoretical research and analysis.

The Shortlist for The Sir Robert McAlpine International Book Award for Construction currently includes the following titles..

Building Renaissance Venice: Patrons, Architects and Builders, by Richard J.Goy. Yale University Press.

Infrastructure, by Brian Hayes. W.W.Norton

Smart Materials in Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design, by Axel Ritter. BirkhÃ¤user Verlag.

Stone Conservation: Principles and Practice, by Ed: Alison Henry. Donhead Publishing.

Strategies for Sustainable Architecture, by Paola Sassi. Taylor and Francis.

The Green Building Bible [2 volumes], by Ed: Keith Hall et al. (Vol 1) Richard Nichols et al. (Vol 2) Green Building Press.

There is also a green title in the Nicolaus Pevsner Award list - Ten Shades of Green: Architecture and the Natural World, by Peter Buchanan. W.W.Norton.

The results of the competition will be announced in the Summer edition of the Green Building Magazine and the award ceremony will take place in London on May 23rd.

China on way to 'top greenhouse gas producer'

fostertom — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 22:58:14 +0100

China could overtake the US as the globe's biggest producer of greenhouse gases later this year, far earlier than expected, one of the world's leading energy bodies warned today.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,2064484,00.html
India not far behind.

Eco-virtue through use of tiny amounts of oil

fostertom — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 10:49:12 +0100

From http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15&page=4#Item_10 :
Insulation has a unique position, when considering its embodied energy/petrochemical content.
It's unique in that lighweightness is its essence, so in a way the less of the petrochemical stuff there is in it, the better it works. At any rate, accepting a relatively tiny amount of 'eco-nasty' petrochemical material as insulation can result in such enormously 'eco-virtuous' petrochemical in-use fuel savings, that the former is so vastly outweighed by the latter, that it's almost riduculous to insist on sheeps wool or something.
By all means, if sheeps wool etc does as well, then why not go for it - but on the whole the non-petrochemical alternatives
need greater thicknesses therefore more of other materials to create the necessary void space to fill
don't have fringe benefits like ease of ensuring no gaps, membranes/airtightness etc
cost more
are much more palaver generally.

Katymac said:
>Isn't Hi-tec expensive?<

Hi-tec can be ultra-cheap, when mass demand makes hi-tec robotised manufacture worthwhile; this phenomenon is well known in computer chips, computers as a whole and electronics in general - there seems no end to the freefall of their price:performance ratio.
In the past, materials (big quantities of), assembly (labour to be paid) and distribution dominated the price of goods. These costs were hard to reduce dramatically and still are, for traditional hardware, buildings etc; even for hi-tec engineered goods.
In a modern hi-tec (typically electronic) product, what you're buying is mainly the costs of design/R&D, marketing and distribution. Hardly at all material costs because so little is used, ever-reducing assembly costs because labour cost is replaced by the finance cost of buying sheds full of robots. That's when economies of scale and automation can really kick in.
Watch the same happen with PVs, which, being just big electronic components are ideally suited to the same.
Hi-tec isn't just electronics - it's anything where little material is used, and robotised production can be applied. E.g. insulation.

Lets think laterally I'm Â£140K over budget

Katymac — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 21:40:31 +0000

& I really need to cut my costs (or find a different architect(or possibly both!!))

So if you had to create a 200 sqm building with a kitchen, 6 toilets and about 50 linear m of inside partition wall
I also need
Car Parking 600sqm
lorry turning circle 25sqm -
Paths 50 sqm
Play area 180 sqm
Fencing approx 125 linear m

I'd like
Biofuel Heating
Underfloor heating
Solar panels
Rainwater harvesting

Can we make any of this really really cheap??

Community-owned wind farms under threat; commerce muscles in on renewables

fostertom — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 10:11:23 +0100

From http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=134 :
If I had Â£40k...... then I'd invest in the optimum micro-hydro scheme...........Or I'd invest in woodland...............Or fields growing elephant grass. Not so sure about other microgenerators as home-investment - I might invest in a co. building wind, wave or tidal turbines out at sea, or optimised PV farms wherever that would see most sun.

The latter may become more difficult, not less:
http://environment.guardian.co.uk/energy/story/0,,2064398,00.html

Walls and walling - major feature - in 'Green Building' magazine

GBP-Keith — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 19:21:48 +0000

We are going to dedicate a good portion of the summer edition to the discussion of walls in buildings. We hope to set timber and masonry proponents against each other in a head to head to see which type of walling might dominate home and commercial buildings in the future. We are also crystal ball gazing at what will be needed to meet the higher ratings in the Code for sustainable homes-probably concentrating on 4,5 and 6.

