Will the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) combined with the Government's proposed Sustainable Communities initiative pave the way for a nation filled with eco-homes? Are we headed towards a future where properties are sold on the basis of solar tiles and wind turbines over en-suite bathrooms and third bedrooms? At the very least, we can expect to see a significant increase in building and construction rates, but what does the future hold for the HVAC industry and building services engineers? As climate change predictions become reality, energy efficiency considerations have been positioned firmly in the limelight. There was a time when environmentally friendly building measures were confined to the installation of solar panels in the homes of environmentalists. These days a growing range of devices and building techniques are available to cater for the rising demand of people attempting to reconcile their environmental commitments with their need for comfortable living. Environment Minister Elliot Morley explains; "Not only must we show consumers how to cut energy use, but everyone involved in building homes - architects, builders, suppliers and planners - should take the lead and create more energy-efficient, sustainable homes."
展开▼
