fbpx

How to Close the Gap Between Modelled and Real World Energy Performance

Achieving net zero carbon housing relies partly on getting the sums right. An upgraded home with added insulation and low carbon heating will have a theoretical energy input. This will determine the amount of renewable energy it needs to generate (directly or indirectly) to be net zero. These should be balanced.

For net zero carbon housing to be a reality there needs to be no gap between the modelled theoretical values for energy efficiency and what happens in the real world. So where are the risks? What factors must be managed to eliminate performance gaps and ensure that housing stock really meets the net zero challenge?

Attention to Detail

Calculations must be performed with great care. A variation of a few percent multiplied over thousands or millions of homes would result in a large additional energy need.

Attention to detail is also vital during installation. Gaps in insulation treatments or any defects in airtightness can have major impacts on performance. Strict quality control is essential.

Ventilation systems have to be carefully designed to avoid damp and so that residents don’t feel the need to open windows during cold weather to avoid condensation.

Location and Conditions

The level of thermal insulation needed depends a great deal on prevailing weather conditions. A home on a damp, windy hillside will be harder to insulate than one in a sheltered location with plenty of sunlight. One size fits all assumptions will inevitably lead to gaps between theoretical and real-world energy performance.

Resident Behaviour

People don’t always experience the drastic fall in energy bills promised by low carbon retrofits. Sometimes this is because they don’t fully appreciate the difference between how heat pumps and boilers keep homes warm.

Often it’s because their behaviour changes once they see energy bills dropping. Residents deciding to heat more of their home to a higher temperature than they need – and then opening a window when it gets too warm – isn’t something that appears in any calculation.

Resident education is one of the most commonly underestimated parts of the net zero carbon challenge.

The number of performance factors and risks involved in net zero carbon retrofits calls for a coordinated approach from multiple specialists. Osborne is responding to the challenge by actively forming partnerships that can deliver a fully managed zero carbon retrofit programme to local authorities and housing associations.

Find out more about Osborne’s Zero Carbon Retrofit Solutions by visiting our resource centre or contact Nick Davidge ([email protected]).

X