Model families sought for VELUX zero carbon homes monitoring

5 September 2011

VELUX is preparing to start its search for test families to live in the CarbonLight Homes, ahead of the launch of the post occupancy monitoring and feedback phase of the project next year.

The two semi-detached three and four bedroom zero carbon homes in Rothwell, Kettering, were unveiled to the public in August. Now two families are being recruited to move in for a 12 month period from March 2012, to help accurately monitor the homes’ energy performance and quality of their indoor environment in real life conditions.

The families will be required to record and review their time in the CarbonLight Homes while the building management systems, which regulate the homes’ indoor climate, will also be used to collect information on the homes’ energy and water use, temperature, air quality and daylight levels. This data will enable VELUX to compare the CarbonLight Homes' design targets against their actual performance, with the results fed back to the industry to help improve the sustainability of new homes.

The search for the families will launch at Grand Designs Live Birmingham from 7th – 9th October. Three and four-person families with children and a basic understanding of energy efficiency who would like to take part in the monitoring phase can apply at the exhibition or by visiting www.velux.co.uk/family. The closing date is 31st October 2011.

The CarbonLight Homes are expected to achieve at least a 70% reduction in carbon emissions on site, with the remaining 30% off-set through energy efficiency improvements to existing properties elsewhere in the borough. The CarbonLight Homes’ are designed and built to Active House principles and make innovative use of building technology, natural daylight and ventilation to balance reduced carbon emissions with an attractive living environment that promotes the health and wellbeing of occupants.

In keeping with their sustainable credentials, the CarbonLight Homes will be furnished for the test families using a combination of new and up-cycled products. Once the monitoring phase is complete the two homes will be sold on the open market.

Keith Riddle, Managing Director at VELUX Company Ltd, comments:

"The CarbonLight Homes are intended as a viable alternative for zero carbon homes for housebuilders. The monitoring phase will be invaluable in confirming their carbon emission reductions once occupied, as well as identifying any areas underperforming, compared to the design targets, and in need of improvement. Feedback from the families will also reveal the positive impact of the homes’ high levels of daylight and ventilation on health and wellbeing.

"The opportunity to live in the CarbonLight Homes for 12 months is expected to appeal to families in between house moves or embarking on their own self build project and with need of a temporary home base. We anticipate strong demand from those eager to sample a sustainable lifestyle in the broadest sense."

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