LJMU launches ‘eco houses’ to help reduce carbon emissions from UK housing stock

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has built three full-scale ‘eco’ houses on campus designed to standards from the 1920s, 1970s and present day to test and develop new green technologies and building methods, which will help make the country’s housing stock more energy efficient.

In partnership with BRE (a world-leading building science centre), LJMU construction and technology experts will test a variety of new and emerging green technologies to provide solutions to the challenge of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Research carried out on the site will inform the construction and energy sector and government on options for tackling the UK’s refurbishment challenge on existing dwellings, 90% of which will still be here by the target date. Overall the project will also help meet the Government’s target to reduce emissions by 2050.

Professor Ahmed Al-Shamma’a, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology said:

“The vast majority of existing housing stock in the UK needs modernising to help make homes more sustainable, reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.

“With LJMU’s expertise in the built environment, these life-like houses will enable us to collaborate with construction and energy industries, to bring about new construction methods and innovations that will have real impact on the sustainability of the homes of the future.”

Tests for new energy saving and environmental innovations include;

In addition, the houses will provide a dynamic, site-based learning facility for students of construction, property, surveying, police studies and forensic sciences, enhancing the curriculum and visibly incorporating research in to the teaching environment.

The facility will also have research applications in other sectors including sensors and health care. Specifically, the houses will act as a test bed to trial and identify home adaptations to support those living with dementia. This could include prevention and mitigation of slips, trips and falls, monitoring and automation systems to support occupant wellbeing and environmental enhancements to allow individuals to live well.

Located at LJMU’s Byrom Street Campus, the ‘mini street’ of houses will be part of BRE’s Innovation Park Network, with BRE choosing to establish a permanent presence on site to inform sustainable development at a global level and stimulate innovation within the built environment.

Dr David Kelly, Group Director of BRE Innovation Park Networks said:

“We are delighted to be working with Liverpool John Moores University as part of the BRE Innovation Park Network. The research findings should provide us with refurbishment options for typical UK dwellings and help shape future policy to be used by Government and Housing Associations. By us working together with LJMU, we can tackle the refurbishment challenge.”

Professor Mike Riley, Head of LJMU’s Department for Built Environment said:

“This facility represents our true industry-led approach to research and teaching. It will enable students and academics to collaborate with SMEs, green tech businesses such as insulation manufacturers, control system designers and environmental improvement companies in the Liverpool region to test and assess various technological innovations.”