King Alfred Redevelopment Energy Efficient Design
The King Alfred redevelopment’s approach to reducing carbon emissions is endorsed by the authoritative Sustainable Development Commission in their response to the Code for Sustainable Homes (dated 6 March 2006).
Sustainability has been a priority for Karis Holdings from the outset and Faber Maunsell, the leading UK sustainability experts and government advisors, have worked closely with Frank Gehry and the design team throughout the evolution of the King Alfred plans to ensure that, as a minimum, best practice is achieved to reduce carbon emissions.
The range of technologies are being used will ensure that the King Alfred development will provide a reduction in carbon emissions of 25% for the Sports Centre and 20% for the housing when compared to a building designed under the current building regulations.
Karis MD Josh Arghiros said: “From day one Frank Gehry and the design team have focused on reducing the carbon footprint of the King Alfred redevelopment. We have ensured that energy efficiency is built into the design and that the right and most sustainable solutions are in place to meet energy demands. This must be the way forward and we are pleased that this is recognized by the Sustainable Development Commission.”
Karis Holdings has looked at all areas to reduce carbon emissions in both the residential and sports centre environments. Energy efficient technologies built into the development include plate heat exchangers, combined heat and power using bio diesel fuels, absorption cooling and solar power. The development will be water efficient, including the use of recycled water to flush the sports centre toilets, will use sustainable materials and include waste recycling facilities and have a fully integrated Building Energy Management System. The project also includes nesting boxes for peregrine falcons and detailed sustainable transport proposals.
The sports centre will use Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technology generated by renewable bio diesel fuel.
* CHP is very efficient as heat from the electricity generated on site is used in the building and therefore all electricity transmission losses can be avoided. CHP is normally supplied by natural gas – a non-renewable fossil fuel. Bio diesel uses renewable crude products in place of non-renewable fossil fuels.
* CHP using bio diesel represents a renewable energy contribution of nearly 9% for the sports centre.
* This will save approximately 50,000 kg of carbon emissions every year, the equivalent of 50 family cars driven for 10,000 miles per annum.
Renewable energy using absorption chillers will supply cooling to areas of the Sport Centre.
* Absorption cooling uses heat that would otherwise be wasted to produce a cooling effect that is less environmentally damaging than other technologies.
* In addition the absorption chillers will use a refrigerant with zero ODP and GWP.
Further renewable energy technologies include the use of solar power for external lighting areas.
A unique water saving measure is proposed for the sports centre, which will recycle water from the swimming pool circulation system to flush the toilets in the sports centre.
Further water efficiency measures include:
* Low water use sanitary ware such as dual flush (4/6 litre) toilets
* Spray/aerated taps
* These measures represent a significant saving in water use compared to typical fixtures and fittings.
* Rainwater will be harvested and utilized for the irrigation of planting in the public realm
All materials will be sustainable and will be chosen for longevity and ability to patinate well in a marine environment.
* Materials will be A rated, the highest rating as specified in the Green Guide to Specification for building materials.
* All timber will be from sustainable sources
Detailed proposals are included for the internal and external storage of recyclable waste, as recommended by the Sustainable Development Commission.
