Renewable Technologies, a BSRIA illustrated guide
|
In January 2022, BSRIA announced the publication of The Illustrated Guide to Renewable Technologies (BG 34/2021). The guide is intended to benefit construction professionals who do not need to be experts on the topic but need to communicate with those who are.
It introduces the following renewable energy sources, along with an explanation of the different system types for each energy source, where to use them in buildings, and application considerations:
The publication also considers other technologies, such as solar cooling, wind power, and allied technologies such as absorption cooling, fuel cells, energy storage systems and district heating and cooling. The guide also looks at grid-scale renewable energy technologies such as wind farms, solar farms and hydroelectricity.
With the ever increasing focus on the reduction in energy consumption and CO2 production necessary to meet the target of net zero carbon by 2050, it has become attractive for businesses to consider more deeply the use of renewable sources of energy.
Renewable energy technologies are subject to a variety of legislation concerning their design and installation. There are also incentives which encourage them to be adopted, such as the Climate Change Act 2008, the Renewable Heat Incentive, Feed-in Tariffs, the Future Homes Standard and the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. Not to mention that Building Regulations require new buildings, and certain works to existing buildings, to achieve certain levels of energy efficiency.
As the world moves towards an increasingly present sense of environmental responsibility, publications like the BSRIA Illustrated Guide to Renewable Technologies can help built environment engineers remain at the vanguard of this movement. The guide is part of BSRIA’s “Illustrated Guide to…” series which includes:
- BG 31/2017 The Illustrated Guide to Mechanical Building Services.
- BG 32/2014 Illustrated Guide to Electrical Building Services.
- BG 33/2014 Illustrated Guide to Hot and Cold Water Services.
This article originally appeared on the BSRIA website. It was published in January 2022.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.