Daikin Altherma heat pumps have been used as part of a carbon-neutral development at the forefront of sustainable housing, in Northamptonshire. The 8kW low temperature split systems are part of a development in the village of Rothwell, near Kettering, which is designed to prove it is possible to build energy efficient, sustainable housing that is practical, appealing and comfortable for the homeowner, while being easy and affordable for the volume house builder to replicate.
The VELUX CarbonLight Homes are among the first in the UK designed to the new Government definition of zero carbon. These houses were designed from the ground up to zero carbon standards, delivering a minimum 70% reduction in carbon emissions on-site, with the remaining 30% of carbon emissions offset by funding energy saving improvements to existing local authority housing stock.
The scheme aims to set a benchmark for future sustainable housing in both the private and social housing sectors. VELUX worked with Daikin UK to select the most appropriate and efficient heating solution: an 8kW Low Temperature Split System for each house.
Paul Hicks of VELUX said: “We have been extremely fortunate to have worked with such a substantial number of well-respected specialists within the sustainable construction industry, such as Daikin. Their support has been vital to the success of the project, ensuring that the homes achieve a carbon-neutral status, while using renewable technologies along with high levels of daylight and natural ventilation to promote the health and wellbeing of the occupants and minimise energy use.”
The Daikin Altherma range of air-water heat pumps has been proven to deliver seasonal performances among the highest in the market, with 1kW of electricity consumption generating 3kW to 5kW of free heat, depending on operational and ambience temperature conditions. As result, the CO2 emissions generated from heating can be reduced when compared with a traditional combustion based fuel boiler or a condensing gas boiler.
In addition, the Daikin Altherma low temperature heat pumps are Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) accredited, which means they qualify for financial incentives to encourage the installation of renewable energy heating systems. MCS accreditation also offers customers assurance that the products they are purchasing meet the highest efficiency and quality standards and, when installed by an MCS accredited engineer, their heating system will be designed to meet best practice guidelines.
Setting a benchmark
The Kettering homes, which are open plan and incorporate high levels of daylight, natural ventilation and the Daikin air-water heat pumps, have been designed in line with Active House principles. Intended to promote the health and well-being of the occupants, the homes also aim to minimise energy usage among residents and generate a sense of community, while advocating a respect for the environment. The aesthetics of the scheme are sympathetic to the local context but allow the homes to retain an individual identity.
The scheme aims to set a benchmark for future new communities and VELUX has worked closely with key partners including HTA Architects, Willmott Dixon, Kettering Borough Council and North Northants Development Company to deliver the project successfully.
Post-occupancy performance
The completed homes are currently open to the industry and, starting later this year, will then undergo twelve months of post occupancy performance monitoring to help inform the sustainable housing agenda, before being sold on the open market.
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