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SustainCo
Published on 22 November 2018
United Kingdom
Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
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About this good practice
SustainCo supported the European vision for the energy performance of buildings, that by 2020 all new buildings should be nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB) The SustainCo project aims to raise awareness of, and support development of, low energy building projects, with special emphasis on rural areas. SustainCo aims to increase the visibility of both new-build and renovation, with the aim of capacity and confidence building in the public sector. Activities included:
• Development of Toolkits which focus on technical and financial aspects of nZEB in relation to energy efficiency and renewable energy usage
• Promotion of near Zero Energy Buildings case studies
• Capacity building for energy professionals - development and hosting of a capacity building event and training for project developers including conferences, seminars, training and site visits
• Support of nZEB Pilot Projects
• Supporting Covenant of Mayors signatories in rural areas
• Development of Toolkits which focus on technical and financial aspects of nZEB in relation to energy efficiency and renewable energy usage
• Promotion of near Zero Energy Buildings case studies
• Capacity building for energy professionals - development and hosting of a capacity building event and training for project developers including conferences, seminars, training and site visits
• Support of nZEB Pilot Projects
• Supporting Covenant of Mayors signatories in rural areas
Expert opinion
New building concepts and technologies, including nearly zero energy buildings (nZEBs), require the awareness of architects, construction companies, financial institutions, and individual citizens, to guarantee uptake. The SustainCo approach is a good example of engaging the public sector in capacity building exercises, and raising the awareness of the nZEB concept. The tools developed can be taken as inspiration by other regions looking to establish the concept within their own stakeholder communities.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
The SUSTAINCO web-based technical and financial toolkits were developed as a guide on how to achieve nZEB standard in retrofit or new-build houses. We produced five detailed case studies on nZEB buildings, Ied three training events, a capacity building conference and 2 nZEB study tours.
Evidence of success
Average overall results of households:
• Investment cost: 1 226 €/m2
• Primary energy need: 76,5 kWh/m2/a
• Annually Heat Demand: 15 kWh/m2/a
• Investment cost of RES: 124 €/m2
• Annual RES generation: 63 000 kWh/a
Average overall results of public buildings:
• Investment cost: 1 277 €/m2
• Primary energy need: 127 kWh/m2/a
• Annually Heat Demand: 41 kWh/m2/a
• Investment cost ofof RES: 82 €/m2
• Annual RES generation: 49 000 kWh/a (16% coverage Primary energy need)
• Investment cost: 1 226 €/m2
• Primary energy need: 76,5 kWh/m2/a
• Annually Heat Demand: 15 kWh/m2/a
• Investment cost of RES: 124 €/m2
• Annual RES generation: 63 000 kWh/a
Average overall results of public buildings:
• Investment cost: 1 277 €/m2
• Primary energy need: 127 kWh/m2/a
• Annually Heat Demand: 41 kWh/m2/a
• Investment cost ofof RES: 82 €/m2
• Annual RES generation: 49 000 kWh/a (16% coverage Primary energy need)
Potential for learning or transfer
Not all countries had a definition of what an nZEB is. It was important to research current government position and for the purpose of project we had to propose a definition for the UK.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Severn Wye Energy Agency
United Kingdom
Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area
Contact
Partnerships and Communities Coordinator