Tue, 19 Dec 2023 08:54:06 +0000 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=472 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=472 Sat, 14 Jul 2007 20:39:41 +0100 piwi What is the "greenest" form of foundations I can use? All advice seems to be for a concrete slab over the area, but can anyone advise on a better way? e.g would concrete "pad" foundations use less concrete?

Thanks,

Pete Wilson (aka Piwi)]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=65 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=65 Fri, 23 Feb 2007 14:18:18 +0000 Rosemary http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=460 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=460 Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:00:52 +0100 jongarrett http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=483 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=483 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 21:25:57 +0100 Chris Wardle
Also, do I need to include any sort of membrane before I batten and fix my timber cladding? Is so, what would be best? I have a large roll of Visqueen but would I be better with something breathable?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=477 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=477 Mon, 16 Jul 2007 06:56:58 +0100 Solar bore So far built its a single skin using 4" blocks I asked are you not building an inner skin and how can it meet current regulations - his reply we are Dry-lining it with insulated plaster. will that satisfy regulations.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=394 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=394 Thu, 21 Jun 2007 19:58:03 +0100 GBP-Keith
i bought them second hand (from someone who was going on to the grid) about ten years ago.

If anyone knows where kit like this can still be found I'd be very grateful.

thanks, Keith]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=433 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=433 Tue, 03 Jul 2007 23:02:14 +0100 mitchino
I want to insulate the roof, but I'm unsure how to tackle the shallow area. The roof extends beyond the edges of the walls about a foot, but there's only about 200mm between the tops of the walls and the roof. I can't even crawl all the way to the eaves. I don't want to compromise ventilation, but I'd like to get as much effective insulation in there as I can. At the moment there's a mess of old bits of carpet, ancient bits of rockwool and vermiculite spread here and there.

I was thinking about using 150mm of space blanket all over the area, then adding another 200mm in the centre area farther away from the eaves. Or would I be better looking at incorporating an isofoil or aerogel layer?

To be honest the roof really needs rebuilt, but we can't afford that for the foreseeable future, and I want the coming winter to be cosy, and to save some money on our current annual heating oil bill of nearly £2000.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=396 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=396 Thu, 21 Jun 2007 23:26:28 +0100 JennyField http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=383 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=383 Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:41:04 +0100 momo101 We are in the process of rebuilding the outer shell of our conservatory / extension which is currently split (partition) as a bathroom and small storage area. At present, the structure of the building consists of thin wooden Victorian walls and a lean-to felt rood. It is in a very bad state and the room is always extremely cold. We would like to replace the walls with a more solid structure, that is well insulated and would allow heavy fixtures (wall units). We were thinking of using the brick - gap (for insulation) - concrete block approach for the bottom of the walls with windows across the top 2/3 rds (not the bathroom section) but this would eat up on the very limited interior space . Are there any alternative cost effective approaches that would produce a well insulated space that is thin as possible, can handle fixtures and can cope with a lean-to tiled roof?

Thanks in advance.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=376 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=376 Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:24:38 +0100 GBP-Keith
I'm particularly interested in some real case studies from homeowners who have decided to green their home and what challenges they faced when trying to find info on how to do the upgrade (usually insulation), finding builders to carry out the work and how it all went and what was actually achieved.

Either post questions/suggestions here that I can follow back on or send me an e-mail if you are interested in doing us a story of your project. You can write it yourself and we can edit or we can get a journalist to visit you. Click on my name above to find my e-mail address.

Anyone else with roof related stories, studies, research or products of any type please also get in touch asap. I want this feature to be very comprehensive.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=385 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=385 Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:00:59 +0100 sye
Thinking of using it as an alternative to leca.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=349 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=349 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 13:54:50 +0100 moogaloo
Anyway my floorboards have been belt sanded before refitting and look good, there is some un eveness between the boards, but I am not sure that I dislke this.

So I was thinking of using an orbital sander to get rid of the more pronounced unevenness and any marks still left on the floor before sealing. My carpanter does not think this is a good idea and recommends using a big floor sander,

Is there anything wrong with what I am planning to do, or am I fool for thinking it?

