New guidelines have been drawn up by Brighton & Hove City Council setting out standards for sustainable building design across the city.
The Sustainable Building Design supplementary planning document - believed to be the first in the country to combine a a range of best practice recommendations - aims to ensure that future development in the city helps reduce carbon emissions and make better use of resources.
The document covers everything from efficient use of energy and water to sustainable building materials and comes into effect from 1 August 2008.
Many residents already living in environmentally-friendly homes are opening their doors to the public as part of the city’s first Eco Open Houses event on 5 and 6 July.
Click here for detailed brochure on Eco Open Houses Event.
The Council's new supplementary planning document, a first in environmentally-friendly design, comes into effect on 1st August 2008.
Eco Open Houses – June/July
During two summer weekends of 28-29 June and 5-6 July 2008 people will be able to visit eco-houses in Brighton & Hove who will be opening their doors to the public. Eco Open Houses is a joint project between the Brighton Permaculture Trust, the Low Carbon Trust and Brighton & Hove City Council.
Visit www.ecoopenhouses.org for more information. Click here for a detailed brochure describing each house (PDF).
The event aims to empower and inspire members of the public to make environmental changes to their own homes through seeing what practical steps other people have taken in their homes. It is about people learning from the experience of others and making positive changes to reduce their environmental footprint.
The houses will demonstrate:
-environmental renovation
-insulation methods
-renewable energy
-reduced energy bills
-water savings
-waste water recycling and rainwater harvesting
-green roofs
-natural and recycled materials
Greenspeak: Whose Land Is It Anyway? - Tue 10 June
Reconnecting Land with People and Communities Greenspeak returns on Tuesday 10 June, 7pm for 7.30 start at The Old Market, Upper Market St, Hove BN3 1AS, £donation
Brighton and Hove's public green forum has returned, all very welcome.
Speakers:
Martin Large, Chair of the Community Land Trust National Demonstration Project at Salford University, and a pioneer of the land for people movement
Neil Ravenscroft, Professor of Cultural Policy at the University of Brighton, and Director of Tablehurst Farm Ltd
Chair, Ian Lawton, community activist
As Peak Oil pushes up food prices, concern for food security and food poverty rises.
This month we ask:
How can we regain community ownership over decisions affecting our land?
How can we create permanently affordable homes or increase local food sourcing?
How does land pricing act as a barrier and how do we overcome that?
What is the future for Brighton and Hove Council's 11,000 acres of farm estate?
What can we learn from initiatives such as Community-Supported Agriculture and Community Land Trusts?
Who decides and what do you think?
Relaxed, sociable, informative, fun. Bar will be open before, during and after the event - apologies, food will not be available.
www.greenspeak.org.uk for further info / mailing list or 07891 571739
Conference: Achieving Level 6 - Practical Ways to Design for the Code for Sustainable Homes – Tue 22 April
The Low Carbon Trust in conjunction with RIBA South East are hosting a one-day conference about achieving higher levels of the Code for Sustainable Homes through good design on 22nd April at the Thistle Hotel in Brighton.
Everyone is talking about the Code for Sustainable Homes, which becomes mandatory for all new build houses in May 2008.
It can be hard enough designing and building homes that attain Level 3 of the Code - but can we achieve Level 6?
The conference will look in detail at specific materials and design challenges, the political imperative in the South East to build sustainable homes and will provide up-to-date information on changes to the Code currently in the pipeline.
Through a series of speakers and workshops, delegates will gain a clearer understanding of the implications of zero carbon homes and how their buildings can achieve the highest possible level of the code - or beyond!
Download a booking form here. Any questions please contact RIBA South East on 01892 515878
Superhome Open Day – Sun 2 March
Sigrid Stagl & Peter Kaufmann are to open their house (6 Southdown Avenue, Brighton) to the public on Sunday 2nd March (2-5pm) as part of the Old Home Superhome Project. The project is a national venture to promote exemplar low energy, low carbon dioxide-emitting homes to other interested homeowners. Sigrid and Peter’s renovations have substantially reduced the amount of energy they use, renovations which have cut carbon dioxide emissions from their house by 72%. They have achieved this by installing insulation (roof, walls, and floors), wall pipe heating and a solar water heating system. Visitors to the house will be inspired to take energy-saving action in their own homes.
Do come along on this important family day and see for yourself what you can all do to reduce your energy bills and help combat climate change.
