We should learn from the eco road maps of other countries

A silo mentality when creating eco building solutions is inevitably an issue if we work independently, despite pursuing the common goal of advancing net zero. When global eco road maps are considered in relation to the changing climate and the need to respond to extreme weather patterns and a warming planet, it becomes clear that we must avoid becoming insular.

The fact that the design of buildings and the materials used in their construction can ameliorate external climatic conditions inevitably means that building characteristics vary from region to region. As the UK gets warmer and overheating in buildings becomes more prevalent, buildings must evolve so it is worth looking to hotter countries for inspiration. A simple example is the shutters and awnings adorning the facades of many buildings in continental Europe that prevent solar gain from penetrating and warming the interiors.

Delivery of low or zero energy buildings can only be achieved through a multi-faceted approach to sustainable construction and energy policy. Germany was an early adopter of eco thinking with a strong emphasis on renewable energy for heating, educating the user, monitoring and, of course, the founding of the Passivhaus Standard. Sweden meanwhile provides an exemplar through fabric first construction, innovation, decarbonised heating systems and the widespread use of off-site manufacturing. Both Sweden and Denmark were early adopters of district heating; Denmark installed systems across much of the country in the 1970s in response to the oil crisis.

The UK lags behind in upgrading homes to combat energy bills and climate change with its houses amongst the least energy efficient in Europe*. In many countries, the central role of governments is key to developing eco policies that define the way ahead with tax incentives and subsidies seen as one means of encouraging eco measures. Learning from global eco innovation and design is undoubtedly an important step in ensuring that the UK builds towards a net zero future.

* https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/242271/uk-behind-european-countries-home-upgrades/

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