A major part of the feature will be given over to renovation and upgrading of existing buildings so if anyone wants to put their own personal experience in this area forward then please contact me.

We will also be looking into what the future holds for alternative walling systems - already well known eco methods such as cob and strawbale will be examined but also some of the more recent and not yet introduced eco walling systems, such as hemp clay and straw - particularly looking into how they may cope in the move towards low carbon buildings.

Other issues to discuss will be thermal mass; overheating; foundations; training and skills shortages; MMC; adaptability etc. etc.

If we have any walling anoraks in the community then come forward now. I may have a sub-edit job for you.

Underfloor Heating / GSHP

moonmirror — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 20:48:32 +0100

Hi
I have been trawling the internet for hours looking for a breakdown of components required for underfloor heating and GSHP
We are going to start a gound floor house extension in about 5 weeks and would like some green underfloor heating
60 sq meters solid floor

The idea sounds so simple and GREEN, if i cant come up with some thing i will have to run some more rads from our existing gas boiler.

Any tips or help would be much appreciated

Thanks

Low Energy Bathroom Lighting

moogaloo — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 13:04:01 +0100

I am about to move into a 1930's house and am planning on gradually greening the property. My inital tasks are to get the house rewired as well as some timber, damp and structural work. Then the next two targets are likely to be the Bathroom and Kitchen.

So as I am getting the house rewired, I need to start thinking about lighting. For most rooms it is a simlpe case of puting normal energy saving light bulbs in. But what should I do in the Bathroom?

Halogen is better than normal lightbulbs but not as effecient as energy savers, LED looks promising but a lot of LED stuff does not allow you to replace the bulb, I have also heard talk of the need for an LED control box?

Any advice experience or suggestions in this area would be greatfully appreciated?

Loft Insulation with shallow depth

moogaloo — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 19:11:48 +0100

I need to insulate my loft and it need to be to 270 cm or equivelant as I am applying for a grant. The trouble is I want my loft to be a usable storage place and therefore want to board over the insulation.

I gather that multifoil does not do the business and therefore wondered if there was any other super duper alternative that could be equivelant to 270 cm without being 270cm if you get my meaning?

One idea I had was can loft boards themselves be made up of an insulating material with something thiner underneather them?

The advantages of using sheepswool - Heat of Sorption?

Mike George — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 23:21:31 +0100

I came across this term on another thread. If I have got this right It relates to the 'warming effect' of natural wool when it becomes wet. This does ring true in that I can remember many fishing trips when I got an old wooly jumper wet and still felt warm.

My question is this, Do we think this is a further advantage in using this kind of natural insulation?

Opportunity to renovate an old building

ian — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 21:36:40 +0000

Hi, I am currently working doing day to day maintenance at quite an old building in Birmingham city centre. It's actually a collection of buildings - a cottage and 2 warehouses combined. The building is owned and run by Birminghams local Friends of the Earth group. It's kind of a community centre for environmentalists who are very interested in applying some green building in practice.

Okay here's my question to the forum.

We are in need of some fairly large building repairs but have neglected to plan long-term for this(naughty naughty). So not wishing to miss any golden opportunities is anybody available to quote or give some advice on the following 2 jobs

1 - New flat roof (70 Msq)
My thoughts on this were - EPDM membrane, polyurethane insulation, and maybe sedum/turf on top
Our budget will be limited and I'm unsure as to whether any local roofers will be able to do the sedum/turf option
2 - External cladding and insulation of an exterior wall. (100Msq, only 2 windows on upper floor)
Again polyurethane then maybe some welsh grown red cedar cladding. This wall has no pointing and is suffering from damp. About 20 yrs ago an adjoining warehouse/factory was demolished whic was originally built against it.

Pictures are provided in the following link.
http://iansengineeringpage.org.uk/pics/roof/roof.html
http://www.birminghamfoe.org.uk/warehouse.htm

Also if anybody is passing through Birmingham city centre please feel free to pop in and check out our place.
There's a vegetarian restaurant, wholefood shop, bike shop, meeting room for hire and more - all only 5 minutes walk from New St station.

I have looked through a copy of the green building bible( I think it was called that - directory for green builders) but there was nobody in Birmingham and few people in the Midlands it seemed.

