Pictured above: (l-r) Dr Paul Rowley (Loughborough University), Dennis Kent (Lord Stafford Awards Judge) and Vincent Smedley (East Midlands Renewable Energy Ltd) 

The recent development of practical zero carbon housing is set to help a Derbyshire based engineering firm compete for a prestigious innovation award.   

SHINE-ZC, a joint project between East Midlands Renewable Energy Ltd (EMRE Ltd), Aggregate Industries, the Litchfield Group and Loughborough University, has been shortlisted in the Innovation for Sustainability category for the Lord Stafford Awards 2010. 

It presents a startling vision for the future and a new approach to sustainable living, demonstrating the very real possibility of an affordable zero emission way of life.  The concept, based upon extensive feasibility work undertaken at the University, represents the first time such low energy construction methods have been seen in the UK market and offers new solutions to the problems of building ethically.  

EMRE Ltd has developed a dynamic modelling process to integrate key features such as a seasonal energy storage system, created from recycled materials, and an integrated roof solar heating unit with the building fabrics to achieve this cost effective code Level 6 compliant building. This technique represents a sizable stride forward in upping the energy efficiency of modern housing.  

It also employs a comprehensive monitoring system to provide evidence that the project is meeting its long term targets, chief among which are the delivery of a positive net carbon balance and combined energy consumption below 60kWh per m2 per year.       

The nine test homes, built in the Woods Lane area of Derby, will be analysed over time to demonstrate the long term economic benefits to both industry professionals and the public via a dedicated website. 

The total cost of the build will be one million pounds, around half of which has been funded through the East Midlands Development Agency. The three apartments and six terraced houses are set to be ready for sale in autumn 2010 and will carry a price tag in the region of £100,000.

Vincent Smedley, Director of EMRE, is excited at the potential of the project:  "SHINE-ZC meets a real need, as no housing that achieves genuine long term zero carbon performance cost-effectively is currently available.  Therefore, our aim is to show how optimal use of innovative low carbon building technologies can deliver real ultra low carbon housing in practice."  

He continued: "Our short-listing for the Innovation for Sustainability Award is wonderful recognition of the hard work put in by ourselves and Loughborough University. Working together has been hugely beneficial through a number of knowledge transfer and cooperation initiatives and this relationship is something we are eager to maintain and build on in the future."  

Being a part of the project has aided all those involved from the University according to Dr. Paul Rowley, Senior Lecturer on Renewable Energy:

"In terms of the modelling and simulation, staff and students have gained experience from applying dynamic thermal modelling approaches to the building, which allows them to accurately predict energy performance.  The monitoring system employed also enables them to fully understand the results they are seeing and offer ideas for potential improvement."

EMRE, which employs two full time staff and generates a turnover of £500k per year, was established in 2008.  It centred its focus on the renewable sector, undertaking collaboration with a local property developer to work on greener living.  

The SHINE-ZC project soon followed, aimed at developing future builds to meet the stringent requirements of the Level 6 Code for Sustainable Homes implemented by government which all new homes must comply with by 2016.

The concept and results from initial testing has led to firm interest from both Derby City and South Derbyshire District Councils, providing significant potential growth for the company as local authorities and building contractors seek to meet these guidelines.

Awards Judge Dennis Kent commented:  "The SHINE-ZC housing concept is a very exciting step forward in low carbon housing.  We are all aware that carbon reduction is a key modern issue so it's fantastic for the region that the project is based in Derby.

"There is a real chance for the build to become a centre of excellence in sustainable housing as not only is it a cutting edge technology now, the ongoing analysis of these nine homes will provide feedback for further developments to be made in the future."

The winners of the awards, which cover 'Innovation Achieved', 'Innovation in Development' and 'Innovation for Sustainability', will be announced at a high-profile finale on September 9th at Athena in Leicester.

Sponsors for the event include the East Midlands Development Agency, the East Midlands Universities Association, CFE, Connect Midlands, epm: technology ltd, Swindell and Pearson, Leicester and Leicestershire Leadership Group to the list of sponsors and the Enterprise Europe Network.

For further information about The Lord Stafford Awards, please visit their website here: www.thelordstaffordawards.co.uk