News
17 December 2009
Zero carbon homes for the future
The university is part of a consortium of partners named AIMC4 delivering the Government-backed project.
Developers Stewart Milne Group, Crest Nicholson Plc and Barratt Developments Plc, plus building product manufacturers H+H Celcon and consultancy BRE will create 12 sustainable homes that use only energy efficient materials without relying on renewable technologies.
The homes will be built in a range of locations across the UK, sold to consumers, then monitored and evaluated by Brookes researchers to increase understanding of fabric performance, emission levels and to gain valuable customer feedback.
The results will help inform the way zero carbon homes of the future are built and operated.
Announcing the project at the annual conference of the UK Green Building Council, Housing and Planning Minister John Healey said: "This project is responding to the target set by the Government to reduce carbon emissions from homes by 2016. Meeting this challenge will need innovative materials, products and designs. This exciting initiative will bring together the best of the UK's building developers and material suppliers and I'm delighted that the Government is able to partner with this unique consortium.”
Each member of the AIMC4 consortium brings unique expertise to the project worth £6.4 million, £3.2 million of which has been invested by the Technology Strategy Board.
Oxford Brookes will lead on the research part of the project and will also be involved with the preparation and evaluation of guidance for the occupants of these innovative new homes.
Dr Fionn Stevenson, a reader in the Department of Architecture (pictured), says her team will monitor and evaluate factors such as carbon emissions, heat loss, indoor air quality, comfort and control, and interview home owners to get feedback about their experiences. The results will provide valuable evidence to help achieve the Government targets, as well as determine how to meet new energy efficiency standards.
“This is a very exciting project which could change the way we design our homes in future, by focusing on reducing energy demand first and foremost,” she said.
“Furthermore, it puts the performance evaluation of housing firmly on the agenda - an area in which Brookes has unique expertise.”
