Future-proofed Energy Design: Criteria to the Code for Sustainable Homes

Session 4 Paper 2, CIBSE ASHRAE Technical Symposium, Imperial College, London, UK
18th and 19th April 2012

This paper investigates ‘future-proofing’, as an unexplored yet all-important aspect in the design of low-energy dwellings. The commitment for zero-carbon new homes by 2016, the impact of climate change and the long lifecycle of the domestic stock signal the need to select energy efficient measures and low or zero carbon technologies that accommodate changing circumstances over the long-term.

Based on a conceptual understanding of ‘future-proofed’ design, the paper first proposes a set of criteria that accommodate explicitly full lifecycle perspectives, risks and uncertainties affecting the energy consumption. Second, it tests the “Energy and CO2 Emissions” part of the Code for Sustainable Homes against these design criteria. It is concluded that further research is required so that the Code, similar to other assessment methods, can inform the selection of ‘future-proofed’ building solutions.