The government has set the industry a huge challenge: to reduce net carbon emissions to zero for new homes from 2016. To meet that challenge, we need innovative designs and products... enter AIMC4.
In meeting Government targets for sustainable homes, the challenge is not just how to build them, but how to make them available in volume, at a competitive cost and desirable to the consumer. In 2010, a pioneering three year project was set up to bring together industry leading developers and experts to answer this question, while creating world class sustainable housing. Co-funded by the Technology Strategy Board, the AIMC4 consortium comprises three of the UK’s leading housebuilders, Stewart Milne Group, Crest Nicholson Plc and Barratt Developments Plc; plus building material manufacturer H+H UK Ltd, and the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
Where are we now?
The project is forecast to be complete in July 2013, in time for the change to Part L of the Building Regulations which will make Code Level 4 mandatory.
The pilot homes across the country are now almost complete. Two thirds of the Stewart Milne homes have been built, with work starting on phase three in Preston in spring 2012. Crest Nicholson is currently completing five AIMC4 homes at its Noble Park development in Epsom, Surrey, and Barratt Developments is building four AIMC4 units as part of its Meridian Park development in Corby, Northamptonshire.
Once the homes are occupied, BRE Scotland will carry out co heating tests, a 12 month monitoring programme and occupancy evaluation to assess performance levels and customer reactions. Factors such as actual energy use, heat loss, indoor air quality, comfort and control will be evaluated, with homeowners interviewed to get feedback about their experiences. The results will provide evidence to help achieve the Government targets, as well as determine which products work best to meet the demanding energy efficiency standards that confront the whole industry.
Dalgarno explains: “The exploitation plan is to find a mainstream, low-cost Code Level 4 fabric solution. After assessment by BRE Scotland, we will publish our findings, learn from the process, and be in a position where we know how to deliver consumer friendly Code Level 4 homes suitable for cost-effective, volume delivery.”
Summarising the project, Dalgarno added: “This country has ambitious targets for a zero carbon future and we are keen to ensure we can meet the carbon agenda as well as build homes that consumers want to live in. AIMC4 is breaking new ground in its approach to sustainable building; it is showing a realistic way forward, and we believe that the results of the pilot schemes will inform the future of low carbon building.”
