Achieving zero carbon code level 6 for the Kingspan Lighthouse building

Abstract

The Kingspan Lighthouse building is the first house to achieve the highest level of the Code for Sustainable Homes, level 6. One of the key requirements for a house to achieve level 6 is that it is ‘net zero carbon’ for all its energy use, meaning that it generates as much energy annually from renewable sources as it uses. The house was designed first to need less energy to run and second to source the remaining energy required from renewable sources. The house has high levels of energy efficiency. Reducing electricity demands was paramount, as this is the most expensive form of renewable energy to produce. Renewable energy is supplied by photovoltaic panels for electricity, and solar thermal panels and a biomass boiler for hot water and heating. The house has many other sustainable features, including water conservation. The costs of this zero carbon home are considered and the many opportunities for future potential cost savings are identified. The paper also includes consideration of the use of biomass for renewable heat. Implications for zero carbon design and policy making are discussed along with how such demonstration projects have been influential on the government’s proposed zero carbon definition.