Thanks - Ian Moore

Sustainable & Renewable Technologies

richardknapp — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:17:01 +0100

A plea for input please from all involved with the industry - from developers to engineers.

My name is Richard and I am researching the viability of sustainable & renewable technology over traditional methods - in particular ground sourced heat pumps. I would be must grateful if you could please take a moment to answer a few brief questions in an online questionnaire. No identities are disclosed and all data will be treated in the trictist of confidence.

http://www.smart-survey.co.uk/v.asp?i=1717trqrd

Thank you again for your help and participation,
kind regards Richard.

Incandescent ban

Peter A — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 19:22:24 +0000

Anybody read the article in the Daily Mail yesterday, 13th March, about Gordon Browns decision to ban incandesent bulbs by 2011, which follows on from EU wanting to ban within two years, about time, any thoughts?

Cash grab by Government from microgeneration installers

dragonbc — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:05:48 +0100

The present Government has come up with another method of extracting money . At present installers registered to install Micro generation projects for the Low Carbon Building Scheme ( a scheme which gives out grants to consumers to encourage the installation of products such as Solar Thermal and Biomass Heating ) pay nothing to become registered. From April 2007 the suggested cost of joining the new scheme ( the Clear Skies registration scheme finishes 31st March 2007) Â£1800 per microgeneration technology . I would have to pay out Â£3600 to be registered for SolarThemal and Biomass installations. As a sole trader this represents a very large sum.
I have already done and paid for my training and registration with HETAS as a solid fuel installer why is it necessary to double up on the inspection and end up having to pay two sets of fees?

Why is the fee set so high? I am CORGI registered and they inspect annually and have the ACS assessments every five years ( Cost approx Â£ 900 for the ACS ) plus annual fee of approx Â£180
Is this a TAX on small businesses ? Or do the Government want to ensure that small businesses are unable to take part in the scheme?

It is ironic that Â£1800 is required to register for a grant system which runs out of money a few hours or minutes after the tranche for the month is released and then the amount available is very small compared to say Ireland where the grant for a Biomass boiler is 4200 Euros and there the Irish Government have set aside 65million Euros for their low carbon scheme !

Eco Renovation, Refurbishment and Design

GBP-Keith — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:21:43 +0100

Date: 28th April 2007*

Time: 10am - 4.30am*

Venue: CUBE Gallery/ Bridge-5-Mill (Manchester's leading environmental charity)

Theme: Green Architecture Day 4 follows on the successful series of events featuring national and international exponents of sustainable
building practice. As more people recognise the benefits of natural building materials and renewable energy for renovation of their existing homes as well as new build, this year our speakers reflect this interest with a mix of verbal and practical insight.

Speakers include:
Will Anderson* [Diary of an Eco Builder] - the Tree House an urban self-builders experience.
George Marshall* [The Yellow House] â€“ how a typical 1930â€™s terrace is now a cool eco friendly home
Rowland Keable* [In Situ Rammed Earth] â€“ the beauty and versatility of rammed earth for extensions, gardens and homes.
Nick Parsons* [South Yorkshire Energy Centre] â€“ renewable energy and sustainable renovations.
Jeff Sorrill* [The Green Roof Development (GRID) project] â€“ green roofs from the inspirational to the practical.
Gideon Richards *[Consulting With A Purpose] â€“ biomass fuel and its applications in your home.
Gilli Hobbs* [BRE] â€“ Energy monitoring and best performance materials, The T-Zero Project.

The day will be packed with eco tips, demonstrations and inspiring discussion with a hearty lunch and eco bus tour between venues included.

For booking and event information

http://www.green-architecture.org.uk or 0161 273 5367 [answer machine]

The event has been geerously supported by Building For A Future Magazine, the Arts Council
and The Impact Fund.

Timber frame and thermal mass.

andy — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 09:20:26 +0100

Hi, I stumbled onto this forum browsing for some eco build answers. The site looks interesting and I look forward to some stimulating discussions!

The eco build query was in reference to a proposed timber built 2 storey office. The main structure is glulam beams with timber I-beam secondary structure. The offices are small 18 x 9m footprint and open plan. 250mm insulation in the walls, 350 in the roof.

This isn't great for thermal mass. Does anyone out there have any experience of incorporating high thermal mass into 1st floors of this type? The idea would be to use the 1st floor for heating / cooling.

Normal practice would be to use a steel frame with pre stressed concrete inserts - I would like to find out if there is an alternative.

