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The Government has confirmed its intention for all new homes to be zero carbon by 2016 with a major progressive tightening of the energy efficiency building regulations - by 25% in 2010 and by 44% in 2013 - up to the zero carbon target in 2016. This drive will highlight the need for renewable technologies such as ground source heat pumps, to be effectively integrated into new buildings. The BERR’s report ‘The potential for Micro-generation’ suggests that 28,000 heat pumps will be installed by 2012, a ten-fold increase on current volumes.
The interest in heat pump technology is therefore increasing and to provide an effective solution it is important that the benefits and key issues on how these systems are integrated into buildings are understood.
There are many benefits to installing a Kensa heat pump for a developer. These include:
- Help gain compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations.
Installing a ground source heat pump will increase a building’s SAP rating and help the building meet current Building Regulations. Indeed, such is the (carbon dioxide) CO2 reduction, there might be an opportunity, in some cases, to downgrade the insulation specification and still achieve an acceptable CO2 emission rate. However, this tactic is not recommended simply because any increase in the property’s heat load will result in a higher flow temperature, a less efficient heat pump and higher running costs.
- Can help meet the mandatory reductions set out within the Code for Sustainable Homes for energy reduction.
Due to the lower CO2 emissions from a heat pump it can help meet the minimum Percentage reduction in Dwelling Emission Rate over Target Emission Rate (as per SAP 2005) set out within the Code.
The code will provide valuable information to home buyers, and offer developers a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.
- Can assist in planning issues.
For dwellings where 10 or more are to be constructed (or if a number is not given, the area is more than 0.5 hectares) many local authorities have adopted the use of the 'Merton Rule' within their planning requirements. Pioneered by the London Borough of Merton, the Merton Rule requires the use of renewable energy onsite to reduce annual CO2 emissions in the built environment. Typical reductions are 10%, however a number of authorities have increased this above this level and are planning to introduce more stringent targets.
Installing a ground source heat pump can reduce the onsite CO2 emissions helping to meet planning requirements.
The use of renewable technology is also generally favoured in any planning decision now made by local authorities.
- Grant
The equipment is fully certified under the government and Energy Company grants schemes allowing access to substantial grants for the developer to offset any perceived increased capital costs of installing renewable technology.
- Property Value: - increases their sale value.
Energy performance certificates are now a requirement for domestic properties placed on the market, a ground source heat pump will improve a property’s energy efficiency rating allowing a premium to be charged when a property is sold.
- UK manufacture
Specifically designed to match the UK climate with full application support based in the UK.
- Modern technology
By using modern renewable technology such as a Kensa heat pump, it demonstrates exemplar and sustainable building design. A socially sustainable building, if successful, can help people see the benefit of living sustainably.
- Comfort
Ideally combined with underfloor heating to provide enhanced comfort and a more useable and flexible living space for owners.
Kensa is a manufacturer with an objective to remove any ‘mystery’ linked to heat pump technology and their integration into modern buildings. Kensa’s application department will help you answer questions on how to maximise your client’s savings and integrate systems into buildings.
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