For extra info my boards are pine.

BTW will be sealing with Kumos Natural Oil Sealer in case anyone has any experience here?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=367 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=367 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 10:46:48 +0100 Bluemoon http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=238 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=238 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 11:40:33 +0100 Chris Wardle
The plan is to take the conservatory down to floor slab level and re-use the existing slab, extending it to one side so that the new extension runs across the whole of the rear gable end of the bungalow (stepped in about 500mm at each side). The overall width will be 5.4m and it will extend 2.4m from the house, so fairly small and cost is an issue as the client is now a pensioner!

I would like to build it out of a single skin of concrete blocks, externally insulated and finished with a timber rain screen to give some thermal mass to the room and take advantage of passive solar gains. A number of things are currently vexing me:-

1 Will the building inspector accept the reuse of the conservatory slab? How do I handle this i.e. should I just ask or dig a hole next to the footings before he comes on site?
2 Am I more likely to be able to re-use the slab if I propose a light weight construction, i.e. timber frame, rather than blockwork walls?
3 The extension will be next to the two bedrooms of the house which have no windows except those that will be covered by the extension (the exisiting conservatory is currently accessed through the main bedroom). The plan is to put an internal floor to ceiling window between the extension and the main bedroom with an opening casement for ventilation and a combination frame with door and opening casement from the spare bedroom through which the sun room will be accessed. Will this infringe the building regulations as the ventilation for the bedroom with be through the sun room?
4 Existing rain water off the conservatory roof flows into a water butt with over-flow into a flower bed. We would like to retain a similar arrangement linking the overflow of the water butt to a perforated irrigation pipe wich I will lay in the flower bed under the mulch. Will building control accept this as a reasonable solution or will I be digging a soak away?
5 The roof will essentially be a lean-to type affair to keep the overall high under 4m to avoid the need for planning permission, but there will have to be a hip at each side because of the level of the roof line of the bungalow. I had planned to use timber shingles to finish the roof. Can these be fitted around a hip and remain water-tight?
6 Can I build a single storey extension in 100mm block work or will it have to be 140mm?
7 There will be no insulation in the existing slab so little point in putting any in the extra bit to the side. I don't want to isolate the thermal mass in the slab so can't insulate over the top of it. Can I get over this and comply with the building regs by beefing up the roof and wall insulation?
8 Wall space for a radiator in the extension will be a premium (bungalow is gas centrally heated with new condensing combi). I had thought about a small amount of electric undertile heating (floor will be tiled) on a separate thermostat to the rest of the house so the heating would be more responsive to passive solar gains. Would this be a mistake given that there will be no insulation in the slab?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks, Chris.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=371 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=371 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 22:26:08 +0100 Diotima
We want to install electric underfloor heating plus a good quality wood floor finish. The decision on electric heating is final. We'd appreciate some advice on insulating the floor, please - this is going to be a d.i.y. job apart from connecting the electrics. Is the kind of thin pad or roll insulation that comes with electric UFH systems good enough to insulate to recommended modern standards, or should we just bite the bullet, take the floorboards up and insulate underneath? There's about a foot of air space beneath the boards and I can guess what the answer's going to be, but we'd really appreciate your opinions. Thank you!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=365 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=365 Mon, 11 Jun 2007 13:04:19 +0100 moogaloo
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/6735715.stm#graphic]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=369 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=369 Tue, 12 Jun 2007 19:33:38 +0100 biffvernon Listen again: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/arts/frontrow/]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=327 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=327 Thu, 31 May 2007 07:50:17 +0100 SteveE
Cheers]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=362 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=362 Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:26:18 +0100 Neil K
We are planning to put in a conservatory on the south side of the new house. I am worried about excessive solar gain and want to do some calculations on the energy we are likely to have to deal with.

Clearly there is scope to use the space for heat in the spring and autumn. In the winter it will be capable of being isolated if too cold, and in the summer I am expecting to need to provide some ventilation in there to keep it from cooking, but trying to get a handle on that is proving a bit hard!

