Green Building Forum - "New build planning &heating options" Sun, 25 Oct 2026 15:15:35 +0000 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260638#Comment_260638 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260638#Comment_260638 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 20:25:16 +0100 zgreentouch I've found this thread particularly interesting as I'm at the early planning stages of a small sustainable building complex, and anth.payne put it:" It's a big headache trying to factor in the different aspects of cost, energy use, comfort, durability, for the different systems in the home".

Any of you could kindly share what WBS or other tools your are using for calculating the energy requirements of a house?]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260639#Comment_260639 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260639#Comment_260639 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 20:51:11 +0100 Nick Parsons
WBS? Means wood-burning stove to me.

I take it you want to do heat-loss (and gain) calcs. I am pretty useless with software since I could no longer afford the NHER stuff, so I tend to do it 'longhand' with U values etc.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260641#Comment_260641 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260641#Comment_260641 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 22:00:07 +0100 Peter_in_Hungary "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260642#Comment_260642 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260642#Comment_260642 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 22:12:56 +0100 djh "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260644#Comment_260644 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260644#Comment_260644 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 22:34:27 +0100 Nick Parsons
http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15033&page=2#Item_23

But yes, what are you building?!]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260646#Comment_260646 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260646#Comment_260646 Mon, 21 Aug 2017 22:58:48 +0100 tony "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260650#Comment_260650 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260650#Comment_260650 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 07:13:36 +0100 gravelld https://www.stromamembers.co.uk/downloads/fsap2012/publish.htm

Personally I am using PHPP. I performed my own measurements, got someone to create a SketchUp model for it, then use the model for the dimensions to enter into PHPP.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260691#Comment_260691 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260691#Comment_260691 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 22:51:37 +0100 zgreentouch It warms my heart to see the suggestions and questions you've raised so far.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260693#Comment_260693 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260693#Comment_260693 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 23:05:41 +0100 zgreentouch Regarding my project, I'm planning to build 3 to 5 villas with integrated green energy and heating solutions.
The villas will be situated in the east of Lebanon, with an elevation of 1200 meters above see level, and the area of each one will be about around 300m2 .
But, as I said I'm in the very early stages of planning and still searching for the technical foundation.

What in your opinion are the main factors??]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260694#Comment_260694 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260694#Comment_260694 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 23:19:22 +0100 zgreentouch
I've looked into AutoAssessorPRO, but my understanding this is what you meant by NHER.
The program looks very professional, but at this stage I was looking for a free software to use and if I get the hang of it I'll buy a pro one.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260695#Comment_260695 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260695#Comment_260695 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 23:29:09 +0100 zgreentouch
I've looked into AutoAssessorPRO, but my understanding this is what you meant by NHER.
The program looks very professional, but at this stage I was looking for a free software to use and if I get the hang of it I'll buy a pro one.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260696#Comment_260696 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260696#Comment_260696 Tue, 22 Aug 2017 23:42:20 +0100 zgreentouch You noted that I could ask someone online to do the calc. for me, have you had any experience with that??

if anyone could recommend any more software, it will be really appreciated.

Thanks again for your interest and your time and your quick replies]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260698#Comment_260698 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260698#Comment_260698 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 09:33:10 +0100 SteamyTea Posted By: zgreentouchI'm planning to build 3 to 5 villas with integrated green energy and heating solutions.This is interesting.
Have you though how you are going to meter it all, individually or as a fixed payment.
I assume there is a good solar resource there, so a combination of PV and ST is probably the cheapest solution.
A diesel generator as backup will also be needed (also useful during construction).
Provisions for battery storage should be thought about, if not acted on.
Have you considered what you will do for fresh water (we call it potable) and sewage? Both use energy to processes.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260707#Comment_260707 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260707#Comment_260707 Wed, 23 Aug 2017 18:54:42 +0100 fostertom Posted By: SteamyTeaST is probably the cheapest solutionWhat's your price?!]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260714#Comment_260714 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260714#Comment_260714 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 02:22:53 +0100 gyrogear
gg]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260721#Comment_260721 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260721#Comment_260721 Thu, 24 Aug 2017 10:30:13 +0100 fostertom "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260933#Comment_260933 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260933#Comment_260933 Fri, 01 Sep 2017 18:31:56 +0100 zgreentouch I think that it will be a fixed payment, but it is definitely something to be decided along the way...
I do have very good solar source (more than 300 day sun per year here).
If it isn't to much trouble, have you had any experience with building and using battery storage??"]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260941#Comment_260941 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260941#Comment_260941 Fri, 01 Sep 2017 20:19:04 +0100 Peter_in_Hungary Posted By: zgreentouchI haven't figured out yet how I'm going to measure it all.
I think that it will be a fixed payment, but it is definitely something to be decided along the way...
From my experience in the past a fixed fee (or included in the price) quickly equates to 'it doesn't matter how much we use its all in the price"
The example that come to mind is when my wife was renting out her house she had the gas usage included in the rent - until she arrived one day to find the heating and gas fire on full blast and the windows open, she asked "why are the windows open?" and was told "It was getting too hot". Needless to say the rent was changed to separate meter read gas and electricity bills.

