AECB News May 2013

AECB Conference 2013 Norcroft Centre, University of Bradford 12th – 13th July Plans are now well advanced for the 2013 AECB Annual Conference with all workshops planned and speakers on board so if you haven’t booked your place yet then go to http://www.aecb.net/products-page/aecb-conference- booking/ AECB members: Two day conference delegate pass: £200 + VAT @ 20% = £240 Non-members: Two day conference delegate pass*: £260 + VAT @ 20% = £312 Single-day delegate passes are also available. Opening address by: Hattie Hartman; Architects Journal Sustainabilty Editor Workshops on: • Water • AECB retrofit programme • Buildings and the Transition Town Movement. • Post occupancy monitoring • Energy use monitoring • Condensation • Ventilation • Linking PHPP to Sketchup • Natural Building Materials • Healthy Buildings • The work of the AECB Visits to the two new buildings on campus and the retro-fitted library block. The re:centre

Project Value: £5.7m £ Size: 2000sq/m21.5m Contract Duration 18 months 18 months Contract Completion: May 2013April 13 BREEAM Rating: Outstanding (94.95%) EPC (energy rating) Rating A 8 LEED: Silver

The building will showcase and at its best and expand the University's relationship with the wider community. The building also seeks to be the focal point in embedding sustainable living and learning within all University activities. re:centre is the world’s largest building built out of monolithic hemp and also has a timber frame and recycled aggregate floors.

1

STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) Building

A prefabricated timber frame structure designed to the Passivhaus standard.

Project Value: £1.6m.5m Contract Duration 7 months 18 months Contract Completion: April 2013April 13 BREEAM Rating: Outstanding 87.15% EPC (energy rating) Rating A 18

Passivhaus AECB Website We are keen to increase the range of members’ projects featured within our gallery on the Home Page of the new website. The selection criteria for projects to be included are those which have won a formal award from a building competition (national or local); or obtained Certification (i.e. AECB Silver; EnerPHit; PH); BREEAM Certified; or that the project has one year’s measured energy data entered into the Low Energy Buildings database, etc. Please send your image(s) in a JPG format (1000 to 1500 pixels wide preferably) to [email protected] with full details of how the project meets our selection criteria. All images will be credited to the AECB member/project (or please specify appropriate credits). Soapbox: “We must change our disgraceful approach to build quality – or wave goodbye to energy savings” Three years of experience with thermographic imaging and air testing on all kinds of buildings have led AECB member Paul Buckingham to the depressing conclusion that almost without exception; buildings in this country are shoddily assembled and fail to meet the standards set. What is worse, the prevailing ethos seems not to be ‘how well can we build?’, but ‘how quickly and cheaply can we get these boxes ticked?’ In the latest AECB Soapbox, Paul shares some of his horror stories, and calls for an enforcement regime which delivers real, as opposed to imaginary, construction standards. To read more go to http://www.aecb.net/news/ Protimeter Hygrotrac Remote Monitoring System For a limited time the AECB can offer the Protimeter Hygrotrac remote monitoring system at significantly preferential terms to AECB members for projects that would benefit from environmental condition monitoring. The Protimeter Hygrotrac is a web-based remote monitoring system for buildings that measures relative humidity, temperature and moisture level. Currently members who have taken up this offer are monitoring various internal wall insulation , insulated suspended timber floors, conditions within brickwork that has been externally insulated, etc. For more details on the system please visit www.gehygrotrac.com To obtain a quotation for the Protimeter Hygrotrac Remote Monitoring System please contact [email protected]. A forum board has been set up for discussion – go to http://www.aecb.net/forum/index.php/topic,3713.0.html to read more. Less is More: Energy Security after Oil (LIM) from the AECB. A reminder that we can send you printed and wire bound copies of Less is More at a price of £20 each (inc. P&P). To place your order and arrange payment please contact [email protected].

AECB Affiliation with Co-operative Energy The AECB have a continued affiliation partnership which has been agreed with Co-operative Energy for the benefit of AECB members. Co-operative Energy is part of The Midcounties Co-operative, the third largest co-operative in the UK with sales of £780million and 430,000 members. Midcounties set up Co-operative Energy in 2010. Although founded by a regional co-operative, Co-operative Energy is very much a national business, covering the whole of England, Wales and Scotland. The consumer body ‘Which?’ awarded Co-operative Energy their prestigious Consumer Action Award 2011 for steps taken to change the industry for the better. Co-operative Energy is committed to tackling climate change. It pledges to do this in four ways: 1. Sourcing more electricity from low carbon generators, including generators such as wind and hydro. Co-operative Energy’s aim is for the carbon content of its electricity to be less than half the national average by April 2012.

