Low and Zero Carbon Housing

16 – 18 June, 2008

A CIFAL Findhorn UNITAR Associated Training Centre seminar

The low carbon revolution starts at home *

The Low and Zero Carbon Housing seminar will address how the construction of zero carbon buildings and the retrofitting of existing buildings offer some of the most cost-effective and most immediate strategies in response to climate change.

Low and Zero Carbon Housing will examine how the building industry is adapting to the rising demand for cutting edge construction techniques and energy saving solutions.

Through successful case studies, carried out by architects, developers, builders and contractors with concrete experience of both private housing and large scale development projects, the seminar will address the technical, legislative and community implications for new build, retrofitting, infrastructure and community planning.

Background

The current UK housing stock is highly energy inefficient. The move to low and zero carbon buildings offers the single greatest opportunity for increased efficiency and positive environmental impact.

In the European Union, the construction sector is responsible for 40% of energy requirements. In many cases, the implementation of such measures provides additional benefits, such as reduced running costs as well as greater interior comfort.

A recent report by Oxford University states; “Of the homes that we will inhabit in 2050, around 80 per cent are already part of the housing stock and so these have to be the main focus for carbon-reduction policies” (Broadman, 2007, p.6). The report concludes: “The low-carbon revolution starts at home”. The Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland (Sullivan, 2007, p.23) recommends that “Training in new technologies, new products and new standards should be a priority for all parts of the construction industry and this should be supported by the Scottish Government”.

Low and Zero Carbon Housing seminar will give participants an opportunity to:

explore the key issues relating to all aspects of Zero Carbon Housing with UK experts in this field.

acquire a clear perspective about the opportunities, challenges and appropriate implementation strategies.

network and exchange knowledge with a wide range of interesting participants and presenters from the private, public, civil and academic sectors.

co-create novel solutions and strategies with other participants through a series of facilitated design workshops.

learn about up-to-date best practice examples, government regulations, agency recommendations and new initiatives in the building sector.

gain an insight to Findhorn Ecovillage as a model for ecological and social innovation, with visits to a number of low and zero-carbon homes.

Key Topics

Current planning and building regulations, low carbon legislation and energy performance.

Cost effective retrofitting, reducing energy costs in existing buildings, preserving character and achieving high standards.

New build, designs, techniques and materials for low energy buildings.

Low Carbon Home energy systems, heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation and appliances.

Renewable infrastructure, stand-alone, community and regional scale solutions.

Buildings to facilitate a culture of energy conservation.

Community design for low carbon lifestyles.

This seminar will be particularly useful for:

Policymakers, Government Officials and Local Authorities who want to be able to help implement a nation wide shift towards zero carbon housing.

Sustainable Development Officers.

Strategic Managers of Planning, Environmental, and Construction Services.

Entrepreneurs and private sector players who want to assess opportunities, develop strategies and network with decision makers in the construction industry.

Architects, Builders and Contractors involved with individual homes and large scale development projects.

Academics interested in practical applications and educators within the building industry, its related agencies and training bodies.