Allow
More info
Here in brief are low energy carbon solutions we would like to see in all Council new builds and major refurbishments - this list is not necessarily exhaustive, and other low energy solutions should be investigated where suitable.
We see most of the technologies and solutions below as realistic and achievable, with correct usage they would both reduce our Carbon Footprint, helping to achieve our CO2 reduction targets, reduce future Carbon taxes through the Energy Efficiency Carbon Reduction Commitment scheme, and increase the Councils/ Schools Green credentials.
BREEAM
BREEAM 
(BRE Environmental Assessment Method) is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the de facto measure used to describe a building's environmental performance. Torbay Council’s Policy is to achieve ‘Excellent’ on all new builds.
(BRE Environmental Assessment Method) is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the de facto measure used to describe a building's environmental performance. Torbay Council’s Policy is to achieve ‘Excellent’ on all new builds.Building Orientation
Where possible orientate the building for optimum daylight / sunlight/solar heat gain where appropriate.
Building Fabric
- Roof insulation - more than regulation.
- Double or even triple glazing (if windows are north facing).
- Low emmisivity glass for new glazing (Low-E) (bounces heat back into a room).
- Integrated blinds and/or allow for secure night opening (to provide additional ventilation and cooling benefits).
- Automatic door closers.
- Well insulated hot water / heating system - valves, flanges, pipes, water tanks etc.
- Optimum acoustics - for learning.
- Building Energy Management System (BMS) - to operate all or some of: heating/ lighting, ventilation and air conditioning (if present), also window opening and shading devices to control environmental conditions within the building. Or a combination of user control and BMS to obtain optimum control and benefits.
- Photovoltaic cells, if building orientation is suitable, to provide electricity to the buildings and possibly to the grid (feed-in-tariffs).
Heating & Ventilation
- Biomass heating and hot water systems - where appropriate.
- Solar water heating - where appropriate.
- Heating Zone controls, TRV’s (Thermostatic radiator valves) on radiators.
- Variable speed drives where appropriate.
- Natural Ventilation should be achieved where possible.
- Heat exchangers - if appropriate.
- Avoid air-conditioning if at all possible.
Lighting
- Design for optimum daylight - to minimise use of lights. Minimising glare.
- Solar shading - variable shading on south facing facades, to limit solar heat gain can reduce or even eliminate the need for air conditioning.
- Use of sky lights / sun tubes to draw in more daylight
- Low level office lighting, with additional task lighting.
- LED lighting, or at the very least T5 HF lighting.
- Lighting sensors in appropriate areas, utilising occupancy / absence / photoelectric (daylight) and PIR sensors.
Energy Metering
Smart metering / AMR should be installed as standard - for accurate meter reads and billing, and analysis of energy use to help you reduce consumption.
Sub metering where appropriate for gas and Electricity to separate areas / departments.
Equipment
- Thin client PC’s - very low energy.
- Pre-programmed systems to shutdown after hours - to stop out of hour’s consumption.
- Low-energy appliances - photocopiers / kettles / fridges / hand driers / toasters / microwaves etc.
- Timers fitted to all such appliances - to switch off out of hours.
Water
- No dripping taps.
- Electronic Urinal flush controllers - with presence detectors. So urinals only flush after use, not constantly.
- Dual flush cisterns or water reducers in existing single flush cisterns. (Hippo-bags etc)
- Tap flow restrictors.
- Push button or infra-red sensor taps - auto cut off.
Staff / Pupil Usage
We would hope for the school to introduce a change in behaviours to co-inside with new buildings / refurbishments, to enable them to be utilised in such a way to minimise energy wastage. Switching off appliances at night, and reducing energy and water waste to a minimum. Make this ‘normal’ working practice at the start.
Please contact the Energy Team to discuss any of the above in more detail, or if you would like us o attend design meetings and the like.
External Advice
Torbay Council work with SWEEG (South West Energy & Environment Group), who are part of Exeter University. They are able to offer bespoke advice for new builds and refurbishments, focusing on energy efficiency, acoustics, thermal performance of buildings, BREEAM assessments and much more.
(South West Energy & Environment Group), who are part of Exeter University. They are able to offer bespoke advice for new builds and refurbishments, focusing on energy efficiency, acoustics, thermal performance of buildings, BREEAM assessments and much more.Their input can be invaluable to a project, we would recommend their expert advice. 01392 724141.
Torbay Council Contacts:
- Carbon Reduction Officer - 01803 208988
- Energy Manager - 01803 208966
Please contact us if you require advice, this list is by no means exhaustive, but a great starting point to making your schools new build or refurbishment as energy efficient as it can be.
Related Websites
- Carbon Trust
- Climate Week
- Department for Education
- Department of Energy & Climate Change
- Devon Car Free Day
- Eco Schools
Related Tasks
- Request - School Energy Advice
- Email this page
- Feedback - Comment on this page
- Feedback - Complaints
- Feedback - General
Contact Energy Team
- Tel: 01803 208988
- Email: sustainableschools@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: N/A
