First hand experiences

Examples of this experience are:

• The original turbine output was based on theoretical calculations. Turbine sites should have one year's windspeed readings before final decision making.

• Ensure the equipment being offered and installed has been fully developed. The turbines have been fitted with an unproven braking system. This has been replaced.

• Thorough monitoring has revealed micro climates affects ie lower than expected wind speed, wind direction North West rather than South West. This must be the affect of the Tower Block.

• Untested opinions and ideas are critical to the creative process; however, the modelling of these ideas is essential. Time needs to be built into the programme to facilitate sufficient analysis and testing of these ideas particularly when dealing with the constraints offered by an existing building. It is important to establish a model of the building to allow the rapid testing of ideas as the most obvious concepts do not always offer the greatest benefit. For example, the proposed vertical louvers under the PV array to the western elevation. Modelling showed a good saving from solar gain but the additional cost was unacceptable to the client.

• The long payback period discourages the choice of some technologies unless funding is available to support the investment.

• Consultants are often very inexperienced with regard to certain technologies for example wind turbines, which in this case are mounted upon a roof structure. Obvious design issues then get left and interrupt the construction process. Also lack of familiarity with low energy technologies mean they are seen as optional extras.

• An alternative and more adventurous solution should always be considered as they can have positive benefits if properly researched, proved and implemented. Example here is with regard to the possibility of 24hr running of the CHP system to provide background heating to the main building.

• It is possible to integrate technologies to serve dual purposes. In the case of this building the PV arrays are also serving as solar shading. Careful consideration of all aspects of the project at the outset will permit such integration.

• The goal for all designers is that the services concept should always start from a desire to consume zero energy and only add what is required to make the building function. It is not acceptable to use established benchmarks for similar buildings at the starting point as this can stifle innovation and lead to tried and tested solutions coming to the fore. This should apply to all projects and not just those seeking to be specifically energy saving.

• Better control of services can save considerable quantities of energy; this should be covered with high quality commissioning procedures and concise training of the client in the best use of the system. Poorly trained people will not use systems effectively and energy consumption will suffer as a result. The introduction of thorough sub meeting linked to BMS is essential to allow for efficient management of utilities.

• There is an education process required at the hand over stage to ensure the building owner understands the advantages and or limitations of any installed systems and maybe an expectation of systems will perform to provide results that are outside design parameters. This needs to be clearly explained such that the end views are brought in to the process at an early stage. Close liaison with the client and the end users through the design process is of a great advantage in connection with this.

• Many low energy technologies are currently produced by small businesses. These businesses struggle to provide good customer service when experiencing high demand. The use of businesses within the same region as the development is strongly recommended.