Future's Renewable Built Environment
Sustainability Ecosystem
In the UK property market a sustainable ecosystem is one that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations to create long-term value while minimizing negative impacts on the environment and society.
Green Building Practices and sustainable property development involves practices such as energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and sustainable materials. For instance, incorporating solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, wind power generators, and efficient insulation to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
In general, sustainable building materials can be more expensive than traditional materials. The prices of sustainable materials can vary depending on factors such as availability, demand, and production costs. With that being said, the cost of solar panels in the UK has decreased significantly from 1990 to 2020. In 1990, the cost of solar panels was approximately £20 per watt. However, by 2020, the cost had decreased to around £0.11 per watt.
Explore the technology and innovation systems Elysian assets is bring into the UK Built environment.
BIPV
The Most Abundant energy resource on earth is solar energy with 127k Terra Watt of Solar En-ergy Strikes Earth Continuously. Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is a technology that integrates solar panels into building materials, such as windows, roofs, or facades, to generate electricity while maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of the building.
Initially, BIPV installations may have higher upfront costs compared to standard glass windows. However, over the long term, BIPV systems offer potential cost savings through reduced energy bills and government incentives.
Photovoltaic (PV) Windows:
PV Windows can generate electricity by harnessing solar energy, reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and lowering carbon emissions. Also, due to their design and flexibility of transparency, can provide both privacy and shading. PV windows often employ thin-film or transparent solar cell technologies to maintain transparency while capturing sunlight for electricity generation. The current technology allows for PV windows to start from 80% transparency all the way to 0% (fully opaque).
Efficiency
The efficiency of PV windows varies depending on factors such as the type of technology used, design constraints, and environmental conditions.
The biggest factor of efficiency for PV Windows is subject to the transparency, the less transparent the more solar energy it can absorb. However, on average PV windows can generate 8%-10% of the solar energy they are exposed to. The latest design (grey-tinted) by Polysolar produces efficiency levels between 12-15%, which is more than many standard solar panels on the market.
Cost
Studies suggest that PV windows can generate electricity at a rate of approximately 100 to 200 kWh per square meter per year, depending on factors like location, orientation, and efficiency of the panels.
Let’s consider a commercial building with PV windows covering an area of 100 square meters. Based on the estimated efficiency range and energy generation rate, the annual electricity generation could vary between 5,000 to 10,000 kWh. With todays cost of electricity (23 pence per kWh)
The new versions of PV windows can cost on average £250 per square metre.
Facade PV
PV façade systems are seamlessly integrated into the building’s design, replacing conventional building materials such as glass, cladding, or siding. This integration allows for flexibility in design aesthetics, enabling architects to incorporate solar panels without compromising the building’s overall look and feel.
PV façades harness solar energy to generate electricity, contributing to the building’s energy needs. By utilising vertical surfaces for solar energy generation, buildings can maximize their solar potential, especially in urban environments where rooftop space may be limited.
BIPV solutions optimize space utilization by turning underutilized building surfaces into active energy generators. This is particularly beneficial in densely populated areas where land or rooftop space for traditional solar installations is scarce.
Ongoing advancements in BIPV technology, such as transparent solar panels and customizable designs, offer opportunities for innovation and integration with emerging architectural trends.
Roof tiles PV
PV roof tiles are designed to seamlessly integrate with conventional roofing materials, such as asphalt, clay, or concrete tiles. They are installed in place of traditional roofing materials and blend in with the overall aesthetics of the roof. Unlike traditional solar panels, which are mounted on top of existing roofs and can sometimes be visually obtrusive, PV roof tiles have a sleek and uniform appearance.
Like conventional solar panels, PV roof tiles convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. The electricity generated can be used to power the home’s electrical appliances, lighting, heating, and cooling systems, reducing reliance on grid-supplied electricity.
PV roof tiles are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, snow, wind, and hail. They are engineered to be durable and long-lasting, providing reliable electricity generation for many years.
Wind Power
Wind power is a renewable energy source that harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity. While large-scale wind farms are commonly used to generate utility-scale electricity, smaller wind turbines can also be integrated into homes and buildings to generate sustainable energy. Residential wind turbines can be installed on rooftops or in open spaces around homes. Rooftop installations are typically smaller and easier to integrate into existing structures.
The power output of residential wind turbines can vary widely depending on factors such as wind speed, turbine size, and efficiency. On average, small residential wind turbines typically have power ratings ranging from 400 watts to 10 kilowatts (kW).
The energy production of a residential wind turbine is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and depends on the turbine’s power output and the wind conditions at the installation site. According to estimates from the U.S. Department of Energy, a 10 kW wind turbine in an area with an average wind speed of 12 miles per hour (mph) can produce approximately 10,000 to 20,000 kWh of electricity per year, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of one to two typical households.
Rainwater Harvesting
On average, a single household in the UK consumes around 150 Liters of water per person per day, with a significant portion of this usage occurring indoors for activities like bathing, laundry, washing dishes, and flushing toilets. Implementing water-saving measures in buildings can lead to significant reductions in water consumption. For example, installing low-flow fixtures such as aerated faucets and dual-flush toilets can reduce water usage by up to 30% in residential buildings.
Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for non-potable (not safe for drinking). However, with appropriate filtration and treatment, rainwater can be made potable (safe for drinking). Without the treatment utilizing rainwater for various purposes; Laundry, Car washing, gardening, toilet flush, cooling systems etc. properties can reduce their reliance on municipal water supplies and decrease overall water consumption.
Explore our services
BIPV
The Most Abundant energy resource on earth is solar energy with 127k Terra Watt of Solar En-ergy Strikes Earth Continuously.
Wind Power
Wind power is a renewable energy source that harnesses the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity.
Rainwater Harvesting
On average, a single household in the UK consumes around 150 Liters of water per person per day
Strategy
In the Real Estate market we embark on multiple different strategies, Elysian Assets is dedicated to their clients..
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