At a time when UK and Scottish governments are aiming for zero-carbon housing, there are two key issues for domestic laundering: passive indoor drying, affecting heating use and the indoor environment (addressed elsewhere); and energy and environmental impacts of appliances. Relevant findings are reported on the 2008-2011 study 'Environmental Assessment of Domestic Laundering', drawing on monitored data from 22 case studies out of 100 dwellings surveyed in Glasgow. Differing consumer traits and habits, combined with variable technical performance, provide quantitative and qualitative evidence of a wide estimated annual consumption range. Actual usage and energy consumption averaged less than UK predictions; and values did not necessarily correspond with manufacturers' energy ratings. In a wider discussion, case study median and mean extrapolations of electricity consumed by laundering (105 and 174 kWh/person-year) prove significant relative to the proportion of what could be available to a dwelling achieving the German Passivhaus standard. The potential for heat recovery from 'grey' water is posited along with other options for mitigating power consumed by appliances. Renewable technology to offset consumption in shared facilities is discussed as a means of easing the performance of individual homes. The foregoing aspects are among key conclusions directed at housing occupiers, providers, national and local governments, and industry.
As the UK and Scottish governments aim for zero-carbon housing, with tightly sealed building envelopes becoming paramount, indoor air quality (IAQ) and its implications for health has become a concern. This context relates to the reported findings of a 2008-2011 study, 'Environmental Assessment of Domestic Laundering', concerning the prevalence of passive indoor drying (PID). Assessment of PID impacts, shaped by built and social context including occupants' habits and trends, draws on monitored data from 22 case studies out of a wider survey of 100 dwellings in Glasgow. The smaller group included analysis of air samples, and provided scenarios for enhanced dynamic modelling via laboratory work on moisture buffering.The evidence suggests PID has important implications for energy consumption and IAQ; in the latter case because moisture levels are likely to boost dust mite populations and concentrations of airborne mould spores. Thus findings suggest possible negative impacts on health. Further work concerning VOCs and laundering is also advocated. The paper concludes by recommending amended building standards allied to design guidance for improved practice; these aiming to prevent PID moisture diffusion within habitable rooms by upgrading minimum requirements, and also to require enhanced outdoor drying facilities.
In the UK housing sector, changes to building regulations have raised standards for fabric performance, bringing about a demand for affordable, low energy housing. Housing Associations have been at the forefront of adopting these measures, but as owners of long term rented stock it is important for them to understand and evaluate the performance of both 'as-built' and 'as-occupied' dwellings. This paper describes a detailed evaluation of three new-build social housing demonstration projects located in Glasgow (Scotland). The study included occupant surveys in each scheme, fabric testing and detailed monitoring of environmental conditions, energy consumption, and evaluation of occupancy behaviours in eight dwellings. A particular focus of this paper is the ventilation performance as the homes are ventilated differently using natural, mechanical extract and mechanical heat recovery methods. The results showed a wide discrepancy of energy consumption and poor levels of ventilation, particularly in bedrooms. Causes of this included the design and installation of the ventilation provision but occupant interaction with the systems was also a significant factor. Two sites included sun-spaces that, despite having good potential for preheat ventilation and drying spaces, were underperforming. The study highlights significant impacts of the complex interactions between heating and ventilation systems, and the apparent need for more effective ventilation strategies and systems in bedroom spaces, but also improved strategies for end-user understanding of, and interaction with, both mechanical systems and natural ventilation opportunities. The papers aims to provide robust and credible evidence on which to base critical regulatory and design decisions on the most effective means of ventilating low carbon social housing in Britain.
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