On Wednesday the 4th of December 2024, our bimonthly CEDAR meeting took place in E17, on the Edinburgh Napier University Merchiston campus and simultaneously on Teams.
Two following presentations were delivered to our CEDAR members:
1 – Designing for Past, Present and Future, by Janice Lau, Architect & Passivhaus Designer – Architype.
Shaping a Sustainable Future through Retrofit
Janice, Architect and Passivhaus Designer at Architype, presented an insightful session on the importance of retrofitting for a sustainable built environment. With 40% of the UK’s energy used to heat existing buildings and 80% of 2050’s buildings already standing today, Janice shared how practical interventions can significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.
Key Numbers
Janice highlighted key statistics that underscore the urgency of retrofit:
To meet Scotland’s 2045 Net Zero targets, we need to transform our built environment. Retrofitting is one of the most impactful ways to address these challenges.
Practical Retrofit Solutions
Janice discussed retrofitting as a bridge between “business as usual” and fully certified EnerPHit standards. Measures such as:
- Improved thermal performance and airtightness,
- High-performing glazing,
- Mechanical ventilation systems,
can reduce whole-life carbon emissions by up to 80%, balancing energy savings and cost-effectiveness.
Data-Driven Decisions for Local Authorities
Over the past years, 30+ building studies have been conducted across Scotland for seven local authorities, targeting nurseries, primary schools, and other archetypes.
Key findings include:
- A 58% reduction in heating demand through balanced interventions.
- An 85% reduction is achievable with EnerPHit measures.
These studies demonstrate that fabric improvements simplify servicing while reducing operational carbon and energy demand on the grid.
People-Centric Design: At the Heart of Retrofit
Janice emphasized that successful retrofitting goes beyond data. It requires a people-focused approach that integrates science, art, and psychology to connect communities and foster a sense of culture and care. By prioritizing interdisciplinary design, retrofits can create meaningful, sustainable change.
Conclusion
Janice’s presentation underscored the importance of retrofitting as a practical solution to address climate targets, improve energy efficiency, and connect people with their built environment.
#Sustainability #Retrofit #NetZero #EnergyEfficiency #Passivhaus #PeopleCentricDesign
2 – Innovative Research on Timber-Concrete Composites: Enhancing Sustainability and Structural Performance, by Daniel Kumah, PhD researcher at Edinburgh Napier University, School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment (SCEBE)
Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainable Construction
At the forefront of sustainable engineering, this presentation highlights the development of Timber-Concrete Composites (TCC) using innovative techniques and recycled materials. The research explores how TCC structures can overcome the limitations of traditional timber while promoting sustainability, delivering higher strength, and optimizing performance in civil engineering applications.
Why Timber and Concrete?
Timber is lightweight, energy-efficient, and environmentally sustainable. However, its limitations—such as lower strength and fire resistance—are addressed by combining it with concrete. TCC structures leverage timber’s tensile properties and concrete’s compressive strength to create stronger, more durable systems with enhanced thermal mass and fire resistance.
Innovative Research Focus
The aim of this research is to improve the structural performance of timber-concrete composition with ribbed concrete layers and recycled aggregate concrete to promote sustainability. This innovative approach addresses gaps in optimizing concrete layers for long-span applications.
Real-World Testing
The experimental programme included:
- Push-Out Tests: Evaluating slip resistance and load-bearing capacity for different screw configurations (vertical vs. inclined).
- Ribbed vs. Solid Concrete Layers: Demonstrating comparable force resistance but improved sustainability with ribbed layers.
- Recycled Aggregates: Showing equivalent performance to natural aggregates with slightly higher slip values.
Finite Element Modelling for Insights
Advanced modelling techniques validated experimental results, providing insights into:
- Concrete cracking and screw-yielding mechanisms.
- Enhanced performance of cross-inclined screws over vertical screws.
TCC Beam Bending Tests: Understanding Failure Modes
Key findings from bending tests:
- Ribbed layers demonstrated higher slip but comparable load-bearing capacity to solid layers.
- Cross-inclined screws provided greater slip resistance and stiffness modulus.
- Failure modes highlighted areas for further optimization in TCC designs.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future
The research confirms that natural and recycled aggregate concrete TCC specimens offer comparable performance, promoting the use of sustainable materials. Ribbed concrete layers and innovative screw configurations enhance structural integrity, paving the way for more efficient and eco-friendly construction practices.
After the presentation, Daniel invited the audience to a lab visit.
#SustainableConstruction #TimberConcreteComposites #EngineeringInnovation #RecycledMaterials #StructuralEngineering