2 2. Investing in new renewable generating capacity 3. Adopting energy-efficient practices throughout their trading group 4. Helping customers save energy with tips on how to lead a lower carbon life In addition, Co-operative Energy has dropped their gas and electricity prices by 2% and is holding them until at least April next year. As part of this affiliation partnership, Co-operative Energy has agreed to a £25 customer incentive for every AECB member who joins Co-operative Energy (subject to first 10,000 customers). The cash incentive will be deducted from the customer’s first quarterly bill and is subject to general terms and conditions. AECB members who would like to take up the offer will need to either visit the AECB dedicated webpage (http://www.cooperativeenergy.coop/aecb) or telephone the freephone number 0800 954 0693 and quote ‘AECB’ to make themselves eligible for the incentive. We are extremely grateful to Co-operative Energy for this generous offer and look forward to a successful working relationship. To find out more about the benefits of AECB membership or discuss ways in which your organisation can work with AECB, please email [email protected] or phone 0845 456 9773. 2013 AECB Annual Conference and AGM Norcroft Centre, University of Bradford, 12th – 13th July AGM – Important Notice to All AECB Members The AECB’s EcoBuilding Conference and AGM is being held on 12th and 13th July 2013 at the University of Bradford. The AGM business will be dealt with at 9.00am (provisional time and to be confirmed) on 13th July and AECB members are invited to attend. The Agenda is set out below and will also be posted on the website with the Annual Report (including the report of the Chairman) and accounts for the period. For full details of this exciting and stimulating conference please visit www.aecb.net. If you wish to attend you are encouraged to book as soon as possible as numbers are limited. Please note that any AECB member can attend the AGM business session only free of charge. If you have been or you represent a member company that has been an AECB member for more than 12 months, are you willing to serve as a Trustee of the Association and subsequently sit as a Trustee of the AECB Board? This year there is one vacancy. If you are interested please telephone the existing Chairman, Chris Herring, on 01484 461705. He will be able to explain what is involved and the input the AECB needs. It would also be useful to visit the members’ area at www.aecb.net where minutes, reports, trustee and company information is posted. If you have any item you wish to include on the agenda for the meeting under Item 8 please let Sally (email: [email protected] or tel: 0845 456 9773) have full details before the 12th May. The agenda, annual report, accounts, minutes of the last AGM and other relevant information can be viewed at www.aecb.net. Agenda Annual General Meeting of the Association for Environment Conscious Building (Ltd) (AECB) Meeting at 9.00am (to be confirmed) on 13th July 2013 at the University of Bradford 1. Apologies 2. To receive the minutes of the AGM held on 29th June 2012 (Note: these are available on-line at www.aecb.net) 3. To receive the accounts for the financial year ending 30th September 2012. Please note that these are available on-line at www.aecb.net) 4. To receive the Trustees’ annual report of the AECB’s activities to year ending 30th September 2012 (Note: this is available on-line at www.aecb.net) 5. To elect a maximum of 1 trustee to the board (the board consists of a maximum of 12 trustees in total, each standing for a maximum term of office of 3 years, none of the existing trustees are up for election this year as they are all still within their 3 year period of office). Nominations for Trustees must be sent to the Company Secretary: Peter Wilkinson at the companies registered office: 30 Linden Road, Earby, Barnoldswick, Lancashire, BB18 6XR, no later than 28 days before the AGM. For information about each candidate please visit www.aecb.net or contact email [email protected] 6. To appoint Keith Bridgford and Co as auditors. 7. In accordance with paragraph 5.2.1, clauses 4.16, 5.1 and 5.3 of the AECB’s articles relating to the maximum to be agreed annually by the AGM, that the limit of earnings that any trustee can claim for work carried out on behalf of the AECB should remain at £5,000.00 in any financial year.

