Low and zero carbon (LZC) Feasibility Reports

Reports can be generated by Gladwood to provide details of the various Carbon Dioxide reduction measures that can be undertaken for a project.

The report format is intended to provide the BREEAM assessor with sufficient information to award a credit within section Ene 5.

The proposed energy strategy for the project is generally based on the below procedures:

• An improvement beyond current baseline standards through energy efficiency measures
• The production of energy on site through low or zero carbon systems

The feasibility study assesses the sustainable energy options for the building as listed below:

• We undertake an initial review of the full range of renewable energy options for the proposed building, following the BREEAM guidance.
• We then undertake a technical options appraisal on CHP, ground/air source heat pumps, solar water heating, photovoltaics and wind power systems that may be appropriate for the current design of the building.
• We then recommend suitable LZC systems appropriate for the development

When the above assessment is complete we then establish a baseline energy assessment i.e. minimum regulations pass, we then simulate the building with design parameters altered from the baseline figures to incorporate energy efficient design (usually a 10% improvement) The final assessment incorporating the chosen renewable technology. The results are presented in a form acceptable to BREEAM assessor.

It should be noted that this type of assessment should be carried out early during the design of the building (RIBA design stage C). If the assessment is carried out later in the design process then the credit may not be awarded.