These new-build residential projects will see the construction of 135 new Net Zero ready affordable homes for Renfrewshire Council across two sites in Gallowhill and Howwood. The homes will be built to meet the highest standards in energy efficiency including exemplar fabric performance, zero direct emissions heating, renewable energy generation and heat recovery.

Following a successful ITT award, Carbon Futures was appointed along with the rest of the design team from inception to develop the ambitious energy strategy for the projects. This included provision of Statement on Energy and Energy Strategy Analysis at planning and Energy Compliance Report, Approved Certifier of Design (Energy), SAP Calculations, U-value Calculations and Psi-value Calculations at warrant stage. During construction we will continue to monitor design development and provide Energy Performance Certificates and Sustainability Labels at completion.

Both the Gallowhill West and Howwood Road sites are being delivered to a very ambitious ‘Net Zero Ready’ specification which includes enhanced fabric performance with Ultra Low Air Permeability and Calculated Thermal Bridging Performance including Bespoke Psi-value Calculations and utilisation of Carbon Futures Platinum Detail Pack. The homes also feature triple glazed windows, Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR), air source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels with PV diverter.

Upon completion, all 135 houses will achieve the following ratings:

• Aspect Platinum Level 1 (Direct Greenhouse Gas Emissions)
• Aspect Gold Level 2 (Energy for Space Heating)
• Aspect Gold Level 3 (Energy for Water Heating)
• Aspect Gold Level 4-8 (Compliance)
• Gold Active Sustainability Label under Section 7 (Sustainability) of the Building Standards

The average SAP Rating for both projects is 99A and the average Environmental Impact Rating is 100A, with average space heating and water heating cost estimated to be £225 per year.

This highlights the exemplary energy performance of both projects, ensuring they meets the clients ambitious briefing requirements. The projects achieve a Low & Zero Carbon Generating Technology (LZCGT) abatement of 81.32%.