The ECOFAB system generally comprises a super insulated envelope achieving U-Values as low as 0.11 w/m2k.  When coupled with high performance composite timber frame triple glazed windows with whole window u-values as low as 0.7w/m2k and air permeability of less than 1m3/m2Hr@50pascals, this exemplar building system meets many of the standards required by stringent energy benchmarks such as Passivhaus and CSH Level 5 together with the AECB silver and gold standards.

Although the materials used would be normally classified as ‘lightweight’ the nature of their incorporation into the building system and the sheer volume of material used ensure that the ‘decrement delay’ factor is extremely high for these buildings.  In simple terms, the buildings moderate extremes of external temperature and maintains a comfortable internal temperature throughout all seasons, with only minimal energy inputs during the short heating season.

Due to the low levels of energy demand, renewable sources such as air source heat pumps, solar thermal panels and small wood burners complement these efficient buildings. This is particularly the case when mechanical ventilation with heat recovery is incorporated.  This latter technology can become partially integrated into the fabric of the buildings through inbuilt service voids thereby reducing costs.

Building efficiency is not all about the fabric and technology.  Core principles of sustainable design and construction need to apply.  ECOFAB, through their design team at ARCO₂ Architecture Ltd ensure that full site analysis is undertaken in relation to each and every project in order to exploit the maximum potential of any given location and to mitigate against limitations of site.  Additional in depth analysis is undertaken regarding the proposed use of buildings as this will dictate decisions about mechanical and electrical systems and even building fabric choices.

Efficiency is also core to the construction phase.  The modular nature of construction, the use of standard building industry dimensioned timber and sheet material ensure that there is virtually zero waste off site, within the workshop and only minimal waste on site.  Bulk ordering and delivery of key materials, large storage facilities and local-based haulage achieve further efficiencies in transportation reducing carbon emissions further.