Maybe this follows on quite well from all the cold weather we’ve been having … I’d love to know if anyone would be interested in generating our own green energy in Strathbungo? Wouldn’t it be great if some of the power going into our cold houses and heating our showers could be produced by us, in the streets we live in?
Has anyone ever looked into getting solar PV on their roof – plenty of sunshine across those south facing roofs! Or are there any options for starting a sustainable wood fuel group in the area? Would people be allowed to set up group to collect and burn sustainably managed wood in the city – or is this against smoke free zone rules?
I’ve set up a group on a site called energyshare – which aims to support community renewable energy projects and called it Strathbungo Greenies. If you’re interested, and especially if you have ideas you’d like to throw into the mix, please do come and join the Strathbungo Greenies group – I’d love to find out what people think might be possible in Strathbungo.
For example – have a look at this film about a community pool heated by biomass (using local wood chips as fuel) Maybe an idea for the Govanhill baths? And this film of a BMX track using solar PV to help them light their track – to get an idea what can be done.
…. a small disclaimer too. I also work with the lovely folks at energyshare, which is where I got the idea! I’ve been speaking with lots of community groups and been inspired by what they’ve done to set up their own renewable energy projects, and thought if they can do it, maybe we can too.
If you’d like to talk some more, please do come join me and leave your comments in the Strathbungo Greenies group.
Heidi,
My understanding is that we can’t have solar panels on the roofs on account of the listed status of the buildings. Are you saying that the planning regulations would allow it? And I am pretty sure that burning wood would be contrary to the smokeless zone rules. I also question what the carbon footprint of wood burning would be – if carbon footprints are important! Turning wood into charcoal would be super efficient and be within the rules but a faf to do.
If energy conservation (read ‘reducing energy bills’ for most people!) is the objective presumably it would be far more effective and efficient to promote loft and wall cavity insulation, new boilers and giving up private cars than to promote new and economically untested forms of micro energy.
Jonathan
I’m a building engineer and have worked in renewable energy, too (my current job, actually). I agree that conservation is important, and that insulating these buildings would be a good idea.
However as far as I’m aware, Strathbungo’s buildings don’t have cavity walls. They’re solid stone/masonry. An insulated cavity wall, or more likely insulation board, would have to added on the interior. Ideally, the wall section would be worked out and analyzed for moisture and heat flow first – and the mechanical systems designed in tandem – to avoid moisture problems. And, it would mean that the historic interior details would have to be either trashed (noooooooo!) or carefully deconstructed and then reconstructed.
When attic insulation is added, then it’s important to ventilate the roof so that the attic and roof stay cold, and moisture doesn’t condensate on the inside of the roof structure, promoting mould and rot. Does anyone know what the roof structure of these buildings looks like? Are the roof sheathing boards tight or spaced out? If they’re spaced out, then the roofs may already be adequately ventilated.
Burning wood is generally considered to be carbon-neutral, because it produces the same emissions that rotting wood would produce. However, chopping down live trees for burning and farming trees for burning… not quite sure how that affects that equation.
Are we not allowed to burn wood in the city? I wasn’t aware of that.
I’m sure that the buildings can support solar panels structurally, but whether or not planning permission would be granted – yeah, that’s questionable. Also, not much sunlight here, is there? Maybe microwind in the back gardens? LOL.
Interesting stuff. I’d love to get involved.
Hi Dee and Jonathan,
Thanks for your comments, really interested to hear what people think … and also see what ideas might be able to think about putting into action!
I agree that energy conservation is the important first step – and am planning to have an assessment to see what’s feasible. Would be great to know what others have done or are thinking of, as they are not the easiest of buildings to tackle! Dee, sounds like you have great experience in this area, have you seen any of the strathbungo buildings insulated?
Re planning for solar PV – There’s a really interesting project in Edinburgh – tenement flats, conservation area and world heritage site where they installed solar thermal panels. Can see the project here: http://www.changeworks.org.uk/uploads/Alistair%20Cant.pdf
I think they also examined heat loss in the buildings too.
Which made me think it might be possible. I also asked an architect who suggests just having a quick chat with the planning office in the first instance.
Regarding burning wood – to fuel a biomass boiler – I think the wood would need to be from a sustainable source, with more being grown to continue the carbon cycle. But I couldn’t find any info on smokeless zone rules for Glasgow city areas.
Lots of things to find out and am sure people have lots of other ideas. Dee if you’d like to get involved I’ve started a group here: http://www.energyshare.com/strathbungo-greenies
… At first just to get an idea of what people think and put some ideas out there. Be great if you wanted to join and add some of your thoughts too.
Thanks for your comments!