Sustainability
Passive Design
Substantial reductions in energy usage for the scheme have been achieved through consideration of the passive elements of the design, together with improved occupancy comfort. The design optimises the passive building elements and hence reduces the energy consumption associated with the mechanical systems.
Passive Solar Design
Glazing types and window locations have been carefully considered, so that low angle winter solar gains and sun light are able to enter the space providing ‘free’ heating and lighting in winter, but are limited in summer so as to reduce the risk of ‘overheating’ and demand for cooling.
The design of the living spaces provides large areas of glazing to open up the building to the landscape and allow light penetration to provide good levels of natural light. The quantities of solar radiation entering the dwellings have been limited by the use of balconies, the areas of glazing and by the glazing specification.
Building Envelope
Improving the thermal insulation standards beyond the minimum Building Regulation standards reduced the annual CO2 emissions associated with all of the building’s heating and cooling systems, by limiting the heat loss/gain through the building’s fabric.
Air Permeability
An air leakage rate of 3m3/hr/m2 at 50Pa is targeted for the residential elements, in comparison with the Building Regulation minimum standards of 10m3/hr/m2 at 50Pa, further reducing the heat gain/loss through the building fabric.
Ventilation – MVHR
All residential elements are mechanically ventilated with heat recovery, substantially reducing their heating requirements. The mechanical ventilation system incorporates high efficiency heat recovery with a target efficiency of 80%, minimising the heating and cooling loads associated with conditioning the supply air.
Energy Efficient Systems & Appliances
To further reduce CO2 emissions, efficient mechanical and electrical systems with efficient controls to manage the energy used during operation have been selected.
Low Energy Lighting
Efficient low energy light fittings, internally and externally, significantly reduce the overall lighting load hence lowering its annual CO2 emissions. The development reduces the energy consumption by the specification of low energy fittings which also assist in reducing any cooling loads in the apartments, thereby minimising the requirement for any active cooling.
Controls
The heating and cooling systems are appropriately zoned, allowing fast local response to changes in loads. Appropriate lighting controls, including timers, occupancy controls and dimming are specified where applicable for all internal lighting.
Energy Metering
Separate metering of the energy uses within the development helps the building users identify areas of increased consumption and highlight potential energy-saving measures for the future, hence reducing the associated annual CO2 emissions from these systems.
All gas/heat and electrical supplies are metered using smart meters to enable tenants to be responsible for their own consumption and hence CO2 emissions.
Low and Zero Carbon Technology
An Energy Centre, consisting of a Combined Heat and Power unit (CHP) and high efficiency gas fired boilers, provides the heating and hot water requirements to the development. The CHP unit generated electricity is utilised to serve various common systems around the development.
An array of Photovoltaic solar cells (PV) is installed to generate electricity for the common areas to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Landscaping and Environment
Within the ground floor soft landscape we have chosen both native species and other species for their nectar and additional benefits for wildlife and the first floor roofs have extensive green roof matting with wildflowers areas.
Brown roofs throughout the development have plug plants of native species together with 13 insect hotels.
Bird boxes have been included in existing and mature trees to encourage the bird wildlife.
The design has been developed to reduce the annual energy consumption, whilst providing energy in the most environmentally friendly way to reduce the annual CO2 footprint.
Community
As part of our contribution to the local community, Triptych Bankside is facilitating the delivery of a new purpose-built nearby development of 57 new almshouses to be operated by the United St Saviour’s Charity, which has been uniting Southwark since 1541. Designed by Stirling Prize winning Architect, Watson Witherford Mann, the exceptional new sheltered homes for the elderly will open in Q4 2021 and form part of Southwark’s commitment to provide 21,000 new affordable homes. The development will include beautiful local community facilities and services for everyone.
Working in close partnership with Southwark Council and United St Saviour’s Charity, Triptych Bankside is proud to be supporting the delivery of genuinely affordable specialist housing in Southwark.