SolarTech Ltd, one of the UK’s most experienced renewable energy specialists, has provided industry leading energy solutions for the first affordable housing scheme to achieve ‘Level 6’ under the Code for Sustainable Homes in the UK.
Mendip Place, a £1.6 million development in Chelmsford which comprises six houses and four flats, is not only the first new build multi-occupancy project to achieve Code 6, but the largest development to date to be rated as ‘zero carbon’.
Born out of a collaboration between CHP, affordable housing provider Flagship, architects Ingleton Wood, contractors McCann Homes, project managers Oxbury & Company, and Kingspan Potton, this unique project showcases some of the latest energy saving design features and technologies available.
A vital part of the project was the fully integrated renewable energy solutions, pioneered by SolarTech, which combined both solar and biomass energy in order to meet all electricity, heating and hot water requirements. Cont’d/…
“The challenge was to devise a multi-technology solution, which would not only meet the requirements of Code 6, but which would also take into consideration whole life energy costs, efficiency, measurability of energy used and ease of operation for the tenants,” said Shaun Taylor, Managing director of SolarTech Ltd.
Each property has its own dedicated photovoltaic system, from which the energy output and consumption can be measured via a site-wide monitoring system, so that the data could potentially be used to obtain payments under the Government’s ‘Feed-in-Tarrif’.
In fact, under this scheme, it is estimated that Mendip Place could make savings of approximately £12,000 in the first year, with a 25 year ‘whole life’ benefit of £390,000, making it potentially one of the most cost efficient systems of its kind.
The development’s total heating and hot water requirements are supplied by a communal biomass boiler system, with smart meters located in each property, ensuring that tenants are only billed for the energy they use. The boiler system will also qualify for an annual payment under the government’s ‘Renewable Heat Incentive’ scheme.
To ensure maximum efficiency, the biomass system is fitted with variable speed controls and monitored remotely for critical and low fuel alarms. Automatic ash extraction units ensure minimal maintenance is required.
“This ground breaking project clearly demonstrates the importance of renewable technologies. Thanks to the expertise of SolarTech, working closely with the other partners, we have shown that we can more than meet the Government’s target of zero carbon standards within the affordable housing sector by 2016,” said Jason Page, Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor for architects, Ingleton Wood.
For more information contact SolarTech Ltd, Unit 2 Sterling Business Park, Top Angel Road, Buckingham Industrial Estate, MK18 1TH. Tel: 0845 838 2477. Fax: 0845 838 2439
Email: info@solartech.org.uk Web. www.solartech.org.uk
