In providing low and zero carbon technologies within a development site there are principally two approaches that can be followed. Firstly, there are a number of micro generation technologies available that can be installed to provide part of energy demand of each individual unit. The second approach makes use of larger energy generating equipment and a system to distribute the generated energy to all or part of the development on the site. These can therefore be considered as site-wide systems
The advantage of site-wide systems is generally that there is a wider range of technologies available and the larger plant can usually operate at a more constant rate which increases the energy efficiency. A site-wide system requires a management organisation to maintain and operate the equipment as well as monitor the energy use of the connected units and charge the occupants accordingly. Site-wide systems also require space within the development. Site-wide systems are therefore generally only suitable for larger development proposals. These can often be combined with systems that are integrared within the buildings. Smaller development proposals or proposals with a high density are often constraint to only use systems that can be integrated into the building.
The renewable energy technologies that are widely available andcan be integrated within buildings are:
- Solar hotwater system
- Photovoltaic cells
- Ground source heatpumps
- Biomass heaters
In addition small wind turbines are often mentioned and progress on micro CHP and air source heat pumps is progressing rapidly.
Site-wide systems can include:
- Biomass community heating
- Combined Heat Power plants (CHP)
- Biomass CHP
- Wind Turbines
- Hydropower