Research and Guidance
The GHA is developing a series of Research and Guidance Projects, in partnership with leading academics, industry practitioners, and policy makers.
The projects for 2009 are listed below.
GHA Project Portfolio for 2009
Energy MonitoringPhase 1 – Research into approaches to energy monitoring, development of outline guidance (and membership requirements) for GHA Developer members and identification of further needs for support or assistance. Activities for this year include preparation of a short think paper on energy monitoring and input to a GHA education event in April 2009.
Phase 2—Provision of technical support for GHA Developers in implementing energy monitoring approaches and collecting and analysing data. Activities for this year include preparation of monitoring plans with each developer and fundraising to assist with implementation from 2009-2011.
Regulatory Framework
The GHA continues to be actively involved in review and feedback on practical implications of the Code for Sustainable Homes, Building Regulations Part L (2010) and Part F, and Zero Carbon Definitions. Activities on this topic will include Policy papers, Technical Working groups, and Government Lobbying.
Good Homes Case Studies
Collection of information and performance data about leading sustainable housing projects, and preparation of detailed case studies. Previous studies have included:
1) One Brighton by BioRegional Quintain
2) Bladon, Oxfordshire by Kingerlee Homes
3) Stawell by ECOS Homes.
Activities include GHA project site visits in September 2009
Health and Wellbeing
A project to examine the health & well-being implications of low carbon and sustainable homes, including the potential health impacts of sustainable building materials and air-tight dwellings on ventilation, humidity and subsequent indoor air quality, and the potential benefits of green space, good neighbourhood design, local food and social interaction on physical and psychological well-being.
Activities include an exploratory session at a GHA education event in June/ July 2009, plus preparation of a short think paper.
Business case for Good Homes
The GHA also aims to gather evidence about the business case for good homes, including details of different business models, buyer demand, eco-premiums and cost implications.
If you are interested in getting involved in these projects or providing sponsorship, please contact the GHA: Email info@goodhomes.org.uk
or call 020 7841 8909
GHA Project Portfolio for 2008
2008 projects included:
Health, Social and Neighbourhood Aspects of Good Homes
The GHA has completed work on a scoping study, sponsored by RedTree LLP to explore the health, social and community aspects of Good Homes. The full project includes a series of interviews, case studies & guidance notes, with the ultimate aim of developing membership criteria that GHA Developers will be required to adopt. This scoping study will examine existing research and guidance, and collate GHA members' views on the key factors for a good neighbourhood.
Please see the Library to download a copy.
Low Carbon Homes - LowCarb4Real
The GHA has been working with Leeds Metropolitan University and UCL on a project sponsored by UrbanBuzz, to gather evidence and good practice about how to deliver low carbon homes. Drawing on detailed academic studies at Stamford Brook along with GHA member experience we will disseminate and implement this learning by providing education and technical support to GHA Developer members and others. Please see CeBe at Leeds Met for more info.
Also see below and in the Library