The Old Home Superhome project is run by two national charities; the Sustainable Energy Academy and the National Energy Foundation. For more information please contact David Hancock (David.Hancock*at*nef.org.uk) or Gabby Mallett (Gabby.Mallett*at*nef.org.uk) or call 01908 354536
Green Architecture Day – Sat 1 March
Green Architecture Day explores issues around sustainable buildings through illustrated talks by designers and practitioners. Saturday, March 1 at 9:45am at the Sallis Benney Theatre, Kingwood Street, Brighton (map)
A day of ideas and information for anyone concerned with buildings - those who design them, build them, live in them or work in them. Some of the talks this year follow the theme of eco-renovation - from painting your bedroom to making the most of old housing stock. Other talks include exciting projects for one planet living, green roofs and a conference venue built from chalk.
Programme and speakers
9.45 - 10.15
Registration
A chance to look at the stalls and exhibits. Refreshments can be purchased at the Sallis Benney Café.
10.30
Introduction
Bryn Thomas
10.45
Middlesbrough imageOne Planet Living and One Brighton
Daniel Viliesid, BioRegional Quintain Ltd
BioRegional Quintain is leading in the creation of sustainable communities throughout the UK by combining the comprehensive application of sustainability principles to a dynamic and innovative approach to property development. Construction has now started on one of its developments in Brighton (One Brighton). Daniel is Sustainability Integrator for BioRegional Quintain. His role is support BioRegional Quintain Ltd's Sustainability Director, Sustainability Project Managers, and construction partners; ensuring implementation of all sustainability measures, construction and non-construction related, to enable future residents to make sustainable lifestyle choices.
11.15
one brighton imageOne Brighton: One Planet, One Address
Amanda Whittington, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (Architects)
One Brighton, currently under construction in Brighton's New England Quarter, uses environmentally friendly construction techniques and has many features which will enable its residents to lead a lifestyle that is closer to being sustainable. Amanda joined Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios in 2007 and is currently Project Architect for One Brighton.
11.45
Break
A chance to look at the stalls and exhibits. Refreshments can be purchased at the Sallis Benney Café.
12.15
bedroom with eco-paintsEco-renovation on a Budget
Maddy Harland, Permaculture Magazine
Dreaming of living in an eco house but don't know where to start? Here are some simple DIY and lower cost ideas for greening existing homes. Maddy Harland has renovated two properties in Hampshire and is the editor of Permaculture Magazine - Solutions For Sustainable Living.
12.45
Einsulatingco-Renovation to Minimise Energy and Water Consumption
Russell Smith, Parity Projects
Russell will talk about the work done on the award winning Carshalton Grove Eco-Renovation project in Surrey, and how the lessons learned can support widespread work in the UK. On paper the house will provide a 75% reduction of CO2 emissions and a 60% reduction in water use, corroborated by a whole-house monitoring system. It is the first of its kind in the country to use such a wide range of energy and water efficiency measures under one roof, all for the purpose of showing just what is possible and for testing the measures in one location, in-situ.
1.15
Lunch
Sallis Benney Café will be providing a range of food and some lunches will be available for under £5. It is recommended that you do not plan to leave the venue for lunch as at previous events people who have done this have missed part of the afternoon.
2.30
one brighton imageThe Pines Calyx - How it was built and its role as a 'Sustainability Hub'
Alistair Gould, Helionix Designs
Alistair is the Project Director for 'The Pines Calyx', a conference and events venue conceived of as a carbon neutral catalyst for rural and urban sustainable development and for grass roots responses to climate change. This award winning commercial building near Dover demonstrates a successful fusion of historic construction techniques - including rammed chalk walls - with 21st century technologies, design and analysis.
3.00
hamsey village hallRetread
Duncan Baker-Brown, BBM Sustainable Design
If everybody in the UK replaced one of their old light bulbs with a low energy model the energy saved would be equivalent to two nuclear power stations or the power required to light all our streets at night. With this in mind, together with the issue of whether or not we need to invest in new nuclear power stations to satisfy predicted energy demands, Duncan will be focusing this years talk on the potentials of reusing existing structures to ensure that they perform as low energy buildings for the 21st Century using case studies in SE England from the practice portfolio. BBM Sustainable Design pursues an ethos of environmentally benign design in housing, commercial, as well as community and school buildings.