3 8. To discuss and determine any issues of policy or deal with any other business. The AECB is a company limited by guarantee. Company No 5336768 Company Secretary: Peter Wilkinson. Registered Office: 30 Linden Road, Earby, Barnoldswick, Lancashire BB18 6XR Nottingham Energy Partnership Nottingham Energy Partnership http://www.nottenergy.com operates as a social enterprise, supporting households, organisations and communities in reducing fuel poverty and carbon emissions. They are currently looking for building surveyors who would be happy to undertake and write up short reports on energy saving opportunities in community buildings. As a committed environmental charity, they are looking for people with strong green ideals, who really want to see their work resulting in carbon and cost savings in these community buildings, rather than profit driven companies. For further information please contact Jerome Baddley on [email protected]. CarbonLite Passivhaus Designer course in Plymouth!

Passivhaus is growing rapidly* and is becoming an essential skill for architects and consultants. Fast track your understanding and professional recognition with the CarbonLite Passivhaus Designer course. Two weeks of expert training from the UK’s leading Passivhaus practitioners, followed by an exam to become an internationally recognised Certified Passivhaus Designer.

Why take the CarbonLite course in Plymouth? • Warm’s expertise on the doorstep, it’s an ideal opportunity share knowledge and contacts with the UK most experienced Passivhaus certifiers. • Visit Warm’s Passivhaus office refurb in action. • Visit Totnes Passivhaus, one of the first UK Certified Passivhaus refurbishments. • Course based at the exciting and acclaimed National Marine Aquarium conference suite. Highly experienced trainers This course is written and taught by leaders in UK Passivhaus development: amongst others, Mark Siddall, Bill Butcher, Alan Clarke and Nick Grant not to mention WARM staff who have supported over 200 buildings in low energy design, and are Passivhaus certifiers. Date: 29th April-3rd May, 20th-24th May and exam 14th June. Cost: £1999 + VAT for AECB members, (£2349 for non-members) Can't do the whole course? Why not take individual modules such as Introduction to Passivhaus? See the AECB website for details. Bookings can be made through Sophie Phillips on 01752 542546 or [email protected]

Bristol London Plymouth 2013 2013 2013

Week 1

Intro to Passivhaus 29 Apr 9 Sep

Science of Passivhaus 30 Apr-1 May 10-11 Sep November

Construction of Passivhaus 2 May 12 Sep Dates to be

Thermal Bridging (optional) 3 May 13 Sep arranged

4 Week 2

Services 20-21 May 23 -24 Sep

PHPP 22-23 May 25 - 26 Sep

Revision 24 May 27 Sep

Exam 14 Jun 19 Oct 6 Dec

For further information please visit http://www.aecb.net/carbonlite/carbonlite-programme/training-courses/ Please book with Sophie on 01752 542546 or [email protected].

Local Group News

For full details of the events listed below and forthcoming events please visit www.aecb.net/events/ for up to date information on all of these events including dates, times and venues or email [email protected] to request that your name be added to a Local Group mailing list. Forthcoming Local Group Events in May 2013: • Hampshire Local Group The Hampshire Group will be meeting in Winchester on at 6.00 pm on Wednesday 8th May 2013 to hear a presentation on the latest renewable technologies. Venue: Greens Wine Bar, 4 Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8RZ where food and drinks (including wine, of course) will be available. (Parking in Jewry Street next to the library/discovery centre SO23 8SB) The speakers will be Wolf Dietrich and Jon Cullum of the Save Energy Group who provide both commercial and residential clients with the latest proven technologies from around the world. RSVP to Hampshire Group Leader, Brian Layton, either directly or c/o [email protected] Lift-share: If you are travelling to this event and would be willing to give a fellow member a lift please contact Debbie who will add this information to this post. Lifts on offer: The Group Leader, Brian Layton, will be travelling from north of Basingstoke. • Somerset, Wiltshire, Avon and Dorset Local Group The next Somerset, Wiltshire Avon and Dorset event will take place on Thursday 9th May 2013 – for more information visit www.aecb.net/events/ • Milton Keynes Local Group Dianne Sutton of the Milton Keynes Group has organised a visit to a Factory - find out what happens to the pink recycling bags once they have been collected from kerbsides in Milton Keynes. Date: Wednesday 15th May 2013 Time: 6.25pm at the latest to proceed as a group into the factory at 6.30pm Venue: Meet in the car park at the factory in Colts Holm Road Old Wolverton Milton Keynes MK12 5QD The Tour of the recycling factory lasts for about an hour and older children 7+ and other family members are very welcome, and encouraged, to join you. RSVP please to the Group’s Organiser, Dianne Sutton, directly or c/o [email protected] (and please let us know if you would be willing to offer a lift to a fellow member as part of the Lift-Share scheme). • Bristol Local Group The next Bristol Group event will take place on Thursday 16th May – for more details visit www.aecb.net/events/ Venue: Nova Scotia Pub, Nova Scotia Place, Hotwells, Bristol, BS1 6XJ As part of the Bristol Group’s programme of events to keep members in touch with each other Rose Furnival has organised regular informal meetings. These are aimed at sharing information on the exciting projects underway in the area, discussing and evaluating materials/products and providing networking opportunities for members.

