CIBSE Technical Symposium 2023: calfordseaden Research Paper

We are pleased to announce that the calfordseaden sustainability team has been successfully appointed to present a research paper at the CIBSE Technical Symposium 2023, held at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow on 20-21 April 2023.

This highly prestigious academic and technical symposium is held every year around the UK to promote research into the challenges of building design, construction and post occupancy studies. The theme for this year is Delivering Sustainable, Safe and Healthy Buildings for a Net Zero Future. Our research investigates how visualisation can impact critical decisions when considering the decarbonisation of schemes. It considers the role and impact low and zero carbon visualisation has on the selection and incorporation of passive and active energy solutions when planning energy strategies for new and existing housing stock.

The paper has been researched and compiled by an expert team across calfordseaden, led by Partner and Head of M&E and sustainability teams, Dr Terry Keech and Principal Sustainability Consultant Emily Mansfield, with contributions from Moazzam Khan, Marie Henderson, Biranavan Sukumaran and Erika Mint.

Research abstract:

The research is set in a real-world phenomenological paradigm concerning the experience developers have in the selection of zero carbon technologies for new and refurbishment housing projects. The research uses data collected from recent energy strategies for planning submissions and from corporate strategies for medium/long term reductions in carbon emissions. A purpose made energy mapping programme is also used within the research to assess levels of visualisation when looking at reducing carbon emissions with existing dwellings.

The ongoing research has found that the ability to visualise the energy strategy in terms of impact on the development, energy saved and impact on the end user was critical in the choice of building interventions and technology selection. In terms of developing medium/long term corporate energy strategies, for existing housing stock, the visualisation mapping tool has enabled the participating organisation to have a high-level view of their developing energy impact across their portfolio, using actual property view and EPC data.

This ongoing research project has the potential to assist developers in the consolidation of their medium/longer term response to achieving zero carbon within their housing stock. The ability to make ‘the invisible visible and attract attention’ (Gardner and Stern, 2002) is a critical tool in enabling increased engagement and informed decision making.

We are delighted that we have been successful to present and hope to see you there.