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Bristol City Council has produced a guide to assist
developers to adopt a more sustainable approach to how they plan and build. It
is a voluntary process which starts with the developers completing a
“Sustainable Development Profile” which is submitted with their planning
application. The profile and guide are intended to encourage developers to
think about a range of issues from community consultation to renewable energy
and recycling at the earliest possible stage in their site planning and design
process before submitting their project plans.
The profile is a guide and is not part of any formal
agreement with the City Council. The developers still have to comply with
Building Regulations and any other statutory requirements.
The guide describes three cross cutting issues which
should be considered by the developers.
Climate change
It is
generally accepted that the climate is changing influenced in part by man’s
activities in the production of CO2. Developments should aim at
reducing atmospheric pollutants both during construction and during the life of
the building. The effects of possible increased flooding must be considered.
Sustainable transport
Bristol has
a higher level of car ownership than any comparable UK city. The UK “Planning
Policy Guidance Note 13: Transport” gives central government advice on the role
of land use planning in reducing the need to travel, and making it easier and
safer for people to access work, school, and leisure facilities by public transport
or walking and cycling.
Developers are encouraged to reduce care dependence by:
- Choosing
sites close to existing development and community, employment, educational
and retail facilities to reduce the need to travel.
- Plan
for mixed use development to include live – work units where possible.
- Design
for priority to pedestrians and public transport and including cycle
routes.
- Link
development to existing transport links.
- Linking
to existing and proposed schemes such as Home Zones, Air Quality Management
areas, Safe Routes to Schools etc.
- Providing
facilities for cyclists and pedestrians such as lockers, bike storage and
showers.
Sustainable communities
A
sustainable community requires a mixture of dwelling types for families and
businesses. A variety of shopping, leisure and community facilities alongside
housing contribute to the vitality and sustainability of the community.
High-density new development will help support commercial and community
facilities and the viability of public transport. There may also be the
possibility to incorporate district heating and cooling networks using
sustainable energy.
Having basic amenities within easy walking distance of
residents and workers will help to create a strong community spirit. Providing
pedestrian and walking routes through an area separated from car traffic will
help to encourage people to leave their cars at home.
Case study 1
Private home
Chandos Road, Cotham, Bristol
Three storey building built on the site of an abandoned
cleaning business.
Each house averages 200m2 in size with flexible
accommodation based on bedrooms below and living space above. A Suntube
naturally lights the main hall and dual aspect windows provide maximum daylight
within the living spaces. The stair well and balustrades are glass filled for
extra light.
The houses were constructed using a Masonite construction
system. They are finished with lime rendering, lime-ash and some stone facing.
All timber was sources from sustainably managed woodland and all joinery and
exposed timbers have been treated with natural oils.
The homes are highly energy efficient with an average hot
water and heating bill of around £90
(€135) a year. CO2 emissions total 5.2 tonnes per year.
Average U-values are 0.31 W/m2 K and NHER ratings reach 10. A high
level of insulation has been achieved with 50mm of mineral wool in the cavity
between the internal wall and the 100mm block work cladding. Natural
ventilation is achieved by zoned integrated heat exchangers and six small
radiators with thermostatic controls heat the homes. Heating is provided by gas
condensing boilers with 94% efficiency.
Case study 2
Offices
Temple Quay House, Temple Quay, Bristol
This development completed in 2001 was designed to
accommodate the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions. It
provides 13000 m2 of office space and is a part of the major
commercial development at Temple Quay.
Location and site
Temple Quay House shares a 93 hectare brownfield site with
a number of major office buildings. The site has excellent access to public
transport, as it is immediately adjacent to the main railway station, several
main bus stops and the Bristol Harbour ferry. There is also a new bridge across
the river connecting the site to cycle path and footpath networks.
Design
It was part of the design brief to demonstrate how a
building could be provided with an energy consumption approximately half that
of traditional air-conditioned buildings. The exposed concrete frame
construction is designed to absorb heat during the day and then at night cool
air is used to purge the structure.
The office accommodation is arranged around a central
atrium making good use of natural light and ventilation. Heat producing office
equipment is located away from working areas to minimise cooling demand.
Car parking is restricted to 100 spaces (for 850 staff and
visitors) because of the good public transport access. There is secure parking
for 70 bicycles, with showers and changing rooms.
Services
Natural ventilation is provided through the stack effect
of the atrium, combined with opening windows. It can be backed up by pumping
cooled air through floor voids but only when needed in warm weather.
Intelligent lighting controls adjust the lighting using occupancy and daylight
sensors.
Rainwater is collected from the atrium’s glass roof to
flush the toilets. A computerised building management system is used to control
heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
The complete document “Bristol Sustainable Development
Guide for Construction” van be found at www.bristol-city.gov.uk and search for sustainable development.
Information on Eco Buildings can be obtained from The
Create Centre (The environment centre for Bristol City Council)
create@bristo-city.gov.uk |