IMO charged for usage is the only way to avoid waste and over consumption.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260971#Comment_260971 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=260971#Comment_260971 Sat, 02 Sep 2017 22:33:53 +0100 SteamyTea Posted By: zgreentouchIf it isn't to much trouble, have you had any experience with building and using battery storage??"Only at the academic level (designed a system 12 years ago), not kept up too much with the very latest systems as they are still a bit to pricey and don't have the long term reliability history yet.
I would think that a diesel generator is still the cheapest off-grid system, even more so if it is a combined heat and power unit.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261229#Comment_261229 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261229#Comment_261229 Wed, 13 Sep 2017 22:28:18 +0100 zgreentouch As for using battery storage, thank you for your reply SteamyTea. I'll continue looking into it.
If I learn something worthwhile, I'll share it with you.
Have a great week !]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261233#Comment_261233 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261233#Comment_261233 Thu, 14 Sep 2017 17:51:19 +0100 CWatters "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261237#Comment_261237 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261237#Comment_261237 Thu, 14 Sep 2017 22:05:10 +0100 SteamyTea "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261238#Comment_261238 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261238#Comment_261238 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 06:45:09 +0100 Peter_in_Hungary Posted By: CWattersIn theory it should be possible to measure the heat energy delivered to each house. For example you just need to know the temperature of the water (flow and return) and the volume of water (which is essentially the flow rate * time). That would allow you to apportion the running costs to each villa
you can buy a unit that fits in both flow and return and is linked that measures temps and flow and gives a reading in kWh.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261250#Comment_261250 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261250#Comment_261250 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 11:48:32 +0100 Sigaldry
An energy assessment (SAP) needs to be done at design stage before you start work for submission to building control to sign off before works commence on site. This needs to be produced by a 'competent person'.

If you propose changing things during the build, this calculation really should be updated and checked before doing them (as some changes might cause a building to fail at the end).

Once it's built, the design stage assessment needs to be changed into an as-built one for a completion, swapping out design stage proposals for known information - An Energy Performance Certificate then comes from that and this must be produced by an accredited (audited) energy assessor.

You also need to be clear that an energy assessment is based on average occupancy and demands and as such, probably won't match how a dwelling actually performs, once real occupancy and building use comes into play. In that respect, PHPP may be useful. Again, to get the most out of that requires knowledge and training of using PHPP.

A good energy assessor can add value, but some of the advanced self-builders here can also pass on some very valuable insights.]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261253#Comment_261253 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261253#Comment_261253 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 11:58:00 +0100 djh Posted By: SigaldryIf you're looking at compliance for UK
Fortunately, zgreentouch isn't, so can avoid SAP altogether!

Posted By: zgreentouchThe villas will be situated in the east of Lebanon
]]> "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261254#Comment_261254 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=261254#Comment_261254 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 11:59:44 +0100 Sigaldry "New build planning &heating options" https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=263004#Comment_263004 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=15247&Focus=263004#Comment_263004 Mon, 13 Nov 2017 23:00:10 +0000 zgreentouch I've recently started looking into the sphere of vertical gardening as part of my work or my "Green Building" project.
Does any one in the forum have experience in this sphere or in building vertical gardens for villas?

What are the costs? What kind of insulation is needed?
Are there any leading brands?
do we need to order some special supplies?
Thank you in advance for your kind replies, as always.
Have a great week!]]>