Evaluating the real energy and environmental performance of an eco-housing development in England

Reducing carbon emissions in new urban areas plays an important role in climate change mitigation. Over the last two decades, an increasing number of urban eco-developments addressing sustainability and environmental challenges have been planned and delivered worldwide. However, as evaluations of the achieved (in-use) performance are rare and tend to focus on a particular aspect of performance and small dwelling samples, the true potential of these developments in reducing urban emissions is still not well understood. In response, this study conducted a more holistic evaluation of in-use performance of a large case study eco-housing development in England (157 dwellings), capturing household behaviours (energy, transportation, waste and food) and dwelling use (energy, carbon, water, indoor conditions). The study findings were based on a rich dataset, comprised of one year monitoring data of dwelling energy and water performance and indoor environmental conditions, performance of the community heating system, as well as household interviews and a questionnaire survey. Based on the results of the data analysis, the case study development could be classified as a low energy housing development, rather than an exemplar of sustainable living, as intended. The mean dwelling energy use (76 kWh/m2/year, n=74) achieved the design target. However, the targeted dwelling performance was not achieved in regard to the carbon emissions (20.2 kgCO2e/m2/year, n=74) and water use (96.2 l/p/day, n=46). In addition, adequate ventilation levels in bedrooms and cool indoor temperatures during the summer were not achieved in the majority of monitored dwellings (n=14). Reported energy- and water-saving behaviours were fairly common. The mean waste recycling rates (45% to 60%) were similar to local and national averages, and below the target of 80%. The mean rates of purchasing organic food (37%), growing food (31%) and meat consumption (in 36% of all meals) indicated that food behaviours were not more pro-environmental. Car-based modes of transportation were used for 70% of all the reported trips on average, which was higher than the national average and the target of 55%. The findings of this study support the argument that achieving more significant carbon reductions in new urban areas demands a dramatic change in the housing delivery culture. The study provided guidelines for policy makers, developers and practitioners to support the transition from delivering underperforming low carbon dwellings, to developments that make sustainable urban living a reality.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Oreskovic, Luka

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gupta, Rajat

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/m09m-jj47

OAI identifier oai:identifier

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