F u t u r e E n e r g y D e m a n d i n U K H o u s i n g
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Figure 6. Energy consumption by various construction methods.
In terms of CO
2
emissions, the general trend shows as same as energy consumption
trends. As increased temperatures through the climate change scenarios, in all cases
dramatic CO
2
emissions reduction are achieved by improving the building fabric thermal
properties and this has happened in both cases such as with light-weight and heavy-
weight constructions. To compare the construction methods, the heavy-weight structure
shows better performance in CO
2
emissions from heating and cooling throughout the
climate change scenarios.
Figure 7 shows how much of CO
2
emissions from the different construction standards
through the climate change scenarios. Figure 6a represents CO
2
occurring from heating
energy consumption. In a typical mid-terraced house (UK average); CO
2
emissions from
energy consumption (gas and electricity) is 79 CO
2
kg/m²/yr and CO
2
emissions from a
mid-terraced home built to the 2006 building regulation standards is 31 CO
2
kg/m²/yr
where 13.4 CO
2
kg/m²/yr is from heating (represented by red line in Figure 7a). To
compare with 2006 building regulation, the case study home with uninsulated scenario is
emitting more than four times and the worst case is uninsulated and light-weight
construction method under Present London climate.
CO
2
emissions from cooling energy consumption are represented in Figure 7b and it
clearly shows that CO
2
emissions were gradually increased as increased temperature
throughout the climate change scenarios. In terms of construction methods’ sensitivity,
the heavy-weight structure shows better performance than the light-weight structure.
a)
CO
2
emissions from heating by various construction methods.
