MVHR

Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) is a fundamental feature of Low Energy Homes under the AECB Building Standard, significantly improving energy efficiency and indoor air quality. MVHR systems work by extracting stale air from the building and replacing it with fresh air from outside, while simultaneously recovering heat from the outgoing air to warm the incoming air. 

Constant Supply of Fresh Air

This process reduces the need for additional heating, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. MVHR ensures a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, enhancing air quality and reducing humidity and pollutants. This results in lower energy consumption, reduced utility bills, and a healthier, more comfortable living environment throughout the year.

Thermal Performance

An enhanced thermal envelope is a fundamental aspect of the AECB (Association for Environment Conscious Building) Building Standard, which aims to achieve high levels of energy efficiency and occupant comfort in buildings. The thermal envelope refers to the building components that separate the conditioned interior space from the outdoor environment, including walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors.

High Performance Insulation

To meet the AECB Building Standard, it is essential to use high-performance insulation materials in the walls, roofs, and floors. These materials, such as mineral wool, polyurethane foam, or cellulose, have low thermal conductivity, which means they effectively reduce heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the building. By minimizing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, the insulation helps maintain a stable and comfortable indoor temperature.

Low Impact Materials

Low impact materials play a crucial role in the AECB (Association for Environment Conscious Building) Building Standard, which aims to reduce the environmental footprint of Low Energy Homes. The selection of building materials is based on several key factors, including their embodied energy, recyclability, and local availability. By carefully considering these aspects, the AECB Building Standard promotes the use of materials that significantly reduce carbon emissions and contribute to a more sustainable built environment.

Low Embodied Energy

Embodied energy refers to the total energy required to produce, transport, and install a material. Materials with low embodied energy, such as timber from sustainably managed forests, recycled steel, or locally sourced stone, require less energy during their production and transportation processes. By choosing materials with low embodied energy, the AECB Building Standard minimizes the carbon emissions associated with the construction phase of Low Energy Homes.

Renewables

Renewable energy sources are crucial to the AECB Building Standard, enhancing the sustainability of Low Energy Homes. Key technologies include Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), which extract heat from the air, Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs), which utilize stable underground temperatures, and solar panels, which generate electricity or heat water using energy from the sun. 

Energy Independence

These technologies significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable living environment. By incorporating renewable energy, the AECB Building Standard promotes energy independence, decarbonization, and responsible stewardship of natural resources, aligning with broader goals of environmental sustainability.

Overheating

Overheating is a critical consideration in the AECB Building Standard, aimed at ensuring comfort and energy efficiency in Low Energy Homes. Effective design strategies are employed to mitigate overheating risks, such as incorporating adequate shading, optimising window placement, and using thermal mass to absorb and store heat. 

Cross Ventilation

Cross ventilation is another key strategy, allowing cool air to flow through the building and replace warm, stale air. Preventing overheating not only enhances occupant comfort but also reduces the need for energy-intensive cooling solutions, thereby contributing to lower energy consumption and more sustainable living environments.

High Performance Glass

Triple glazing is a key component in achieving the AECB Building Standard's high energy efficiency and comfort levels. With three panes of glass and insulating gas, triple glazing significantly reduces heat transfer compared to double glazing. The AECB standard requires low U-value windows, which triple glazing provides, ensuring excellent insulation and stable indoor temperatures. 

Minimise Cold Spots

Triple glazing minimises draughts, cold spots, and external noise, enhancing comfort. By reducing energy consumption and improving the living environment, triple glazing aligns with the AECB's commitment to creating sustainable and high-performance buildings, contributing to the standard's goals of energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and environmental sustainability.