Cheers for now,

Andy

Renewable energy and space heating

MH — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:33:08 +0100

Hi,

I was wondering what forms of current renewable energy technologies can actually provide energy for space heating. With natural gas used alot, a replacement will be needed soon but what realistic alternatives are there for natural gas?

I've been trying to find energy consumption figures for an average home so I could compare the required figures with what the existing technologies 'say' they can provide. I though it'd be easy but its proven very difficult. Anyone have any tips. All I've found so far is this http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/statistics/supp/spkf22.htm but it seems to only show our electrical needs. I think space heating is a key aspect to help reduce those carbon emissions!

Floor Covering on top of Underfloor Heating

moogaloo — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:10:56 +0100

I am currently having underfloor heating installed in my house. The type of underfloor is the one that sits on top of floor boards and you then need to put a thin covering on top. My underfloor guy suggests something like laminate or floor tiles would be good as they are not too insulating and relatively thin.

I do like the idea of a wood or tile finish as I have a vomitting cat, but wondered what else was out there beyone laminate, perhaps something greener?

Permaculture Design Course in Southern France

thedharmahouse — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:31:33 +0100

Full Permaculture Design Course with Steve Read

1st - 10th May 2007

English

A ten day, residential, certified Permaculture Design Course led by Steve Read. The course will cover the International Permaculture Institute Syllabus, including practical work projects around the community. There will also be the opportunity to practice yoga and meditation, and to walk in the beautiful surroundings of the CÃ©vennes National Park.

Cost (includes 3 vegetarian meals a day):

â‚¬400 indoors / â‚¬350 camping (concessionary rate: â‚¬300 camping)

-----------------------

This course will be based on the International Permaculture Institute Syllabus:

Principles of Natural Systems
Methodologies of design
Pattern in Design
Classical Landscape Profiles
Soils
Design for Catastrophe
Buildings and Structures
Appropriate Energy Conserving Technology
Forests and Trees
Water in Landscape
The Cultivated Ecology
Aquaculture and Mariculture
Waste Disposal and Recycling
Wildlife Management
Seeds and Nurseries
Informal / Formal Economy
Land Access and Urban Systems
Legal Forms
Village Development
Commerce

Steve Read, a bit about him

With a background in environmental science, economics and ecology and a Bsc from Greenwich University, Steve worked for a while as a scientific researcher working on projects such as the cleaning of oil-fouled seabirds, Toxocara Canis prevalence in parks and open spaces around London and methane production from landfill.

He completed a 72 hour design course in Dolgellau in 1991 and 2 years later was awarded his Diploma of Permaculture Design. He became active with the PmC Association in the U.K. as representative for the South-east London Permaculture Group where he worked with others to set up a Local Exchange trading system, a 'box-scheme', courses and training and creating links to business and countryside.

Eventually he moved to Brickhurst Farm in Kent with the objective of setting up market gardens to supply the successful Box scheme. He took over the running of the Permaculture Association, running it from the farm and using energy from renewable resources. The Association later moved on to Chicken Shack in Wales and the farmowner decided to move in a different direction so Steve and his family moved to a derelict barn in Brittany which they have transformed into a house with solar water heating, bio-gas production, wind turbine, 'reedbed' grey water treatment and a Corbett system coppice orchard. The building was developed using traditional techniques and materials such as lime, hemp, clay and wood.

During all this period he has been consistently designing, running courses and giving talks all over the world, continually working to deepen his knowledge and understanding.

Studies of martial arts with Malcolm Edge in London and subsequently Aikido with GÃ¨rard Blaise in Paris and a lifelong interest in Yoga have gone a long way to helping Steve develop both personally and as a Designer. The non-violence of true Aikido, the Ahimsa of Yoga and the Ethics of Permaculture merge seamlessly into one.

Currently he teaches Permaculture, Yoga, running 6 classes a week, and works as a consultant to people wanting to develop permacultures, researches the Coppice Orchard system of food production, works as a greenwood turner using a pole lathe and is busy building Varda style wooden living wagons for those wishing to live lightly on the planet. Steve has also written numerous tracts and articles on Permaculture and ecological development as well as the eco-philosophical book 'A Chivalry of Gardening'

---------------------------------

http://www.thedharmahouse.com

Solar Energy Course in Southern France

thedharmahouse — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:29:21 +0100

"Using the Natural Energy from the Sun"

A solar energy course with Richard Komp, based in the CÃ©vennes National Park in the south of France

17th - 23rd May 2007

English

We are very fortunate to be able to welcome Dr. Richard Komp, an expert in solar energy since the 1950's, in leading this in-depth course on all aspects of practical home-use solar energy. The course will be of a hands-on nature, with a group project every day, and lectures and discussions drawing on Richard's extensive knowledge of solar energy systems. This is an excellent opportunity to come and learn the skills to implement solar projects for use in your home.

