Rampton Drift retrofit project becomes important Green Deal pilot

Greg Barker, the Energy and Climate Change Minister visited the Rampton Drift retrofit project in Cambridgshire last Monday 31 October as the project has become a pilot for how the Green Deal will be rolled out next year.  The project which has just been completed by PRP architects, with Wilmott Dixon as contractors, for South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) differs from other retrofit pilots because the project focuses on retrofitting privately owned homes.

SCDC appointed PRP to develop proposals for 13 ex-MOD houses built between the 1950's and 1970's on the estate. There are three typologies comprising detached, semi-detached and terraced dwellings. Each house has different requirements and the homeowners involved have influenced the final decisions applied. Homes will be monitored for a two year period by ACCE and Cambridge University to assist in establishing the most cost effective ways of improving existing housing and hopefully to promote behavioural change in homeowners' energy use.

PRP specified a variety of carbon reduction technologies (see summary below) including the first application of Energy Flo insulation by Jablite, which enables heat losses and gains to pre heat intake air before it enters the house.

Andrew Mellor, Environmental Partner at PRP comments:  "This project was important as it highlighted a variety of issues which need to be addressed prior to the Green Deal being rolled out. Retrofitting privately owned homes is an intensive process as understandably owners want to take an active interest what is proposed. Each home cost more than anticipated through the Green Deal funding, however through improving the process of procurement and efficiencies I'm confident this can be brought down. The residents also highlighted to the Minster the importance of involving an architect to design and implement measures, so they have confidence in the process."

SUMMARY OF CARBON REDUCTION TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED:

- Removing existing loft insulation and replacing with 300mm new insulation
- Insulated loft storage boards
- Insulated loft hatch
- Cavity wall insulation fill, including removal of existing poorly installed insulation
- New high efficiency combi boiler and full heating system including controls and radiators or.
- Flue gas heat recovery
- Blocking up of redundant air vents
- Replacing existing extract fans with low energy fans
- Form draught lobbies by enclosing existing bin/external stores
- Window and external door overhaul
- PIV ventilation system
- Solar hot water system
- Sun pipesSealing and insulating redundant chimneys
- Monitoring equipment
- Dynamic wall insulation
- Web based real time display

The Rampton Drift Estate in Longstanton, Cambridgeshire, will become an island of retrofitted existing development within a larger project called Northstowe, an example of the Government's Eco-towns Prospectus which is planned on the former RAF Oakington barracks and airfield, five miles north-west of Cambridge. The aim of the project is to identify the costs, effects and benefits of a range of low-carbon, sustainable technologies by refurbishing existing homes on the estate. It is an opportunity for the construction industry and local residents to learn from the process.

For ITV coverage of the Minister’s tour of Rampton Drift please visit: www.itv.com

Photo caption: Minister discussing the pilot with key stakeholders at Rampton Drift. From left to right: Andy Batey, Resident at Rampton Drift, Andrew Mellor, Environmental Partner at PRP, Councillor Ray Manning – Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council and Minister Greg Barker.