Wolf Passive Homes

Mr Shimmin underlined his commitment to exploring its potential by attending a seminar last week held by Douglas-based passive home provider Wolf Environmental Consultancy (IoM).
Martin Hall, director of environment, safety and health for the Department of Local Government and the Environment, said it was looking at options for a pilot project.

Mr Hall is also chairman of the energy and climate change officer group supporting the Council of Ministers energy and climate change committee.

He said: By applying the passive home idea to traditional construction techniques, we can get very efficient houses that do not need heating other than having people in them.

It would mean a massive saving on energy bills as well as the resultant carbon reduction. Oil and gas are becoming harder to get and energy costs are rising, so passive home design is an avenue we have to explore.

Although no decisions have been made, a successful pilot project could mean the Island becoming a centre of excellence for this type of development.

Passive home design involves using substantial insulation in roofs, floors and walls as well as tight-fitting doors and triple-glazed windows.

But what sets it apart is that homes are super-sealed against air leaks, to 20 times the current standard for air tightness. An innovative ventilation system uses the heat from stale air going out to warm fresh air going in, so that householders do not lose heat by opening windows for fresh air.

With these measures, the combined heat from residents bodies, lights, kitchen appliances and a television is enough to maintain ideal temperatures of 21°C during the day and 19°C at night. Tests in Sweden have shown that, even with outside temperatures of -30°C, cooking a family meal was enough to heat a passive home to an ideal temperature.

Mr Hall said DLGE had held discussions with Wolf Environmental Consultancy (IoM), among other firms, because it was taking the lead in introducing passive home design here. The firms managing director John Sheppard said: Marketing this design is not about making lots of money from the building industry, it is about social change.

The Island runs the risk of becoming energy trapped as supplies of oil and gas are finite and will become more expensive. But passive homes are self-sufficient and self-sustaining.

If the government invests in passive home design, then the Isle of Mans involvement in the development of low-energy technology will be absolutely cutting edge.
03 February 2010: http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/Ministers-backing-for-Swedishstyle-housing.6040506.jp

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