The house to which this will be attached will be well insulated with a heat recovery/ventilation system. Air will be taken from the conservatory by the ventilation system, but I don't want to overwhelm it! The slab for the conservatory will be insulated underneath & I plan to zone it onto the underfloor heating from the heat pump. (We may well not use this zone if it will mean a nett energy loss)

The conservatory will be all glass with argon fill.

Anyway, the main thing at the moment is for me to get some sort of calculator that can help me get a grip on the energy I will be receiving.

Glad of a steer.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=198 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=198 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 23:12:53 +0100 Dominic Cooney It features a condensing combi boiler, Lindab guttering, woooden double glazed windows, eco paints and varnishes, low-flush WC, energy saving bulbs, etc. etc.
This is what we propose for our business:

Elaine Sheldon and Dominic Cooney have submitted plans to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to install2 x 15kW Proven wind turbines in the field next to our live/work space, in Cellarhead. The idea is to convert our glass-melting furnace to electricity, it currently runs on natural gas and although it is highly efficient, this project will save approximately 40 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
The proposed turbines will be grid connected and on average, over the year, provide enough energy for us to run the studio.
This is an opportunity for us to make a genuine difference to our small business' sustainability.
We have been approved 50% funding of the project costs from the Dti (total costs £90,000) but obviously we cannot proceed unless we get planning permission.

If you would like to know more about our business click on this link:
http://www.sheldoncooney.com

Before I ask you to support our application, please be aware of the issues surrounding the application:

Just inside the Green Belt & Special Landscape area - although right next to main trunk A-road (A520)
The 15kW proven wind turbine is the largest of the domestic/light industrial size at 15metres mast and 9m diameter rotor
http://www.provenenergy.com/

Our average wind speed is 6.2m/s (14mph)
at this speed 2 x 15kW turbines will generate 86,000kWh annually which should be enough for our business.
The turbines are quiet as they do not have a gearbox like the massive wind farm turbines.
We are suggesting white turbine head & blades to blend in with the sky.
There is a history of wind-harvesting in the area, with windmill bases at nearby Werrington and at Meir Heath
This project also makes financial sense as the payback time is less than 10 years.

If you would like to support our planning application, please click on the link below:
http://publicaccess.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?keyval=JDX8LCPG96000&searchtype=PROPERTY&module=

We need to get all letters of support to the council by the end of April. There is no obligation for you to support this application.
If you need any more information, or would like us to e-mail you plans or documents, just e-mail us on info@sheldoncooney.com

Thank you for your time
Kind Regards
Elaine Sheldon & Dominic Cooney.:peace:]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=360 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=360 Fri, 08 Jun 2007 22:35:07 +0100 biffvernon
1. BIG TENT FESTIVAL
Two talks to go to at the Big Tent festival of Stewardship in Falkland, Fife next weekend. One organised by us and one by SEDA (Scottish Ecological Design Association). For the full programme see http://www.bigtentfestival.co.uk. Also lots of ideas and information at the SEDA stall in their specially made timber-framed pavilion.

Eco-Renovation Network Event
"Raising the Roof and lifestyle choices"
Sat 16th, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Vivarium Co housing group - represented by Hugh Hoffman
Craigmillar Self Build - represented by Garreth Roberts
Andy Ross - Glasgow Carbon Rationing Action Group
Ian Grout - 'Don't wait for the legislation'. Ian is from Dept. of Industrial Design, Glasgow School of Art
Chaired by Patrick Boase, Eco Renovation Network Steering Group

SEDA Event
"Greening your home - what you should know before you start "
Sun 17th, 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Richard Atkins is a Chartered Architect and the Chair of the Scottish Ecological Design Association. His talk will focus on the differences between dwellings, whether flats or houses, new or old, the physical constraints and opportunities for improving their environmental performance.

