Energy House 2.0: The net zero research lab nears completion
Energy House 2.0, a £16million state-of-the-art research facility that will help shape the future of sustainable residential building construction, supported by AECOM, one of Perfect Circle’s shareholders and founding partners, is nearing completion.
AECOM is proud to be providing project and cost management services during the construction of Energy House 2.0 at the University of Salford, that has so far been four years in the making. AECOM also provided wide ranging design services from feasibility to RIBA Work Stage 3, successfully steering the project through the planning process before setting out a design and build procurement process.
The pioneering project is being part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and is due to be completed in February 2022. Once finished, the laboratory will be the largest of its kind, playing a leading role in the development of new low carbon homes and retrofit technologies - something that Perfect Circle, our partners and supply chain are committed to.
The space will consist of two environmental chambers each able to accommodate a variety of house types under controlled conditions. By recreating a wide variety of weather conditions with temperatures ranging between -20˚C to +40˚C, including simulated wind, rain, snow and solar radiation, the future of housing can be investigated by analysing off-site construction, smart homes, and energy use.
“Energy House 2.0 is a groundbreaking project that will provide significant insight to support sustainable housing development and reduce carbon emissions.
“Around 40 per cent of the UK’s carbon footprint is tied up in the built environment and the construction industry has a duty to reduce this as we strive to reach net zero targets. Investing in innovative projects like this will accelerate this mission to create more energy efficient housing. In turn, this allows our construction partners to meet increasingly stringent Building Regulations, all while fulfilling the demand for future housing that enables communities to benefit from better constructed sustainable homes with lower energy bills.
“We eagerly anticipate the research outcomes of this truly unique facility that will be invaluable in guiding us to make better decisions for future developments.”
David Maiden, project director from Perfect Circle
