Housing Minister visits HHP

Yvette Cooper MP, Minister for Housing and Planning, visited Hockerton Housing Project today to find out more about the issues associated with achieving zero carbon housing.

During the whistle-stop 50 minute visit, Nick White (Director & Project resident) gave the Minister a quick tour of his house and explained how they worked, what was successful and what lessons had been learnt (see summary below). Yvette Cooper seemed very receptive and interested in HHP's experience over the last 9 years.

A 'Guardian' newspaper reporter was also with the Minister and should include the visit in her article within the next two weeks.

Summary of points made to Minister

What can be achieved?

• Ultra low energy homes (25% energy use compared to homes built to current building regulations) by primarily focusing on reducing space heating
• Ultra low energy homes need not cost any more to build - BUT need to remove complex spaced heating systems and use savings to invest in insulation & glazing
• Increase in thermal comfort 
• Long term energy cost savings (approx. £1000/annum for HHP homes versus average UK home)
• Future proofing householders against rising energy/water costs
• Zero carbon homes …BUT currently at a cost due to expensive renewables.

Barriers

• Perceived premium costs for environmental building
• Attitudes towards keeping complex space heating
• Love affair with high technology & gizmos!
• Micro-Renewables currently expensive and too much emphasis on payback rather than return on investment.

 
Key Lessons

• Get the structure/basics right early on in design
• Energy conservation first, second & third…then generation
• Complex heating systems are very poor value for money compared to use of high levels of insulation as part of construction
• Technology invariably disappoints in terms of performance and durability
• Energy generation costs a premium
• Micro-wind very site sensitive and unlikely to perform in urban environments
• Design should limit on-costs & maintenance
• Keep it simple ….easier/cheaper and less wasteful.