Natural resources
Minimising the impact of the college on Fossil Fuel resources
Globally we are becoming increasingly aware that fossil fuels are a finite resource. Although fossil fuels will still be available potentially for many future generations in some form, as supplies reduce, techniques for extracting more inaccessible reserves will become increasingly destructive to the environment.
In addition to the environmental effects, if energy demands in the UK continue to rise at current rates, security of supply is likely to become an increasing issue as the UK is required to import more and more of its energy.
Consequently the Government is encouraging energy conservation and a switch to cleaner renewable fuels where possible.
Reduce Consumption
Alternatives to fossil fuels should only be considered once all measures have been incorporated to reduce energy consumption.
Refer to low carbon design section for further information
Questions to consider
- Have all possible measures been included to reduce energy consumption?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN, OPERATION
Alternative fuels
Technologies to consider would be
- Wood burning boiler to provide heating
- Solar hot water panels to preheat domestic water
- Ground source heat pumps to provide heating and/or cooling
- Wind turbines to produce electricity
Questions to consider
- What is the energy source for the building?
- Has space allowance been made for alternative fuels?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
VISION, DESIGN
Embodied Energy
Embodied Energy is the energy required to extract the raw materials required to produce materials and products and transport them to their point of use.
Embodied energy is difficult to measure accurately but nevertheless materials and products with known high energy manufacturing processes should be minimised or avoided where possible.
Local products and materials generally have less embodied energy.
Questions to consider
- Has Embodied Energy been considered as part of materials selection process?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
Appropriate Technology
Full consideration should be given to all of the options where technology is required. Where economically viable, new cleaner technology should be used to reduce energy use and environmental impact.
Questions to consider
- Is appropriate technology being considered, for example, Biomass, CHP, Microgeneration?
- Does the project achieve and or go beyond best practice?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
Microclimate
The design should maximise potential for energy efficiency by optimising light and wind protection and penetration. This maximises natural energy use and user comfort.
Questions to consider
- How has microclimate been considered as part of the design?
At what design stage should this issue be considered?
DESIGN
