Ulster University To Study The Energy Performance Of The Green Future House
Green Future Homes has commissioned Ulster University to undertake an innovative research programme to reveal how energy efficient its zero carbon house is. Researchers from Ulster University will use a variety tests to measure the energy performance of the innovative Green Future house, with results expected to be revealed in Summer.
Green Future Homes used the latest construction methods and technologies available in order to deliver the zero carbon house to Code Level 6 and the company believes the results of this research project will prove to everyone how Green Future is at the forefront building superior energy efficient performance homes at costs until now unheard of.
A spokesperson for Green Future Homes said: “We set out a challenging task to build a zero carbon blueprint home to Code Level 6 unparalleled in performance and price. The results of this research programme will help members of the public, industry and government better understand the benefits of a Green Future zero carbon home and how sustainable living can help eradicate issues such as fuel poverty.
“The principle aim of this project is to study the fabric performance standards achieved and will detail the design measures that were taken. It also covers the various zero carbon energy generating technologies that have been installed in the Green Future House to not only meet but exceed the zero carbon standards. The monitoring will derive real understanding on the actual (as-built) performance versus designed performance. Shedding light about the real energy demands in zero carbon dwellings is key for us and it's vital the construction industry as a whole arms itself with a better understanding of actual performance versus designed performance."
Ulster University which is at the forefront of UK’s low carbon housing research was commissioned to carry out the thermal performance testing of the Green Future House by the sustainable construction company in collaboration with Invest Northern Ireland.
The university researchers will conduct a variety of performance tests on the ground-breaking zero carbon house, these include a co-heating test which will measure the steady-state heat loss from fabric and air infiltration together, a thermography test used to take a picture that shows the relative temperatures of the different external elements of the home. The different temperatures are represented by different colours, and can be used to identify missing insulation, cold bridges and significant air leakage paths. An air leakage test using large electrical fans to alternately pressurise and depressurise the completed Green Future house. By recording the electrical energy used by the fan, the flow rate required to maintain the pressure difference can be estimated. Hence the air infiltration rate of the Green Future home can be calculated.
“We've conducted extensive independent performance research before we built this zero carbon home prototype and much anticipate university's findings, which we believe will reflect that of our own research findings.” A spokesperson for Green Future Homes concluded.