Stuart Fairlie, Managing Director at Elmhurst Energy talks to PHPD about why measured energy performance is crucial for the homes of the future.

It’s widely accepted that 20% of the UK’s carbon emissions come from our buildings. But how accurate is this? At the moment, many of our efforts to measure and decarbonise our buildings are based on calculations, such as the standard assessment procedure (SAP) currently used to determine a property’s energy performance certificate (EPC) rating. This involves assumptions on a building’s location, amount of heating, and air temperatures.

This means our goals of reaching net zero by 2050 and reducing the carbon footprint of our homes could, in fact, be further – or closer – than we think.

To combat this, the industry can and should now be looking to use more accurate data instead of assumptions, wherever possible.

Measured energy performance (MEP) is a solution to this. It is the method of assessing building heat loss using on-site measurements, rather than relying on energy models.

What is measured energy performance?
Every building is different. As we push for net zero, it is crucial we measure and understand how buildings use energy and how well they perform in practice.

Measured energy performance testing focuses on the measurement of Heat Transfer Co-efficient, or HTC. As it stands, it is a measurement that is predicted in SAP, RdSAP, and other energy models. But there are now a handful of technologies that can measure the actual figure in-situ.

MEP assessors are pushing the industry forward, using these technologies to provide a greater understanding about our buildings. The data can be used to identify any potential issues or defects in the property, providing evidence needed for further investigations or data-driven decision making.

Why is MEP important for housebuilders?
Housebuilders should be considering measured energy performance as it plays a crucial role in demonstrating compliance with the Future Homes Standard (FHS), in force from next year. The FHS sets out an option for demonstrating that any potential performance gap has been eliminated in new build homes. This means there is likely to be a surge in demand for MEP.

Delivering net zero carbon-ready new build homes is a major piece of the jigsaw for achieving net zero by 2050. However, many housebuilders are already there or are nearing this point.

MEP can deliver data that proves homes’ energy performance matches the intent at design.

By performance testing new homes, this shows that the Future Homes Standard requirement for 75-80% lower carbon emissions has been met.

Energy efficiency demand
According to OVO, more than two-thirds of prospective homebuyers in the next two years are specifically looking for houses with green installations that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

This comes as no surprise with energy bills currently sitting at around £1,568 for a typical household using dual fuel, based on the last Ofgem price cap.

Recent figures on house values also echo this. Nationwide recently compared average prices in England and Wales in the 12 months leading up to June 2024 and found that properties with a high A or B EPC rating achieved on average 2.8% higher premium. While we know EPCs cannot accurately determine the energy efficiency of a property, this remains a stark indicator.

It is becoming a demonstrable commercial benefit to housebuilders that can prove their homes are a cut above on energy efficiency.

Many home buyers are willing to spend more on a building that is cheaper to heat, knowing they will live more comfortably and reap financial benefits in the longer term. MEP could become a useful tool for housebuilders to differentiate themselves from competitors, gaining an early competitive advantage and reputation for demonstrably better performing, energy efficient homes.

Formalising MEP
Elmhurst has worked to formalise MEP as a new method of measuring building energy performance for almost four years in a range of pilot projects.

It was an early supporter of the government-funded Smart Meter Enabled Thermal Efficiency Ratings (SMETER) innovation programme, exploring the use of measured, rather than calculated energy performance.

This culminated in the recently launched, first-of-its-kind Measured Energy Performance Competency Scheme, to prepare the energy efficiency industry for increased demand in these skills, particularly from the housebuilding sector.

Measured energy performance is also part of a wider toolbox of competencies that go into providing a complete picture of building performance, including airtightness testing, U-value calculations for walls, roof and floors and ventilation testing.

Many of these, such as airtightness testing, are now commonplace following the Part L and Part F updates to Building Regulations in 2021.

Now, integrating MEP into the mix is the next step for housebuilders who want to make sure they are ahead of the curve when the Future Homes Standard arrives next year.

The post Why measured energy performance is crucial for homes in the future appeared first on PHPD Online.

Here, Paul Higgins, commercial Director at tuffx, explains more about how glazing has now become a critical factor in the energy performance of buildings and explores innovative products designed to meet every sustainability and efficiency need.

