Elmhurst Energy has joined Friends of Energy House 2.0; a network of like-minded businesses and individuals committed to finding and researching solutions to the climate crisis. Founded by the University of Salford, the network was created to enhance the awareness and activity of their state-of-the-art research facility, Energy House 2.0.

What is ‘Energy House 2.0’?

Located at the University of Salford, Energy House 2.0 is a state-of-the-art research facility designed to address the impact of climate change on housing. The facility consists of two large chambers, each capable of accommodating two detached homes under controlled conditions, which can simulate a range of environmental factors, including temperature extremes (-20˚C to +40˚ C), wind, rain, snow, and solar radiation.

The facility is used by researchers to test the effects of climate change and look at the ways in which buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions. With the built environment accounting for 40% of the UK’s carbon footprint, the project will also allow researchers to identify strategies to reduce carbon emissions in homes and optimise operational costs.

In June 2022, the University of Salford began building test houses inside the environmental chambers in partnership with Barratt Developments, Bellway Homes, and Saint-Gobain. These were completed in January 2023.

What is ‘Friends of Energy House 2.0’?

Following the launch of the Energy House 2.0 research facility, the University of Salford launched the Friends of Energy House 2.0 community. This group comprises individuals and businesses committed to finding and researching solutions to fighting climate change and achieving net zero in the UK.

The key mission of the network is to raise awareness and increase the impact and activity of the research facility in Salford. A key component of this is the Impact Fund, which aims to find and finance initiatives and projects which are focused on battling the climate crisis.

The Friends of Energy House 2.0 Impact Fund has now reopened to new applications, with a closing date on Monday, 24^th July 2023.

Elmhurst Energy’s Involvement

As a member of Friends of Energy House 2.0, Elmhurst is committed to working with the University of Salford to better understand how buildings perform and how to address the challenges of achieving net zero in buildings.

Alongside the other industry partners supporting this project, Elmhurst is committed to fighting climate change and working towards the UK’s goal of net zero.

Andrew Parkin comments:

“I am thrilled that Elmhurst Energy is a Friends of Energy House 2.0 partner. There are two parts of this which really excite me:

The laboratory itself is a world-first, state-of-the-art facility that will help us understand the actual performance of buildings and services in ‘real world’ conditions and test assumptions. The opportunity to work together collaboratively, sharing knowledge and experience in a push towards better performing buildings, more informed regulations and methodologies to help move us closer to a Net Zero future, is also a positive ambition. 

The other part is just as important – the Impact Fund. Its focus on the climate change challenge and how we can tackle it from various angles is really positive to see, and Elmhurst is proud to be a donor”.