Newscastle
The act2 work in Newcastle will focus on creating a 'new norm' for housing developments, using the first phase (Exposition phase) of the Scotswood Masterplan as the exemplar project.
Newcastle’s involvement within the act2 project
The EXPO phase will result in around 350 dwelling units by 2010. The project is seeking to establish a new standard for energy conservation which is ahead of the Government's building regulations.
Other Newcastle projects that are included for study are the Walker Design Code and the Byker Design Competition (which will be examining retrofitting of buildings to high levels of energy efficiency).
Other Newcastle projects that are included for study are the Walker Design Code and the Byker Design Competition (which will be examining retrofitting of buildings to high levels of energy efficiency).
The energy efficiency target currently under discussion for the project is level 5 of the Government's forthcoming Code for Sustainable Homes. A renewable energy target is also under discussion. There is evidence that achieving compliance with energy efficiency targets is a problem in the UK, with a lack of experience and skills in delivering the required level of thermal efficiency and air permeability. It is proposed to link the Expo work to the act2 agenda, with resources mobilised to tackle the barriers to achieving the new norm.