Looking to the future
As the UK moves towards the ambitious Future Homes Standard (FHS), the construction industry is under increasing pressure to adopt technologies that reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. By 2025, all new homes will be required to produce 75- 80% less carbon than those built under current regulations.

The FHS is designed to ensure that new homes are zero-carbon-ready and equipped for a low-energy future. This involves not just efficient insulation and renewable energy sources but also intelligent materials that enhance the aesthetics and functionality of homes. Glass, often considered a design element, is now a critical factor in the energy performance of buildings.

As the housebuilding industry moves through these pivotal changes and prepares for future requirements, now is the time to explore glazing options specifically designed to be future-focused.

Multifunctional solutions
Glass is set to play a significant role in helping housebuilders and developers to meet the stringent new standards. One product innovation addressing the regulations and the need to deliver thermal comfort is heated glass for bi-fold doors. A direct replacement for traditional, primary heat sources, this integrated and invisible heating glass solution radiates warmth into the home.

Tuffx’s Future Homes Standard ready Glow-heated glass comprises a sealed unit layered with an intelligent conductive coating that is electrically heated to convert electric power into radiant heat yet has no visible trace of a heating system inside. The coatings used are completely undetectable, so from a homeowner’s perspective, the glass will look the same as in any other bi-fold door. An energy-efficient solution, the glass units are also thermostatically controlled, creating ambient temperatures perfect for installation within aluminium bi-folding door systems.

The glass surface temperatures reach 35-40°C, which are controlled via a wallmounted thermostat, allowing Glow to become the primary heat source. This also enhances interior floorplan and layout opportunities as it frees up wall space where traditional radiators would typically need to be placed. This radiant heat technology has an average hourly cost of around 9p per bi-fold door, so, for example, a three-door bi-fold configuration running for five hours per day will cost around £1.35 (based on an electricity cost of 25p/kWh).

From an aesthetic and maintenance point of view, heated glass dramatically reduces condensation, preserving uninterrupted views and potentially contributing to a healthier indoor environment. It also prevents mould or mildew growth and leads to clearer windows, which benefits those with respiratory issues. It also helps preserve the penetration of natural light, allowing homeowners to feel the full benefit of natural light pouring into the property.

For ease of sequencing, as heated glass units are glazed similarly to conventional double-glazed units, installation is as standard. The electrical connections need to be carried out by a qualified electrician directly into the properties’ 240v mains supply. Another key benefit is minimal maintenance. It’s a hassle-free heating solution when compared to a traditional radiator or underfloor heating system, which requires regular balancing and servicing. As mentioned, transforming the bi-fold into the primary heat source removes the need for wall-hung heat emitters, freeing up space and enhancing those all important interior layout opportunities.

Sustainable low-carbon glass
One of the steps to decarbonising the glass industry is low-carbon glass, which is created with reduced carbon emissions involved in the manufacturing process. When used in windows, facades, or glazed areas, low-carbon glass supports the overall energy performance of homes, reducing operational carbon emissions over the lifetime of the building.

This glass, produced with lower energy consumption and fewer carbonintensive materials, contributes to a building’s overall embedded carbon – from construction to operation. The raw materials required to create low-carbon glass are also sourced with sustainability in mind, further reducing the environmental impact of production.

This innovative glass also offers superior insulation properties, preventing heat loss during winter and reducing the need for air conditioning in summer, further cutting energy use. Designed to withstand the test of time, low-carbon glass also reduces the frequency of replacement regardless of external factors like weather, temperature fluctuations, or normal wear and tear. As a result, this superior-quality solution has a longer lifecycle, lessening the need for maintenance tasks like cleaning and repairs, as well as the environmental burden of replacement.

Tuffx was the first manufacturer in the world to introduce low-carbon glass, which has been expertly designed without any compromises regarding quality and performance. Offering exactly the same aesthetics as the regular clear glass, the products contain 64% recycled content and manufactured using renewable electricity throughout the production process. This results in just 6.64kg CO2 content (equivalent m2 for 4mm of low carbon glass) and 42% less carbon footprint when compared with standard glass production.

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