This document is an evolution of the energy performance certificate (“EPC”), which supports property owners with suggestions for renovation options. ![]() With such large costs being involved in renovating existing properties, we may see homeowners taking more of an interest in the materials used and the energy efficiency of the buildings they are purchasing.Ī welcomed addition which may assist could be the building renovation passport. In short, Scotland’s existing building stock will require a massive overhaul at a considerable cost to increase its efficiency in coming years to keep up with legislative changes being made. Further cost may be incurred installing wall, loft and floor insulation and improving glazing. It has recently been reported that homeowners could face bills of up to £8,000 to eliminate emissions from heating alone, as fossil fuel boilers are phased out. The increase in smart homes which are controlled by technology is also playing a role – one in six owners control their homes by devices when they are out of their home, which reduces energy consumption by up to 30%.ĭespite this, over 75% of the current building stock in the European Union is not performing to the necessary energy efficiency standard, and up to 85% of this stock will still be in use in 2050. ![]() A network will be built supplying up to 300 homes with 100% green hydrogen, allowing residents to heat their homes and cook their meals using zero carbon hydrogen. In November, Levenmouth in Fife made the headlines as Ofgem awarded up to £18 million to SGN to build a hydrogen demonstration project in the town. Newspaper headlines have been full of examples, including the ban on sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2030, gas and oil fired boilers being phased out, and consultations on low emissions zones in many Scottish cities, to name but a few. Policies and regulations to date have largely concentrated on energy demand, energy consumption and renewable energy. As we plan to “Build Back Better” following the coronavirus pandemic, there is an opportunity for the construction industry to play a larger role in reaching this goal. According to the UK Green Building Council, 45% of total carbon dioxide emissions in Scotland are directly associated with the construction sector. ![]() Sign up for our newsletter.Scotland has an ambitious target for net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases by 2045. Scotland is a net importer of brick, with up to 85 per cent of bricks used in the country coming from Europe, and Kenoteq hopes to ride on K-Briq’s eco-friendly traits to win business from Scots. We hope Kenoteq will be part of those homes.” “The Scottish government has set very high targets for house building with 50,000 new homes earmarked for construction in the next three years. “We’ve produced thousands of bricks and put them through rigorous testing with the K-Briq now commercially available to construction clients. ![]() The scholar said he spent many years studying construction materials and was concerned that modern building techniques exploit raw materials without taking into consideration the levels of carbon emissions.ĭr Sam Chapman, an associate of Prof Medero, said Kenoteq has invested in machinery that can produce three million bricks a year. “It is sustainable and not kiln-fired so it is far better for the environment and represents massive savings for the construction industry in terms of related taxes,” Prof. Gabriela Medero, who came up with the idea of K-Briq more than a decade ago, the product looks like a normal clay brick but offers enhanced insulation properties. The brick can be manufactured in any colour.Īccording to Prof. K-Briq is made from concrete, brick and plasterboard waste combined with a secret binder and compressed to size without firing. The brick generates 10 per cent of the carbon emissions of an old-style fired brick and uses just a tenth of the energy in its production, making it a great choice for individuals looking to engage in sustainable construction. Scholars at the Heriot-Watt University in Scotland have signed a deal with recycling specialist Hamilton Waste & Recycling to commercially produce a new type of recycled brick at the firm’s Edinburgh plant.ĭubbed K-Briq, the product that is being produced by spin-off company Kenoteq, is made from 90 per cent construction and demolition waste. The brick can be manufactured in any colour.
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