3.30
Break
A chance to look at the stalls and exhibits. Refreshments can be purchased at the Sallis Benney Café.
4.00
green roofLivingroofs - How green is your roof?
Dusty Gedge, Livingroofs.org and The Green Roof Consultancy
Green roofs are and will become an important part of green architecture. This talk we cover perceived barriers, the benefits and will focus on the need for detailed design rather than off the shelf solutions to ensure that the full benefit of green roof systems can be achieved. Dusty Gedge has been involved with green roofs for over ten years, campaigning and designer roofs In London. He has spoken at conferences throughout the world from South Korea to Chicago via Deptford.
4.30
Plenary session
Meeting: Buildings & Construction group – Mon 14 January
The next meeting of the Buildings & Construction group is on Mon 14th January 2008 at 7.30pm at Simon Gidding’s house – 7, Agnes Street, Brighton BN2 3AS (map). If you are planning to attend please email Simon (si_giddings*at*yahoo.co.uk). Notes from the last meeting here.
[read full text]
Notes from first meeting: Buildings and Construction group – Mon 17 December
Notes by Nicola Thomas.
(To be put on the mailing list for this group, either email the website or, if you are registered on the forum join the Buildings & Construction usergroup – click on the link in the top row of the forum main page.)
Present:
Abi Torr (AT) Koru Architects at*at*koruarchitects.co.uk
Mark Pellant (MP) Koru Architects map*at*koruarchitects.co.uk
Simon Giddings (SG) si_giddings*at*yahoo.co.uk
Chris Bullar (CB) chrish1234*at*hotmail.com
John Bristow (JB) Member of Hub john.bristow1*at*btopenworld.com
Martin Kemp (MK) kemp.martin*at*btopenworld.com
1. Introduction
1.1 All present introduced themselves and their interest in the group
1.2 JB introduced the concepts of Transition Towns (TT) to the group
2. Purpose of the Group and relationship to other groups and Hub
2.1 NT started discussions with her idea of the purpose of the group; to educate and raise awareness. JB said that we should also disseminate via such media as the website. SG said that we should also share knowledge, network and very importantly be working to inform and create the Energy Descent Plan (EDP)
2.2 CB stated that he felt that the group should inform other institutions such as the Council. NT said that she felt it was important that we worked ‘bottom up’ as opposed to the Council working ‘top down’
2.3 JB felt that we needed to know our own town and be well- informed. We also need to network within the architectural community. MP said that there were 3 networks that were involved with sustainability; RIBA – www.architecture.com Green Register - www.greenregister.org and AECB – www.aecb.net
3. Easy and cheap ways of reducing energy use in the home with some examples
3.1 SG is carrying out an eco-renovation project on his own home – a Victorian terraced house in Hanover – the building is a typical ‘2-up, 2down’ with a rear extension and planned loft extension. He introduced the project under the following headings
3.2 Materials – SG is using as many natural materials as possible, eg. lime plaster, sheeps wool insulation. Also local materials (in the UK at least), also re-using and reclaiming materials, even using waste from skips. He has also used salvage yards. Where he has to use materials such rigid insulation, he has found rejects or seconds which are cheaper and avoid them being put into landfill. He also uses local businesses where possible.
3.3 Heat Loss – Sealing, draughproofing and using insulation. SG has used multi-foil insulation (Tri-Iso) under rafters in loft with Thermafleece (sheep’s wool) between rafters. For walls he is insulating internally, 40mm thickness. Windows are Andersen American hardwood oak windows. For floor, he is using under-floor heating, so needed rigid insulation on top of floor. JB asked whether he was keeping a diary. This was felt to be very useful. MP asked about costs. SG will be able to produce costs later.
Other categories shown under (not discussed at the meeting)
3.4 Heating
3.5 Electricity demand
3.6 Renewables
3.7 Water use
3.8 Interiors
3.9 Waste and pollution
3.10 Exterior space and gardens
3.11 It was agreed to use SG’s eco-renovation project as a case study for the group. NT mentioned her connection with the University – they can monitor the performance of the house. It was also agreed to visit the house as part of the next meeting.
4. How to reduce the impact on resources of the increase in single and couple households.
4.1 This agenda item was suggested by a member of the group who was not present so we decided to discuss it at a later meeting.
5. Awareness-raising generally.
5.1 SG’s eco-renovation project case study could be used to raise awareness. SG said his house would not be ready to register as part of the open eco –homes trail within the festival. The group could find other houses as part of this.
