Decarbonisation study of 13 buildings, across five schools to establish common approaches for their retrofit.
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Keegans collaborated with ECD Architects on a decarbonization study involving 13 buildings spread across five schools in Brent. The aim was to develop standardized retrofit approaches applicable to the entire estate based on the findings and strategies identified during this study. For schools constructed before 2000, two typical building archetypes were identified: "Traditional" and "Modern," each with delineated retrofit paths. However, given the diverse range of building types, it's anticipated that "hybrid" approaches will also be prevalent.
Keegans conducted comprehensive cost analysis and option appraisal for a range of fabric alternatives pertinent to the thermal upgrade project. These fabric options encompassed windows and doors, roofing and cladding, walls, as well as mechanical and electrical components.
In recognition of the financing mechanisms behind school improvement projects, our simulation aimed to demonstrate the effects of a step-by step retrofit. In particular, the impact of undertaking such light-touch measures as cavity wall or loft insulation, ahead of deeper fabric improvements.
The impact of these “easy wins” is usually not very significant, highlighting that it would be best to tackle all the recommended retrofit measures at once to ensure the conservation of energy, decarbonisation of heating and hot water provision with the replacement of boilers with air source heat pumps as the last step on route to a Net-Zero-Ready estate.
The study also concluded that installation of PVs would only be able to meet a small portion of the buildings’ energy demands, so it is the improvement of the building fabric that needs to be prioritised.
Basic draught-proofing measures and the installation of Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery were recommended as the first step in all the scenarios, due to documented issues with ventilation- common in naturally ventilated schools.
While every building needs to be assessed separately, the study outlined retrofit pathways for ‘traditional’ and ‘modern’ building archetypes, plus ‘hybrid’ approaches for schools.
It captured insights about the buildings, available retrofit solutions, simulation results and advice on next steps.
People who worked on this project
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Effective cost management is a vital component in all building projects, from feasibility studies and cost estimates to budget control and final cost assessments.
Our Elmhurst qualified, TrustMark registered Retrofit Coordinators, Assessors, Designers and Evaluators have the skills and experience necessary to enable our clients to achieve full compliance under PAS 2035.
What does Retrofit mean?
The UK Government has identified the retrofit of buildings as a key lever in their low carbon strategy to achieve 68% carbon reduction by 2030. All affordable homes will be required to achieve a minimum EPC of C by 2030. All ECO funded refurbishment projects are required to achieve full compliance with PAS 2035:2019 from July 2021 with a 20% funding uplift for projects that comply before the deadline.
PAS 2035:2019 (Specification for the Energy Retrofit of Domestic Buildings) is revolutionising the refurbishment of buildings. Over the last 30 years energy efficiency programmes have focussed on single measures (i.e.: cavity wall insulation or window replacement, etc.) but all future programmes now require a holistic solution designed to suit the specific building type.
To comply with PAS 2035, a qualified Retrofit Coordinator must be employed to provide a 'Whole House Retrofit' solution.
London Borough of Brent Council
Location
North London
Specialisation
Staged Retrofit Action Plans
Presentations to students
Renewables assessment
Cost analysis and Option appraisal.
30.11.2023
The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund Wave 2.2 competition application window is now open!Up to £80 million is available for social housing retrofit projects in England.
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