2. Home-greening
Also advance warning of our first cooperative home-greening consultation. It will be the weekend of 20-21st July and will probably be on the Sunday afternoon at my house where you can see how un-eco my home really is and what I need to do over the next few months/(years?) to gain an eco-halo. The idea is that there are thousands of homes like mine in Glasgow (mid-terrace Edwardian sandstone villa) so the advice that Chris Morgan of SEDA and a colleague will be giving will apply to many people. We can then share the expense of a consultant (in fact I think that eco-renovation network are kindly funding this one…). Since I am hosting I suppose I had better do some catering so expect chocolate cake. …… If this is a success Chris is promising us lots more in different types of housing.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=357 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=357 Fri, 08 Jun 2007 09:50:33 +0100 Roger
It has a small wood burner at present on the first floor. The ground floor will have UFH at some point. I am getting gas connected. Question: My plumber reckons the 13 salvaged radiators I have sourced total 41,000 BTUs. He reckons the upper two floors require 70,000 BTUs. The building is approx 10mx10m. About 4 rooms per floor, 3 floors.

This sounds a lot of extra BTUs/radiators. Does it sound about right? Or way off? Any advice very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Roger]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=358 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=358 Fri, 08 Jun 2007 11:16:30 +0100 Noodles http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=353 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=353 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:08:51 +0100 juliahm
Just a thought to share!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=352 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=352 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 11:15:43 +0100 GBP-Keith
Our own (green building) sector is not free of this. In fact we will see it explode even more in the coming year or two. Perhaps Government R&D bodies should have stayed property of the public then chasers of such funding would not have become so prolific.

I'm sure that some good work will have come out of some of the funding but I've often seen better work steamrollered out of the way by other organisations that secured what I have come to call 'funny money'.

My biggest concern is that it will be the 'who you know teams' rather than 'what you know teams' that deliver the R&D for our future. Not the perfect solution in my mind.

Therefore would we be better off without government manipulation of business and society with this funding so that the best solutions can 'naturally' float to the top?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=354 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=354 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 17:26:41 +0100 GBP-Keith
20 June - 8 September: Exhibition: Ecohome + 10: Designing the green homes of the future. What will the homes of the future look like? Building for the Future editor Keith Hall is among the leading environmental and building figures who have contributed their thoughts and nominated inspirational projects - from real-life homes to blue-sky thinking. (Other contributors include Kevin McCloud, Richard Rogers, Jonathan Porritt, Wayne Hemingway, Dick Strawbridge and Sue Roaf.) There’s also a chance for visitors to have a say. Open Mon - Fri 9 - 5 pm plus certain weekends - see website for details.

Weds 20 June: Debate: Ecohomes - Where Next? The CREATE Ecohome is 10 years old this year - how would it look if we built it today? How can we build zero carbon homes and improve the environmental performance of existing housing? Architecture Week debate chaired by George Ferguson with presentations by panel members Craig White (White Design), Lucy Pedler (Green Register), Richard Silverman (Under the Sky), David Michael (Co-Housing Company) and Ecohome architect Richard Swann. 5.30 pm (exhibition viewing and Ecohome open), debate 6.30 - 8.30 pm. Free but booking advised; tickets must be collected by 6 pm. To reserve a ticket please call CREATE Reception on 0117 925 0505.

Sun 1 July: Ecohome all-day birthday party. Help us celebrate the Ecohome's 10th birthday with hands-on eco activities for young and old, plus bar, music and cafe. 11 am - 5 pm.

4 July, 1 August, 5 September: Late Night Ecohome open evenings continue on the first Wednesday of the month throughout the summer until September, with experts on hand to answer questions on different eco themes. See website for more information. 4 - 8 pm.

CREATE Centre and Ecohome, Smeaton Road, Bristol BS1 6XN
Tel. 0117 925 0505; www.bristol.gov.uk/create]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=346 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=346 Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:49:30 +0100 martinlta Can I use a plate heat exchanger (type as used in gas boilers e.g. vaillant heat exchanger 00193640/06) to pass excess heat from a thermal store at 70-80C to the central heating (pressurised) return at 40C. The thermal store would be unpressurised and fed from wood stove and solar sources.

thanks]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=344 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=344 Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:28:03 +0100 alexc
I am interested in finding off-site constructed insulated façade systems for multi-storey buildings, such as Kingspan’s offsite system (http://www.kingspanoffsite.com/afs/index.html). Does anybody know any other suppliers?