This course covers both passive solar techniques and photovoltaics. Every course participant will receive copies of two of Richard's books: Practical Photovoltaics, and the course text The Maine Solar Primer, which has do-it-yourself plans and a good section on passive solar architecture.

All of our courses are kept small and intimate, providing you with a lot of one-to-one time with the teacher.

Cost (includes 3 vegetarian meals a day):

â‚¬250 indoors / â‚¬200 camping ( concessionary rate: â‚¬180 camping)

For more details and an in-depth course schedule, please visit our website:

http://www.thedharmahouse.com

Combination Boiler - intergrating Solar Heating??

covehithe — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:51:34 +0100

My mother has recently moved and had the very old heating/ water and tank removed
and replaced it with a Vailaint combination boiler. She now wants, for enviromental reasons (and a provisional grant) to
have Solar water heating as well. Is it possible to intergrate solar heating system and tank in to the
Vailant system.

straw bale build and clay plastering courses etc

Rachel — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 20:28:55 +0100

For those enthusiasts, we are holding a straw bale build workshop on may 5th, 6th at the newly built 2 storey loadbearing straw bale house, Pembs- practical and theoretical, plus a chance to see how this first in the UK loadbearing has come together- Â£90 incl lunches and refreshments.
June 3rd- a day of clay- in building: making clay plasters, pigments, earthen floors... Â£40 incl lunch
No experience necessary.
Contact; Rachel- www.quietearth.org.uk

Green building Course?

LMNOP — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 14:47:30 +0100

Just wondering if anyone here has been on a Green building course?
Specifically, the one that the CSBT (Cornwall Sustainable Building Trust) organize and found them useful/recommend?

Experiences and thoughts please. Thanks. :bigsmile:

Vapour control on the Titanic

steveleigh — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:11:17 +0100

And now - the African rainforest

fostertom — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 10:15:34 +0100

http://www.guardian.co.uk/congo/story/0,,2054203,00.html
The world's remaining rainforest is the size of America and is being destroyed at the rate of one Florida a year. When that's gone - no more oxygen.

Esse W23 - opinions sought

Alan Culverwell — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 04:14:32 +0100

John I hope you stumble across this... how is your Esse w23 going?
I am confused about outputs...
The Rayburn 355SFW puts out 55 000 Btu's, 16.1 kw as apposed to the Esse W23 that puts out 23 000 Btu's, you may stand to correct me, but the Rayburn seems to be more efficient in comparison.
It seems to me that the Esse w23 will not put out enough to heat our underfloor and radiators?
Alan

Changes to Permitted Development - Microgeneration

biffvernon — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:25:53 +0100

Changes to Permitted Development: Consultation Paper 1 - Permitted Development Rights for Householder Microgeneration
Audience: Local planning authorities, members of the public and firms involved with householder development
Consultation period: 4 April 2007 to 27 June 2007

There's a nice little 21 question quiz to fill in. Download it from here:
http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1508888

Local Planning Authorities: Energy and Efficiency Bill

Graham Bond — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:47:58 +0000

Government Policy is that the standards required by Building Regulations are a minimum.
The latest 'Fifth Fuel Special' newsletter from the Association for the Conservation of Energy states examples of what happens in practice.

E.g. "When drafting their latest Planning Policy, Milton Keynes Council tried to specify energy efficiency requirements covering all aspects of building construction, including insulation, central heating, etc. The Government Inspector objected to this saying that the Council should confine itself to matters like building layout and orientation. The Inspector also removed completely the requirement for carbon neutrality on site or contributions to the Council's carbon offset fund. The newsletter stated "In doing so the Inspector was ignoring the Govenrment's own Regional Planning Guidance, which urges local authorities to "encourage the use of energy efficient materials and technologies by using all the tools at their disposal".

And another...
Cambridge City Council was required to water down its planning policy requiring large developers to 'provide evidence of how they have minimised energy consumption, maximised energy efficiency and considered the feasibility of using CHP systems'. This was becuase, to quote the Government Inspector, it was 'unreasonable to the extent that it imposes more onerous requirements than the Building Regulations'.

