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Green Building

"Eco-friendly", and environmentally sustainable building renovations and conversions

Are you considering a green renovation or conversion? These two types of project are by their very nature environmentally friendly as they not only potentially bring a property back into use they also mean that there is one less energy inefficient property adding to the worlds CO2 emissions.

Many green builders chose to undertake their projects personally but as more and more people feel their green conscience calling, there are many new to the world of eco-friendly building that lack some of the skills to take their project forward.

So why choose us to take your project forward, because we can take care of the whole project from the initial conception to the final completion. We know that the planning for every building project is critical but for a green build there is much more to consider. From the thermal mass through to the breathable non-toxic paints, so our first stage is to meet and discuss your requirements and then produce a report on the project site specific requirements and the green design techniques you favour.

There are many builders available to assist you in the project but why not ask them their knowledge on environmental building? We can help you by accessing the right people with the right experience, how many builders know what temperature to heat linseed oil too when using it as a breathable undercoat in conjunction with linseed oil based paints? In our experience there are few. So why not send us an e-mail outlining your ideas for your unique project or give us a call. We always look forward to working with our customers on interesting new projects.

What is Green Building?

Why Green Build?

Home Insulation

Green Energy Sources

Home Insulation

If you are proposing to carry out any work to the roof, walls ceiling or floors of your home, it may require building regulation approval and you may be required to upgrade the thermal performance of that building element through the installation of insulating materials.

External Walls

Where more than 25% of any external wall is being re-rendered externally or re-plastered internally or more than 25% of the wall is being re-built, building regulations approval must be sought and the level of insulation must be brought up to the current standards. This can be through external, internal or cavity wall insulation.

Floors

Where more than 25% of a ground floor is being re-laid, building regulations approval must be sought and the level of insulation must be brought up to the current standards. This can involve laying polystyrene material under a new concrete floor or fitting insulation materials between floor joists in a suspended floor situation.

Flat roof

If you are replacing a flat roof over a habitable room, then the insulation should be brought up to current building regulations standards.

Ceilings

Where more than 25% of a ceiling below a cold roof space is being replaced then the thermal insulation of that ceiling should be improved to meet current building regulations.

Pitched roof

Where more than 25% of a pitched roof is being replaced, then the thermal insulation of that roof (or the ceilings below it if more appropriate) should be improved to meet current building regulations.

So what should I do?

The very best time to undertake insulation improvement on your home is during renovation work. The additional cost can often be insignificant compared to the overall budget for the job and the resulting savings on your home heating bills will be enjoyed for decades. Building Solutions Midlands Ltd can offer expert advice in the area of insulation and home energy efficiency so be sure to address this issue before committing to expensive work that may not comply with the current building regulations.

What is Green Building?

Green buildings are structures which are sited, designed, built, renovated and operated to energy efficient guidelines so that they reduce the building impacts on human health and the environment. Green building focuses on four main areas:

Materials

obtained from natural renewable sources
materials obtained locally to reduce energy costs of transportation.

Energy

using renewable energy such as solar power or wind turbines
high levels of insulation and energy efficient windows
use of natural daylight and energy efficient lighting

Water

using water efficient appliances
recycling water for irrigation or toilet flushing
installing point of use hot water systems

Heath

use of non-toxic materials and products to improve air quality, reducing asthma and allergies
ventilation systems and materials which control humidity allow a building to breath

Green building considers every aspect of a building and its occupants, having a more positive impact on the environment and community. Green building strategies are great for reducing maintenance and replacement requirements, reducing utility bills and lowing the cost of home ownership and increasing propety resale values.

Why choose Green?

Homeowners will benefit from living in a healthy and safe environment. Many green products are more energy efficient or water efficient which will save homeowners money over time. Many green products require much less maintenance and offer lasting value.

Green Energy Sources

Solar

Solar energy refers to energy which is collected from natural sunlight through solar panels to create electricity. Sunlight can be converted directly using photovoltaics (PV) or indirectly with concentrating solar power (CSP) which focuses the suns energy to boil water which is then used to provide power.

Hydro-electric Energy

Hydro-electric energy is generated by hydropower which is the production of power through use of the gravitational force of falling or flowing water. We have used running water as an energy source for thousands of years mainly to grind corn. 20% of the world’s electricity is provided by hydro electric power stations. It works by forcing water through tunnels in a dam to turn turbines which drive generators.

Biofuel / Biomass

Plants use photosynthesis to grow and produce biomass. Biomass defined is biological material derived from living, or recently living organisms which can be used directly as fuel or to produce biofuels. Some common biodegradable materials that can be converted into bioenergy include rubbish from landfill sites, organic waste from farms such as manure and plant wastage, and any other organic materials such as household garden waste including dead trees, branches, weeds and plant trimmings. Biomass functions as a sort of natural battery which stores solar energy. Biofuel is burned in internal combustion engines or boilers to release its stored chemical energy.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is low carbon generating revolutionary fuel. Hydrogen is the most plentiful gas in the universe. The sun is a giant ball of hydrogen and helium gases. At its core hydrogen atoms combine to form helium atoms. This process is known as fusion and gives off radiant energy. Radiant energy sustains all life on earth. Hydrogen is found in all growing things — biomass (see above).

A fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat, and water. Fuel cells are often compared to batteries as they both convert the energy produced by a chemical reaction into usable electric power. Since the 1970’s NASA have used liquid hydrogen to fuel its space shuttles and other rockets into orbit. Hydrogen fuel cells power the shuttle’s electrical systems, producing a clean byproduct - pure water, which the crew drinks.

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