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Sarah Beeny launches energy saving home refurb
12/6/2012
Demonstration home at BRE is given a refit to show how homeowners can cut energy use
TV presenter and property developer Sarah Beeny has launched a refurbishment project designed to demonstrate how homeowners can save energy and carbon with readily available green technologies. Rexel Energy Solutions in partnership with the Stewart Milne Group carried out a comprehensive retrofit of the Sigma Home at the BRE Innovation Park in Watford.
The Sigma Home was the first home in the UK designed to level 5 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. The property comprises two units: one complete (furnished) dwelling showing the products working in situ and the other left unfinished to showcase the technologies and how they contribute to the overall energy efficiency of the property.
The retrofit was carried out in two stages as part of an evolving project that will be constantly updated to incorporate the latest advances in the marketplace. Sustainable innovations include:
- Two solar photovoltaic (PV) systems
- Solar thermal system delivering up to 60 percent of the home’s annual domestic hot water
- Air source heat pump
- Smart metering
- Two control systems which operate building services including lighting, heating, ventilation as well as offering remote access to consumption data and a range of security and safety features
- Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems
- LED lighting
- Electric car charging point.
“The Sigma Home demonstrates an innovative, diverse and entrepreneurial way of forward thinking that is required in the housebuilding industry,” said Beeny. “It’s more than about selling a product; it’s about selling a sustainable solution encompassing the ever-changing range of new and exciting products that become available.”
The home was previously occupied by a family for two weeks each season over the course of a year to obtain a 'real' perspective on living in a home constructed for sustainability.
“Technologies in the house will be implemented in both domestic and commercial projects in the future,” added Nick Smith, director of energy solutions for Rexel UK. “We will work with the Stewart Milne Group to share data from the research and analysis conducted onsite and use this to achieve further advancements in energy solutions.”
Click here to find out more about the products featured in the Sigma Home and to arrange a visit.
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