There are many claims for green buildings but how do you know which ones really mean something? As a scientist I look for evidence particularly in relation to a recognised standard. We claim that our garden offices, studios and workshops are low energy because we design them to at least achieve the standard of insulation required for new housing as defined in Part L of the Buuilding Regulations. Most clients opt for the Penthouse 100 spec but some are persuaded by the higher level of comfort and reduced heating costs from adopting the higher Penthouse 150 spec.

specifications

¹ Building Regulations Part L 2002

² U value calculation: BRE U value calculation version 1.08. Calculation method: BS EN ISO 6946

For larger buildings there are several standards which are worth considering.

http://www.breeam.org/

The Government issued the Code for Sustainable Homes last year which, as the name suggests, relates to housing with Level 3 the minimum required for publicly funded housing and Level 6 the aspirational goal.

http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/buildingregulations/legislation/englandwales/codesustainable/

Finally and, in my view, most relevantly, there is the system being promoted by the Association of Environmentally Conscious Builders (AECB).  This is very simple to understand with both a prescriptive and performance based approach and plenty of practical advice on how to use the standards.  Essentially Silver should be the minimum to which anyone considers building with the Gold standard somewhat higher in performance than even the German Passiv Haus standard.

http://www.carbonlite.org.uk/carbonlite/

Whether you adopt one of these standards as a goal in its own right or use the guidance as a way of improving an existing design, the benefits can be significant.  As with all building, incorporating energy saving measures at an early stage in the design is far easier than adaptation or retrofit in the future.  And, in most cases, the premium can be as low as 5-15% of the capital cost for a lifetime of savings.

Our new Pavilion is finished and I bravely slept in it last night with the external temperature down to zero.  Although not intended as a year round structure I am pleased to report that the stove did a sterling job and I even managed to oversleep and almost get snowed in!  So we are confident that this is truly a two season structure allowing you to let the space from early Spring through to late Autumn.  We also know that buildings similar to ours but without the benefit of solid, insulated walls are being let for £1000 a week, peak season.

Also, with the weak pound and British families cutting back on foreign trips, it is not only Pontins who are forecasting a 10% increase in Summer bookings.  Here is what Liz Hall, head of research for Hospitality and Leisure at PricewaterhouseCoopers said on Jan 9th:

“Due to the currency parity of the pound and euro, the domestic market should become stronger as more people decide to holiday in the UK, however lower margins are expected and there is likely to be a return to self-catering and campsites over hotel-based holidays.”

http://www.pwc.co.uk/eng/industries/hospitality_and_leisure_revpar_update_january_2009.html

However, with memories of the cold and wet of last Summer fresh in the minds, never mind the hard Winter, we think people will be looking for a little more comfort and something different which led us to design the Pavilion: insulated floor, solid walls, WC, insulated bedrooms (double plus bunk beds) and a sleeping/play loft for the children.  Basic or luxurious fitout, rendered or timber clad walls, double glazed windows and doors and a multi-fuel stove.  Take a look at the pictures and then see for yourself how this unit could extend your season and increase your income.

The unit, together with our Canvas Lodge, will be on display until the end of March so if you would like to see this novel addition to our range of holiday accommodation please email Nina or myself to arrange a viewing.  we have prepared comprehensive specification and price list so if you would like us to email you one of these please let us know. nina@vividgreen.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you.