Tag Archives: C02 Emissions


Green Energy Solutions for Property Owners

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Sustainable energy means energy that is renewable. The consumer consciousness is now firmly on the side of green and ecological resources. Governments around the world are tasking small businesses and households to reduce their C02 emissions, to have a ‘low carbon footprint.’

The Low Carbon Footprint

How do you do your bit for our world? Are you aware how much energy your home or business is using or losing? London and all the major metropolitan areas are energy monsters using enormous amounts of energy for trade as well as for household devices. What else could you do about cutting your ‘Carbon Footprint?’

Thermal Imaging Surveys

The initial item on any ecologically sound business or home is to discover exactly how much energy is being used and how much is being wasted. Thermal imaging equipment will tell you instantly just how much energy, in the form of heat, is leaking from the home or business premises. A specialist thermal imaging survey will show you much more than just where the building is in need of insulation.

A proper survey will also identify hidden moisture and existing poorly fitted insulation. By identifying these points you will improve comfort levels, save energy costs, building deterioration and health risks with regard to damp.

Why Thermal Insulation Can Help Dramtically

Once you identify the seapage points of your property you can move on using a ecological energy source. But first your business or home must cover the cost of the most of your thermal imaging survey and that’s where thermal insulation is necessary. It is vital you look for the R-Value (‘R’ standing for Resistance) on the thermal insulation materials being used in your property. The ‘R’ scale runs from R-10 to R-30. If in any doubt use a qualified building professional to confirm the insulation materials being used. A positive side effect of using the correct materials is less noise so if you suffer from road noise or general environmental sounds you’ll win twice.

Solar technology advantages is free.

The cost arises from collecting that energy and distributing it to your business or home. London gets an average of 1,750 hours of sunshine every year. This is plenty to run a home and make great savings on a business’s bottom line. You can choose between Solar Water Heating collectors, Photovoltaic panels or even Geothermal Heat Pumps. The main difference being either to heat water or using turn solar energy directly into electricity using the Photovoltaic panel.

All you have to make sure of is mounting your panels on a south-facing roof at a 30-degree angle away from shadows that may be cast from trees, chimneys or other buildings.

Air Testing in Energy Performance Certificates

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From April 2006 Building regulations require that new builds comply with ‘Part L’. This means that a percentage of new properties must go through air tightness testing, air leakage testing and air permeability testing.

Testing airtightness is the process to trace any unwanted wind and unrestrained airflow through the house . A lot of air leakage leads to heat loss which results in greater C02 emissions. Reducing C02 emissions is the purpose of ‘Part L’ in the new building regulations through airtightness testing, air leakage testing and air permability testing.

Both domestic and public buildings have to be examined for air leakage, air tightness and air permeability to adhere to L1 & L2 regulations.

If the home exceeds the specified size, or happens to be a domestic property , you can’t pass it across to the customer without the recognised air leakage test certificate .

Part L of the Buildings Regulations demands that all buildings that aren’t residential , and that have a total floor space greater than 500m2, be accountable to a compulsory air permeability examination . L2 demands that for residential dwellings a representative section of houses (in a development) be tested .

The airtightness of a building is called ‘air permeability’ or leakage rate. This leakage will occur through gaps, holes and cracks in the framework of the building envelope which aren’t always visible . This air leakage alters the building’s effectiveness and is now firmly embedded in Part L of the Building Regulations & Conservation of Fuel and Power. Making a building extensively air tight cuts down the amount of fuel needed to heat it. This then reduces the CO2 produced and reduces your carbon footprint – So it is definately valid and necessary .