Thanks

alex]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=348 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=348 Tue, 05 Jun 2007 08:36:33 +0100 Bowman
Any thoughts much appreciated.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=345 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=345 Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:44:48 +0100 Keith Hall
Maybe the Carbon Credit card can be doubled up with an identity card. Now there's a thought!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=343 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=343 Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:13:46 +0100 patrick I have a project that needs a large tank for 8 people and 3 showers. (I have persuaded then not to have a bath).

For most of the year the climate is hot/sunny enough to run on solar thermal (with a big tank). But for 2 or 3 months it gets a bit chilly and I plan to install 2 small wood stoves with water heaters. The 2 wood burners and the Solar will all be feeding a single indirect heating coil in the tank.

I have worked how to do this in theory but has anyone experience of feeding one coil from more than one heat sources?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=316 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=316 Fri, 25 May 2007 15:06:34 +0100 Astro
Any ideas much appreciated...]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=340 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=340 Sun, 03 Jun 2007 00:51:00 +0100 steph http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=332 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=332 Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:04:29 +0100 max covers my query so here goes. I am trying to get my head round ventilation
and what would be best to install in a highly insulated masonry eco home - ventilation that doesn't just evacuate the warm air. . There's passive whole house, mechanical with heat recovery (MVHR) and even a type that extra heat can be added to the incoming air. There's also a new gizmo on the market now called dwell-vent windows, where air enters the house via the gap between the inner and outer pane of a window and is said to warm up in the process. But how does that
impact on the whole ventilation. Will bathroom air still evacuate.? As if it wasn't complicated enough I have this past week come across bespoke systems whereby air is drawn through an underground pipe into the house, claiming to warm it up in winter and cool it down in summer. REHAU also do a ground to air system called Awardukt. This sounds a clever idea but I've not read anything from users about how this impacts on the whole house ventilation.

Has anyone any useful tips to pass on about ventilation and these different perhaps complementary products?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=331 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=331 Thu, 31 May 2007 21:58:35 +0100 Jeff B http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=328 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=328 Thu, 31 May 2007 11:15:51 +0100 TomN
I know that there are a few token ones dotted around the place and a search on the internet seems to show that there are dozens of companies that have units in development but they are taking too long!

Does anyone know of any units that are available for private homes (~3kWe)?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=297 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=297 Fri, 18 May 2007 09:12:21 +0100 Leo
All the sources I've seen on this give air change figures that appear to be taken 'as standard' from I don't know where. This may be fine dealing with new build where there is design intention for specific rooms to have specific ventillation rates, but is there some way I can make a more informed estimate for the rooms in my 1880s house?

Further to this, a number of rooms on the ground floor have been knocked through at some point. This includes open plan access into a glass-roofed kitchen extension, that I'm guessing wouldn't pass regs today. Airflow is therefore hugely important in working out where all the heat is going. Rather than treat this interconnected area all as one room (which it isn't) It seems sensible to treat the regions as separate rooms. This would also allow me to model what happens if I re-partition them in various ways, as well as telling me if the existing rads are sized correctly for the current layout. But how do I work out air changes based on the size of the openings between them?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=329 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=329 Thu, 31 May 2007 12:52:54 +0100 GBP-Keith
A few thoughts to kick off with.

* Practical upgrading of roofs on old buildings from an insulation viewpoint.

* Green roofs of course (could this subject get boring?) - no not if we were to carry practical experiences of how easy to achieve, problems, we probably know most of the advantages already.

* Renewables on roofs. lets talk about the practical aspects, costs and dare I say payback.

* sustainable roof coverings (what are they). Are they they best option or should we keep to the high tech solutions. Remembering that most green roofs use hightech solutions hidden below them.

I've missed loads of sub-subjects so please please jump in here.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=307 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=307 Tue, 22 May 2007 19:39:31 +0100 GBP-Keith
Green Roofs 2007 is the only UK conference specifically aimed at architects and focuses solely on living roof technology. Delegates will hear a detailed cost-benefit analysis, get insights into the green roof process from the contractor's perspective and discover how to avoid the common pitfalls to ensure their green roof projects are a success.

