Net Zero

All future building projects need to support Net Zero goals due to their 40% carbon footprint in the UK. Unfortunately the government and current standards shows no signs of promoting low carbon retrofit of the pre war housing stock, only new housing. House refurbishment typically occurs every 20 years or longer so Net Zero Retrofit principles are necessary now for all major refurbishment work.

A3 Associates is a signatory of ArchitectsDeclare - a low carbon construction advocacy group and is committed to using the LETI retrofit energy standards and targets. Low carbon buildings have many benefits:

  • Lower utility Bills

  • Increased thermal comfort

  • Healthier indoor climate

  • Higher EPC ratings

  • Increased asset value looking forward

Additional costs are 5-10%

Our first net zero project

We are excited about our first Net Zero project which is being built to LETI Best Practice Standards and starts construction this year. It will include the following energy, health and well being features:

  • Airtight Construction

  • High levels of Insulation

  • Air source Heat Pump

  • Solar PV panels

  • Natural finishes

  • Timber structure where possible

  • Low Carbon concrete

  • Formaldehyde free and Low VoC’s

  • Decentralised ventilation with heat recovery

Pre-War Houses

  • Feels draughty

  • No insulation to floor or walls

  • No or poor window insulation

  • Hot ceiling, cold floors and walls

  • Uncomfortable fluctuating environment

  • Open chimney flues in all rooms -huge heat loss

  • High energy costs

  • Prone to condensation

  • Stranded Asset?

Net Zero

  • No Draughts

  • Highly insulated floors, walls, roofs and windows

  • Underfloor heating, even temperature gradient

  • Comfortable, steady environment

  • Low Energy Costs

  • Dry construction

  • Controlled Humidity – better health

Heat Pump Retrofit

There is a lot of discussion about banning gas boilers and installing Heat Pumps . What is often not said is that there is little point in Heat Pumps without high degrees of insulation so that the size of the heat Pump is minimised and the demand on the grid also minimised. Improving the insulation and heat loss can often only really be done during major refurbishment whereas a Heat Pump can easily be installed retrospectively if underfloor heating is installed first.