5.2 SG will be producing a publicity presentation of the project for Green Architecture Day - www.brightonpermaculture.co.uk on 1st March 2008
5.3 NT to put title of useful books and publications on website
5.4 Green Homes Service - http://www.24dash.com/socialhousing/29818.htm
5.5 MK questioned ‘awareness’ raising as he thought that people were already aware of the issues and mostly ignoring them. He thought that we should be moving onto the next level of awareness, personal and cultural change. There was a discussion as to how to accelerate change that is already happening. It was recognised that people make changes based on finances. SG said that even if peak oil does not happen, the TT movement is valuable as future proofing and increasing community.
5.6 It was agreed that as a group (or whole TTB+H) we should have a presence in the Brighton Festival. CB could create publicity for this and also provide a master-class in publicity and advertising for other members of the TT.
5.7 Patcham Farm scheme was briefly discussed. NT to investigate further and report back.
6. Eco-houses in the Open Houses in Brighton Festival, May 2008
6.1 Already discussed
7. Next Meeting
7.1 At SG’s house – 7, Agnes Street, Brighton BN2 3AS at 7.30pm Mon 14th January 2008.
Help to set local criteria for sustainable building design in Brighton and Hove
Residents of Brighton and Hove and groups such as Transition Brighton and Hove are all stakeholders in the local planning process. Your help is needed in commenting on the council's draft document on sustainable building design by December 7th.
Brighton and Hove City Council has prepared a draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on 'Sustainable Building Design'. SPDs are important documents in determining the outcome of planning applications, and will form part of The Local Development Framework which will replace the Brighton and Hove Local Plan.
Buildings are responsible for a large proportion of carbon emissions. Residents and Transition Group members who are serious in wishing to plan for a low energy sustainable future, should read the Council's draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) on 'Sustainable Building Design' - including the Sustainability Checklist - and comment on it. The final document will influence the kinds of building which are erected in Brighton and Hove in the future.
The draft document on which to comment is posted here.
The document is out for public consultation from 26th October to 7th December 2007 and the council is keen to gather your views on its content.
Comments can be be submitted in writing to Paula Goncalves, Senior Planning Officer, Planning Strategy & Projects, Room 407-410, Hove Town Hall, Hove, BN3 3BQ, or by sending an e-mail to: ldf@brighton-hove.gov.uk by no later than 5 pm on Friday 7th December 2007.
Printed copies of this document are available in the Jubilee (Brighton), Hove and Portslade libraries as well as Citydirect offices in Hove Town Hall and Bartholomew Square (Brighton). Alternatively, should you want a paper version please contact Planning Strategy and Projects, City Planning, Brighton & Hove City Council, Tel: 01273 292505
Talk: Green Roofs by Dusty Gedge – 19 November
There will be a talk on green roofs by Dusty Gedge (from Channel 4s "Wild Things I love" ) - on Monday November 19 at the Cornerstone Church, Hove - Entry free. Contact adam@biggreen.eclipse.co.uk - see www.building-green.pbwiki.com
[read full text]
Green Buildings and Builders – Notes from Discussion Group 25 July 07
Questions
How best reduce carbon emissions in houses, flats and buildings?
(Look at Green Homes project in GLA offering advice to homeowners)
How can we persuade people to pay more to buy insulation or change to underfloor pipe heating and eco appliances to save energy, dual water systems, eco-materials etc?
Building products derived from oil are usually also high in toxicity
Change Energy Supplier
Planning Issues
Local Planning processes. National planning legislation.
Advice and Awareness Raising
See local networks
Local Network to Link to and Partner with
Advisors, Presentations, Examples and visits for Awareness raising:
James Farrell Building Group
Paul Early – eco-renovation (website and address – 4 Whichels Place)
Examples of Eco-renovated houses in Brighton Festival
Earthship visits (Sunday morning – and link to low carbon network
Nicola Thomas – eco-renovation presentation for awareness raising (Transition Brighton network) nt@nicolathomas.co.uk
Green Architecture Day at Brighton Permaculture Trust
Green Pages Directory
St Nicholas Church Gardens project? (Link to Philippa Sankey of CMPCA (community association) p.sankey1@ntlworld.com
Low impact buildings for community use
(e.g. Jubilee Library?)