5 Members are encouraged to bring along guests including colleagues forming their project teams, clients and anyone with an interest in sustainable building. Future proposed 2013 dates for Bristol meetings will fall on the third Thursday of each month as follows (informal meetings in italics – usually at Nova Scotia Pub, Nova Scotia Place, Hotwells, Bristol, BS1 6XJ): • Cumbria Local Group Extreme Retrofit! Keldhead is a former rural farmhouse that has been unoccupied and off-grid for almost 50 years. Work commenced on this project in May 2012, the extreme winter conditions have caused many delays but the move in date is still planned for the summer! Time: Thursday 23rd May 2013 Time: 6.00pm Venue: Keldhead, Bampton RSVP to Christine Armstrong directly or c/o the Local Groups Coordinator, [email protected], to book a place. Lift-share: If you are travelling to this event and would be willing to give a fellow member a lift please contact Debbie who will add this information to this post. • Hertfordshire Local Group Stuart Barlow, leader of the Hertfordshire Local Group, has organised for members to visit Porters project in Felsted, Essex on Thursday 23rd May. The hosts for this event will be AECB members Touchwood Homes, a family run company specialising in the design, supply and erection of pre-cut timber frame ecohomes, designed to be airtight and superbly insulated. “Porters” is described as an ultra-low energy home built for a retired couple which used Passivhaus design principles to achieve minimal carbon emissions and running costs. It achieved a heat demand of 9kWh /m2/year, which equates to an annual heating demand of 2,376kWh, well is within the Passivhaus limit of 15kWh.year. Date: Thursday 23rd May 2013 Time: 6.30pm Venue: Porters, Felsted, Essex (for about an hour) and to a local venue for a chat etc. Please let us know if you would like to attend (so we can confirm the numbers to the owners) and send final details of how to get there. RSVP directly to Stuart Barlow or c/o [email protected]

News

Largest Global Companies Failing To Report On Greenhouse Gas Emissions The level of public disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions among the world's 800 largest companies is "unacceptably poor", according to research published today by the Environmental Investment Organisation (EIO). The climate change and finance think tank found that only 37% of companies are reporting complete data and correctly adopting the basic principles of greenhouse gas emissions reporting. In addition, the last in a series of rankings and reports launched this week by the EIO, reveals that just 21% of companies had their data externally verified. According to the Environmental Tracking Carbon Ranking series, which includes companies based on their market size irrespective of their green credentials, only one firm out of the 800 - BASF - reported emissions across its entire value chain. The German chemical company BASF came top of the ranking, having disclosed all 15 scope 3 categories, according to the GHG Protocol Scope 3 Reporting Standard, with a combined scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions intensity of 932.74 tonnes of CO2e/$1m of turnover. US-based First Energy came last, with no public data and an inferred combined scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions intensity of 10,342.03 tonnes of CO2e/$1m of turnover. Geographically, Italy and Spain ranked joint highest in terms of disclosure and verification, with 62% of companies reporting complete data and a further 54% having their data verified. Overall, Europe leads the world on all disclosure metrics with 35% of companies reporting complete and independently verified data. Source Edie.net WRAP Chief Calls For Radical Action On Circular Economy

6 The UK needs to be bolder in pushing through new business models if it is to create a circular economy, WRAP CEO Liz Goodwin has warned. Goodwin warned delegates at a Sustainable Business conference on resource scarcity in London this week (April 30) that the UK economy was failing to make the most use of its resources. She said that new business models were required so that the UK could extract maximum value from its materials and recover and regenerate the component parts and materials at the end of life.