Shortcomings in the UK's current 'fabric' first approach towards building energy targets

Abstract

Buildings consume between 40 - 50% of the world's energy, and as a result have become a prime focus towards achieving net-target energy and greenhouse gas reductions. Within the UK, building policy sets minimum standards for building regulated loads (demands associated lvith building fabric and energy demanding systems), which has resulted in policy driven 'generic'fabric first approach to building energy management. However, concerns are increasingly being raised that this Jabric' approach can result in an increased energy demand. The work presented in this stucfy investigates the appropriateness of a Jabric' first approach and evaluates the effectiveness building fabric (U-values) in the urban context. The case stucfy area is Central London, an area populated with prestigious office buildings that can be considered representative of many central Europe cities.