Don’t talk, show

The changes that took place in energy targets from 1995 to 2006 were significant. But they will be nothing compared with the adjustments the construction industry will need to have made come 2011 or 2016. As renewable quotas rise, we will look back on times of 10% renewables as halcyon days.

These tighter targets aren’t going to be easy. The tougher they get, the more disproportionately difficult things get and we encounter a law of diminishing returns. This will reduce realistic options and inevitably necessitate solutions at a community level.

However, we are already hearing that the magic bullet of biomass may not live up to the early promises, and combined heat and power (CHP) is perhaps not as good as some say. Few authorities are yet geared up to facilitate community-wide heat and power systems like the one achieved in Woking, Surrey.

Such profound changes and challenges will mean engineers need to alter the way they approach design. This fresh approach can be considered as a new language in which we must all become fluent. It will still need to be centred on traditional core engineering virtues: common sense, efficiency and a rational approach.

But engineers will need to communicate the needs of the complex world of design to all stakeholders, and focus more on energy matters.

We have all seen elements of this language as it develops – “cooling or heating-dominated” is a typical example. But the key is describing in plain English the end uses of energy quickly and unambiguously to show all stakeholders where solutions have to be applied. Only then will the glamorous, high-visibility renewables that are sprouting on many current projects be seen for what they are – tokens.

Engineers will need to rethink analysis. Benchmarks will quickly become out of date.

We need to develop a culture of assessing how buildings will perform and reporting how they actually perform, warts and all

As an industry we need to develop a culture of assessing honestly how buildings will perform and reporting how they actually perform, warts and all, if we are to develop industry-wide energy savings and achieve profitability. Bravo to those who tell it how it is rather than just seeking an opportunity to advertise.

The building regulations are slowly dragging us towards this scenario, but such information needs to be reported for every building that appears in the press. The RIBA now requires energy information for all buildings entered for awards. BSJ should require it for all buildings featured in the magazine.

A language produces phrases that characterise approach; “build tight, ventilate right” comes to mind as an enduring phrase that is ever more relevant. What phrases might the new language use?

I think we will need to use more visual phrases. Certain phrases that become commonly used are not just cliches. They represent real changes within the industry.

There will also need to be fresh practical philosophies to help a new generation of engineers see and understand the bigger picture. The key ideas I expect will guide the new generation are these:

• Early advice is fundamental.
• Understand locality and building type.
• Follow the energy story.
• Know in advance the easy wins.
• Maximise efficiency then use renewables.

The ideas need not necessarily come from engineering circles. I found these in an unusual book on philosophy:

• Be open to new ideas.
• Learn by doing, not watching.
• Don’t over-technologise – keep it simple.
• Don’t change a winning strategy – build on it.
• Try to understand others’ problems, not alter their behaviour.
• Show a solution, don’t just describe it.
• Take in detail to understand the big picture.

These are old adages, but in the new world of tighter targets and greener design, I believe they will take on new meaning.