Industry experts who will deliver presentations at the event include:
Dusty Gedge, Founder, Living Roofs
Dr Alun Rhys–Tarr, Director, Blackdown Horticultural Consultants
Jonathan Hines, Director, Architype
Jim Hooker, Secretary, Single Ply Roofing Association
Peter Wilder, Partner, Macfarlane Wilder
Dr Nigel Dunnett, Senior Lecturer, The University of Sheffield
Liam Foster, Consultant, Hyder Consulting
Paul Collins, Head of Designed Environment, Nottingham Trent University

For details of the full programme and to register please visit www.ajgreenroofs.co.uk or call 0845 056 8069.

Organised by The Architects’ Journal]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=322 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=322 Tue, 29 May 2007 18:06:05 +0100 geoffnet http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=283 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=283 Sun, 13 May 2007 16:33:30 +0100 GBP-Keith
large - perhaps over-large houses being called green buildings sticks in the throat a little. What do others think? Should a home have a maximum floor area to rightly call itself eco. Should the Code for Sustainable Homes (and other standards) address this issue?

http://www.mistral-pr.co.uk/library/ashtonclose.htm]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=323 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=323 Tue, 29 May 2007 19:31:04 +0100 no1smiles2000 I am looking to buy a house which is off the mains gas network and currently has no heating! all it has is a coal fire with back boiler for hot water.
Its a semi detached 3 bed house not sure about insulation etc but i will also have to get double glazing installed!
just dont know what sort of heating would be best and most ecconomical so all ideas will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks Katie]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=325 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=325 Wed, 30 May 2007 18:56:55 +0100 mybarnconversion
Opinions please?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=290 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=290 Tue, 15 May 2007 22:50:21 +0100 sye http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=157 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=157 Fri, 30 Mar 2007 14:33:40 +0100 Perry
will be either reclaimed, homemade or stolen."

This means a purchased system cannot repay its cost?

David Timms/Friends of the Earth, was quoted in Thursday's Independent as saying. "The long pay back time

and high initial cost. Is the barrier to people investing in home renewable energy."

This seems to indicate that over the long term, cost can be recovered?

Can anyone honestly say that they have a solar water heating system that - being reclaimed, homemade, or

whatever, has actually saved them the equivelent of 5.7% of the fully installed, up and running cost?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=318 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=318 Sun, 27 May 2007 23:07:10 +0100 Joatex
Instead of the electricity suppliers fostering power meters on consumers and of which they will examine once, then occasionally glance and finally forget, it would seem best for a number of reasons to supply a waste disposal unit under each kitchen sink.

If it is true that the power required to operate a waste disposal unit is less than carting the waste to the tip then it would make sense to feed the 'soup' down the sewerage system, mix it with other degradable matter, filter out solids, semi-dry by centrifuge, compost and finally steam sterilise for garden use.

OK it may require more water - essential to prevent blockage but the water question could be recovered at the distant end. It may cause a blockage of the unit by attempting to process waste which should be recycled, consumers will quickly learn the ropes.

But it will do away with waste which quickly degrades within the household in hot weather and storage problems in households where space precludes an outside bin, reduce the number of garbage disposal trucks on the highway avoiding production of more CO2, reduce or eliminate the disposal of degradable waste in tips and hence reduce the production of methane from buried degradable wate.

Well that's a start, bound to be critics. Lets hear the good and bad comments from the intellect which abounds this forum.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=317 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=317 Sat, 26 May 2007 08:08:11 +0100 saddlecrazy http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=284 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=284 Sun, 13 May 2007 22:02:13 +0100 richy
Each member could bring their expertise to the project!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=288 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=288 Tue, 15 May 2007 17:57:11 +0100 Rachel http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=311 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=311 Wed, 23 May 2007 16:26:37 +0100 tony
The idea that if it is not on the front of a building then that is OK is also a new one and equally dangerous.

How come windmills are OK but not solar panels? And why are homes in national parks penalised -- if it is too ugly there then it is too ugly in my town too.

No planning for conservatories! are they crazy -- these things if heated loose so much heat that they should not be allowed any more on purely energy efficiency grounds never mind carbon saving reasons.]]>