Download articles on sustainable building by AECB members and supporters.
AECB publications (research papers and consultation responses) can be found on our publications page here.
Many articles for download here are reproduced from Green Building magazine, with kind permission. Green Building is published quarterly, and is sent to all AECB members free of charge. It is also available by subscription here.
With assistance from the European Passnet project
- History of Superinsulation - a guest presentation
Martin Holladay, Senior Editor of Green Building Advisor in the US, compiled this refreshing and revealing history of superinsulated homes, and by kind permission, AECB can share it with you here. - The importance of hot water system design in the Passivhaus
Alan Clarke, Nick Grant
Paper presented to the 14th International Passivhaus Conference. - The importance of hot water system design in the Passivhaus
Alan Clarke, Nick Grant - Accompanying PowerPoint
A typical hot water system can waste as much energy as a Passivhaus actually needs for heating. So attention to hot water system design is as important as getting the fabric right. - Air Source Heat Pumps
Lack of data makes it hard to be sure whether this technology really performs effectively, efficiently and economically in UK conditions, warns Professor David Strong. - UK's first Certified Passivhaus offices, John Williamson describes how the low running costs and great comfort integral to the Passivhaus standard enabled his company to meet a local authority brief for a new multi-use building in Machynlleth, Wales.
- UK's first Certified domestic Passivhaus
The aim of this project by AECB member company JPW construction, was to achieve an autonomous, carbon neutral home – that was still comfortable to live in. So first the heat and water needs were minimsed -- then they could be met locally and renewably. John Williamson reports. - Thermal bypass: The impact of natural and forced convection upon building performance
Mark Siddall looks in detail at the many ways thermal bypass wastes energy, and informs the reader of some of the technical strategies and solutions that are available.
Join the wider forum discussion on workmanship and what is required for the installation of insulation here. -
Introduction to Passivhaus
Passivhaus is an approach that delivers spectacular cuts in carbon emissions by the most fundamental route -- the impeccable management of energy. Mark Siddall of Devereux Architects describes how he was won over by the simplicity and technical robustness of this standard, and by its remarkable potential to deliver comfortable, healthy and affordable homes. -
CarbonLite Standards in EcoRenovation
Andy Simmonds, partner in Simmonds Mills Architects, and energy consultant Alan Clarke describe the eco-renovation and extension of the Victorian townhouse occupied by Andy and his family, to make more living space, slash energy bills and create a warm, comfortable home. -
Intelligent membranes, airtightness and building moisture
Controlling air and moisture movement in buildings is essential, not just for comfort and energy reasons, but also to protect the structure. Niall Crosson, technical engineer with Ecological Building Systems, distributor of intelligent membrane systems, describes the striking findings of building physics research into the impacts of air leakage, and explains the role of membranes with variable vapour permeability. -
Advocating Ecominimalism
Simple and appropriate – or clumsy, cliched and complicated? Nick Grant advocates keeping clear principles in mind to help slice through the undergrowth of bolt ons and "magic pills", and get back to the basics of a design that works -- because it's a good design, simple as that. - The Green House - "Nuclear power?
It's time the Government started getting serious about energy efficiency instead" by Will Anderson. In an article first published in The Independent Will Anderson sums up why macro measures can't necessarily deliver macro carbon cuts, and the answer is to be found in the details. - Future-proofed homes- In an article first published in Public Service Review, AECB CEO Andy Simmonds argues the case for greatly improved energy targets for UK homes. Standards such as those developed in the CarbonLite programme are feasible and affordable, and would help consumers make sense of their energy use, guide investment decisions, and above all, could slash emissions from the domestic sector by 90%.
- 10th international Passive House Conference - AECB Report