Abstract

Purpose of this paper: Using the new build residential sector in England as its basis, this study examines how climate change is being tackled, and the practicality of implementing various commitments of current and proposed UK legislation.
Design/methodology/approach: This paper outlines the current climate change facts, analyses the global, national, regional and local requirements for energy strategy and highlights the differences that have been found. The impact of different design strategies on achieving the various requirements is then modelled, using case study data. The design strategies tested in this case study includes the use of different levels of fabric insulation and airtightness, ventilation strategies, fuel types, and renewable energy systems.
Findings: The preliminary findings of this study show that the methods being used in the residential sector in England to tackle climate change are fraught with problems and that there are many conflicts in the interpretation of the requirements at different levels. They also show that the current additional cost of a sustainable building are prohibitively high. In order to successfully implement environmentally sustainable solutions, there is a need for clearer regulations, guidelines and definitions, and for significant incentives.
Practical implications/value of the paper: The study highlights the difficulties of implementing the UK energy and carbon dioxide commitments and makes a number of recommendations to make the implementation successful and to overcome the existing barriers.