A Low Powered Home

 As we draw near to completion of this project, to the final finishing touches before the results of the as built testing are in, there are still some important things to talk about. A truly energy efficient building should also be a low powered one. Throughout the house we have specified low energy lighting, even the lowest level under the code for sustainable homes requires that low energy lighting accounts for at least 75% of the total. It would also make sense that part of the overall effort to save energy should include the installation of low energy appliances and devices to at least an 'A' rating.
   

The solar heated hot water and central heating plant.

The internal fit out is fully underway.

The external finishes are almost complete.

The all important MVHR unit in the attic.

The almost complete north elevation.

The house is very nearly finished, next comes the as built testing.

Saving Your Water

Another aspect of creating an efficient home is water usage management. Within the home, water saving fittings can be installed such as low-flush or dual flush toilets and flow restricting shower heads. Efficient appliances such as washing machines that use less than 50litres per wash and dishwashers that use less than 15litres per wash can all be employed, even existing fittings can be modified or adapted to consume less water. Such  fittings within the home will reduce overall water usage and of course if properly metered will mean lower water bills. Another way to reduce mains water consumption is to install a means of rainwater harvesting. Many of us now have free standing water butts or in-line water butts, these collect rainwater that we can use to water our flower or vegetable patches without having to connect a hose to the mains supply. At the site in south Shropshire we have installed a 'Graf Platin 5000ltr Flat Tank' which was easily laid in a shallow excavation for connection to the storm drainage pipes.

Above: The 'Graf' 5000ltr tank on site before installation.

Rainwater will be filtered & stored within the tank, then pumped as required to a separate header tank as a non-potable supply to appliances and toilets. As the tank becomes full, excess water is drained via an overflow to an on-site soakaway for natural percolation into the ground.

Photo Update: South Facing Elevation with solar collector in place and connected.