Scheme Summary
The scheme consists of the renovation and refurbishment of 45 houses as part of a European initiative, SHINE (Solar Housing through Innovation for the Natural Environment). The programme will relieve fuel poverty, reduce environmental impact of the houses and improve comfort levels for residents.

Scheme Details

Reading Borough Council, with the assistance of European THERMIE funding, have carried out the environmental refurbishment of 45 two and four storey properties across Reading. The refurbishment programme eliminated fuel poverty by improving energy efficiency. Savings to residents are expected to be around 80%.

The houses in the scheme were selected on two main criteria:

• where technology will have the greatest impact;
  
• where residents will benefit most due to low incomes or by belonging to a vulnerable group.

As part of the European SHINE initiative, the scheme also tested the benefits of solar technology. The installation of solar hot water systems have been complemented by a package of other environment friendly energy efficiency measures.

Environmental Features
Each property was assessed to determine the extent of refurbishment needed. The specification for the total package of environmental and energy efficient elements is set out below.

Where the roof needed repairing, slates were re-used, when possible. A solar panel and tank were introduced.

200mm of mineral wool loft insulation was added. Where walls needed replastering 50mm of mineral wool or expanded polystyrene insulation was added. If floors were being lifted, floor insulation was added, usually in the form of mineral wool.

Old boilers were replaced with gas condensing boilers. Heat recovery systems were added in properties where ceilings were being replaced/repaired.

Windows were replaced using timber low-e double glazed units, where possible.

All pipes were insulated.

Several of the houses were used for monitoring purposes. These also had conservatories added as a passive solar heat buffer, and solar air heating.

The improvements to the building envelope resulted in significantly improved U values and heating efficiency, typically:

To maximise heating efficiency, heat recovery systems were placed above the cooker with an estimated 80% catchment of waste heat. In total, 60-70% of heat is recovered from the rooms, and pre-heated fresh air is delivered back into the living rooms.

Hot water costs are reduced by the introduction of roof mounted solar panels. The solar collectors have an area of 2.6m with 90% transparency and 92% absorption rate. 3 watt pumps transfer the solar heated water into a 140 litre thermal store tank. This can keep the water at temperatures up to 90°C.

Traditional central heating systems are connected to a gas condensing boiler. This has an optimum heat starting programmer integrated with the boiler to keep it in condensing mode. Training and advice to residents will help maximise its efficiency in use.

Costs
The average net cost per unit to improve insulation, replace windows, add solar water heating, air pre-heating, heat and recovery systems was £19,330 (excluding VAT). The EU Thermie grant funded 34% of the refurbishment works.

Developer's Comments
A large amount of both traditional and innovative technology has been installed in these houses. While all of the elements will provide energy savings, it is difficult to predict how these will interact. We have therefore commissioned detailed monitoring of the energy flows in two of the houses. This monitoring will cover a full heating year, and will start at the end of February 2001. We will use this monitoring data to determine the most cost efficient package. We intend to continue to promote energy efficient refurbishment in both the private and public sector.

Contact: Ken Yule,
Reading Borough Council,
Civic Centre,
Reading,
Berkshire RG1 7TD
Tel: 0118 939 0466
Fax: 0118 958 9770
Email: Ken.yule@reading.gov.uk
Website: www.reading.gov.uk