The Draft Planning Policy Statement: Planning and Climate Change - Supplement to Planning Policy Statement 1
appears to overturn Government policy making Ministers' 'minimum' into the maximum.
Para 31 of the Draft PPS states "Planning Authorities should not need, however, to devise their own standards for the environmental performace of individual buildings as these are set out nationally through the Building Regulations"

The Local Planning Authorities: Energy and Efficiency Bill would enable local authorities to include in their local development energy efficiency standards higher than those required by Building Regulations, along with targets for generating energy from renewable and low carbon sources. The Bill will allow local authorities to impose similar requirements when determining individual planning applications.

DCLG Minister Phil Woolas. acting on behalf of his Secretary of State, Ruth Kelly MP, deliberately blocked the The Local Planning Authorities: Energy and Efficiency Bill.

Please write to your MP and ask them to:
* Take up the matter with Ruth Kelly - Secretary of State and Phil Woolas - Minister of State
* Sign Early Day Motion No 471 in support of the Bill
* Support the ACE's response to the consultation on the new draft PPS which has been sent to them.

You might also like to write to Ruth Kelly and Phil Woolas at Hosaue of Commons, London SW1A 0AA demanding that they support the Bill when it returns to the House of Commons

Further details at www.ukace.org/

Solar Pump for Irrigation

Paul_B — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 10:05:45 +0100

I am hoping someone may have some experience in this area. I have a 650l water "butt" (will possibly add another 300l butts in the future) and would like to use this for watering the garden. I have bought some leaky hose as a more efficient and deeper method of watering the plants and shrubs. Now the leaky hose seems to suggest an optimum pressure of 1.5bar which is 15m head of water. The water butt can't generate this pressure from gravity so I need a pump.

I would like to use a solar panel to generate the electricity to run the system. So I am guessing I need some batteries to store the energy over a few days and then run the leaky hose from a low voltage pump to water the garden. From what I have read I would need deep cycle batteries to allow a greater discharge than a normal car battery.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Paul

IPCC Group II

biffvernon — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 22:10:25 +0100

http://www.ipcc.ch/SPM6avr07.pdf

(Just in case you'd forgotten what it's all about.)

hexagonal straw bale build

floaty sarah — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:49:54 +0100

I am involved with the Lammas development in Wales, and am at the stage of designing my humble abode. I am wondering how much effort there would be in having a hexagonal straw bale building compared to oblong or oval? Also does anyone know of any straw bale builds I can volunteer on instead of paying loads of money to help on a course!?

Carbon tax

arthur — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 18:03:17 +0100

Is there much point in a carbon tax? Or should we just tax energy more. Either way is going to be tough on the poor so that's not really the issue.
Renewable energy is seldom a free lunch and it seems to me that opportunities to increase it are fairly limited.

Loft Insulation - What should we go for?

skier-hughes — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 20:50:09 +0000

I need to add extra insulation to our house, should I be looking at something like Thermafleece, ie going for the totally natural product? Or just plain old everyday insualtion material?

Our house is very old, over 600 years in places.

The roof area is large, so to take our meagre amount up to 10" we'd be spending a fortune on thermafleece, whereas we could get grant aided, fitted normal insulation.

Should I let my heart rule my head or let my wallet rule this time?

Is one any better than the other?
Why?
How?

Graham

adding solar panels to 3-year-old building

julia — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 10:32:10 +0100

Hello all, I'm hoping you may be able to point me in the right direction for finding out about / implementing solar paneling at home. (I'm not an architect, so laymen's language appreciated!) The building where I live houses 90-or-so flats (live/work) and has a large flat blank outer wall just begging for solar panels to be fitted. We are situated directly across the River Lea from the Olympics site, on Fish Island in Bow, E3, London. The architects won awards for the balconies(!) but in my mind seriously missed a trick on making this building ecologically viable.
I believe it would be a serious boon for all the residents as, apart from the obvious benefits to the ecology, solar power would contribute enormously towards our enormous electricity costs and therefore greatly reduce our collective carbon footprint...
Any information offered would be greatly appreciated â€“ I wanted to find out as much as possible about this, with all costs of supplies, fitting, percentages of electricity savings, etc, to take the whole idea to the residents & freeholders for a vote.
Yours truly, Julia.
p.s. I'm not sure about the idea/effect of wind turbines on the roof but any info you may have on this would help too!