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Energetica commissions study to examine how low carbon housing can become a reality in the North-east

A team of academics at Robert Gordon University’s Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment (SSS), Aberdeen, has been commissioned to identify how to bridge the gap between cutting-edge green construction techniques around the world and the current methods used in mainstream house-building in the North-east of Scotland.

The study has been commissioned by ACSEF for its flagship project Energetica, which aims to create the world’s greatest concentration of energy technology companies, housing and leisure facilities along a 30-mile coastal strip between Peterhead and Aberdeen based on low carbon principles.

The remit of the study is to provide a diagnostic review of the developments and technologies used in the UK and Northern Europe to maximise energy efficiency while simultaneously lowering carbon levels.

The Energetica team hopes to use the study to encourage local developers to adopt high performance standards in the development and construction of both commercial and residential buildings in the North-east of Scotland.

To fulfil this remit, the team of academics is carrying out four primary areas of research:

1) A review of state-of-the-art methods used in the construction of timber-framed buildings in the previously-mentioned countries.

2) A review of current research around the world as detailed in relevant publications.

3) A review of the current and future direction of technical standards in Scotland and the implications for modern methods of construction.

4) Conducting semi-structured interviews with relevant industry experts.

The contract win follows a formal tendering process that was opened to three Scottish higher educational establishments in March. The contract was awarded to a selection of academics from SSS due to the quality of the response and the School’s history of research and practical work in the area of energy efficient construction.

The team comprises members of the School’s Building Performance Group, namely Professor Gokay Deveci, award winning designer of low energy and Passivhaus construction, Bruce Taylor (Project Lead) and Gerard Buda (Project Manager), all of whom regularly engage with research in low carbon housing and environmental performance.

Gerard commented: “My colleagues and I are very pleased to have been commissioned to carry out this important piece of research and also to have the expertise of the School and University recognised in this way.”

Commenting on the background to the study, he continued: “The principles of energy design are continuously advancing towards the achievement of zero carbon, however the ceiling on performance is seldom pushed beyond current regulatory standards for reasons of cost savings, competitiveness and commercial imperative. As such, we find that the best examples of green construction in the UK can only be found in the niche housing market.

“It’s fantastic that Energetica is acting as the catalyst to help address this situation and to help mainstream housebuilders develop cutting-edge, yet affordable techniques that will make low energy and Zero Carbon the norm rather than the exception.”

Sara Budge, Energetica Project Director said: “We are excited to be working with SSS on this important project. Energetica aims to secure Aberdeen’s position as a global energy hub by offering a unique business environment founded on the principles of low carbon dependency. ”

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