Zero Carbon House, Birmingham UK

From www.nhbcfoundation.org/Researchpublications/

A practical guide to building airtight dwellings (NF16) This guide brings together the experiences of those who have already got to grips with airtightness, for the benefit of others and provides design tips and guidance on common air leakage paths. read more … The Code for Sustainable Homes simply explained (NF15) This guide helps developers get to grips with the Code by distilling the experience gained from a large number of Code assessments and advises designers and builders on a strategic way through. read more … Zero carbon homes – an introductory guide for housebuilders (NF14) This guide explains simply the background to zero carbon and summarises the Government’s current proposals. This important publication explains the concept of zero carbon and outlines the current CLG consultation on its definition. read more … Community heating and combined heat and power (NF13) An introductory guide to these systems which are likely to become increasingly common in the future as we head towards zero carbon. read more … The use of lime-based mortars in new build (NF12) Posing the question ‘why return to lime-based mortars?’ this guide looks at the advantages of such mortars over cement-based mortars and considers best usage as well as limitations. read more … The Merton Rule (NF11) This publication considers the practical, environmental and economic effects of The Merton Rule and reviews the effectiveness of achieving CO2 reductions through the use of the planning system. read more … Learning the lessons from systemic building failures (NF10) Using examples to illustrate problems that have arisen with innovative forms of construction, this review identifies solutions as well as exploring some of the reasons for the problems and issues that have occurred as a result. read more … Zero carbon: what does it mean to homeowners and housebuilders? (NF9) This extensive market research study involves consumer research focusing on ascertaining attitudes towards zero carbon issues and identifying levels of understanding along with thoughts and feelings on the potential impact zero carbon homes may have on lifestyles. The builder research portrays their views on the Code and how they believe their customers will react to new construction methods and technologies. read more … Site waste management (NF8) This comprehensive guide and accompanying templates provides detailed background information and procurement guidance, explaining the three levels of site waste management practice that are relevant to different types of contract. read more … A review of microgeneration and renewable energy technologies (NF7) This research assesses the 11 types of technology most appropriate for new developments, including biomass, solar, photovoltaic, air source heat pump and fuel cell technologies. It examines cost-efficiency and carbon saving benefits, with crucial factors like payback periods, seasonal variation and location taken into account. read more … Modern Housing (NF6) This research draws heavily on Government data from the Communities and Local Government English House Condition Survey (EHCS) and examines a range of issues including households’ satisfaction with their homes and neighbourhoods and the key factors they consider important when choosing them. read more … Ground source heat pump systems (NF5) With detailing on cost benefits, analysis on construction practices, reliability, maintenance and interfaces with other systems the research makes important strides in addressing the use of ground source energy. read more … Risks in domestic basement construction (NF4) The use of basements is being increasingly considered as an option by builders and developers. Basements have inherent risks relating to water ingress and load-bearing capacity and the guide is designed to clarify risk management issues in the construction process. read more … Climate change and innovation in house building (NF3) The guide focuses on a range of issues associated with the changing patterns, systems and methods of construction in new homes which have changed the risk profile for lenders traditionally used to dealing with brick and block construction. read more … Conserving energy and water, and minimising waste (NF2) The first in a series of findings from the Foundation to tackle the climate change agenda came in the wake of a series of legislative and regulatory initiatives from Government targeting the house-building industry as a key to reducing carbon emissions. read more … A guide to modern methods of construction (NF1) The Foundation’s launch project focuses on the use of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and detailed issues relating to modular and panellised construction alongside other methods of off-site manufacture. read more …