IDEMA
Rethinking construction, rethinking energy
IDEMA was a technical feasibility study that identified innovative construction methods as well as opportunities for integrating renewable energy technologies into 11 sustainable homes in the UK.
The Innovate UK part-funded study was delivered by a consortium of partners including DG Cities, MillsPower, l3dr and L&B and aimed to demonstrate how:
A structure can be designed to be scalable in size to fit different available land areas and densities
A housing unit can be adapted according to the specific needs of its users
The development of off site manufactured (OSM) buildings can be improved using automation, reducing construction time and costs
Renewable energy technologies and passive design principles can be utilised to achieve a zero carbon development and even generate surplus energy
“The use of renewable energy technologies is on the rise, especially as industries actively strive to achieve net-zero emissions by switching from fossil fuels to clean energy. ”
The role of DG Cities
Our role was to identify the most appropriate renewable energy technology strategy for these homes and explore the potential to generate surplus energy and associated revenue. Through this work we developed a Renewable Energy Technology Assessment framework which determines the most appropriate course of action for developers, based on 3 factors: site characteristics, energy requirements and lifecycle environmental impact of technologies.
Our work here led to some fascinating insights into how best to deploy renewable energy technologies and we are using our assessment framework today to help developers identify the best course of action for new housing developments.
Why is this work important?
The use of renewable energy technologies is on the rise, especially as industries actively strive to achieve net-zero emissions by switching from fossil fuels to clean energy.
However, like any other technology, renewables require materials and energy for their production, and as such their production and disposal have an impact on the environment.
For this reason, it is very important that a proper assessment is made when selecting renewable energy technologies for use in proposed or existing developments. This assessment should take into consideration the site’s characteristics, the energy demands and the lifecycle impact of the technologies. Our work in Project IDEMA has developed such a framework and analysis, which can ensure that the most suitable and efficient renewables are selected for meeting the energy demands of a specific site.
“Our work here led to some fascinating insights into how best to deploy renewable energy technologies.”