The AECB Energy Standards.
Download the new revised draft energy standard here
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| Lower Watts House UK example that meets proposed Silver Standard |
Passiv Haus, Germany, meets Gold Standard |
Our buildings make up the UK's fastest growing source of CO2 emissions. Dwellings now consume three times more energy than the UK's private cars, while energy use for non-domestic buildings is increasing as fast as for air travel.
The AECB has recognised the urgent need to address the contribution buildings make to global warming and potentially catastrophic climate change, and believes that the Government's target of 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 is too little too late. Climate change demands a reduction of at least 85%.
To meet this requirement in buildings, the AECB has taken the initiative of developing its two advanced housing energy standards.
Such standards are already well established in other countries, notably the German Passiv Haus standard and Canadian Advanced House standard. The AECB Silver Energy Standard™ represents a high level of energy efficiency, attainable with widely available technologies and materials.
In Germany and Canada , significant government investment in advanced building standards has ensured their rapid adoption. Currently there is no evidence that the UK government is likely to consider similar investment.
In its absence members of the AECB, who represent some of the UK 's leading authorities in the field, have developed the Standards, with the support of the AECB.
The AECB now plans to promote the Standards among its membership THROUGH ITS CARBONLITE PROGRAMME, as a vital first step to more widespread adoption.
With the AECB membership leading the field in sustainable building, and regularly winning awards, the AECB believes that adoption of these Standards by members is the first step IN A SUCCESSFUL UPTAKE OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY STANDARDS BY THE UK MAINSTREAM .
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The plans for promotion are:
- Publish the Standards in full, including a tightly worded specification
- Publish design guidance including robust details
- Introduce a system of training, certification and possibly endorsement
- Encourage a number of flagship projects to build to the Standards
