ClimateLite

Be at the forefront of low carbon building design

A wide range of construction industry companies are being invited to join leading design experts in the development of ClimateLite, a major new software tool. Climate Lite will steer architects and design teams towards truly integrated low carbon design from initial design conception.

The consortium developing ClimateLite is made up of the following low carbon building experts: BRE, Cardiff University, Cambridge Architectural Research, Southfacing Services Ltd and Bobby Gilbert & Associates. The Project is supported by RIBA.

What ClimateLite will do

Site Analysis

ClimateLite is a simple to use tool that will help building designers to make choices in terms of location, orientation, massing and shape in the early design stage. It will also assist in visually communicating this process to clients and local authorities.

The tool will consider the impact of daylight and sunlight patterns on the site, and also address wind flow patterns that affect natural ventilation. It will highlight areas where there are acoustic challenges and ultimately enable investigation into appropriate building form with respect to its surrounding conditions.

Low Energy Design

ClimateLite will aid evaluation of the energy and environmental performance of different building design options. The tool considers internal environmental conditions such as daylighting and thermal comfort. It will help with passive design decisions in relation to glazing ratios, shading strategies, insulation levels and the use of thermal mass. The software also includes a search library that will refer users to best practice literature in low energy design.

Carbon Mixer

ClimateLite will help in developing an early-stage energy strategy for a scheme by considering the most appropriate mix of low carbon energy technologies. A database of renewable technologies, along with their associated generation outputs and costs, is included with the tool. The software generates and graphically illustrates predicted heating, cooling and power demands along with the associated carbon footprint of a development.

Strategy Wizard

A key feature of ClimateLite is the Strategy Wizard that guides the user through the different stages of the software.

Benefits of ClimateLite

The vital move to a lower carbon society means that construction industry companies will have to adopt low carbon design strategies to remain competitive. However, whilst this is a complex issue demanding a structured approach from the outset of any project, there is currently no early stage tool to help produce a fully comprehensive low carbon design.

ClimateLite will guide building designers through a systematic approach that quickly and cost effectively addresses challenging current and future carbon emission targets and the use of renewable energy technologies.

Shape and trial ClimateLite

This three-year, Government funded project aims to launch an initial version of the tool by November 2009, to be trialled on real ClimateLite sponsor and technical partner developments. Partners will help shape the design tool to ensure that it operates effectively in a commercial environment and provides the service that designers need. As members, you will be able to work with design experts to trial the tool on your own construction projects.

Interested in ClimateLite?

The ClimateLite development team would like to invite commercial organisations to become involved in the project. There are two ways to work with the ClimateLite team:

1. Project Sponsor

We are looking to attract commercial sponsors drawn from leading property investors, developers, designers and clients. As a sponsor, you will be required to pay a one off investment fee. Please contact us about how our sponsorship package could help raise your company profile through participation in this groundbreaking project.

2. Technical Partner

We are also looking for suitable developments to trial out early versions of the ClimateLite software. Please let us know if you would like our expert project partners to work with you to enhance the environmental performance of your development with ClimateLite.

You may simply wish to be kept informed of project progress and trial the software yourself. To register your interest, please contact:

Chris Scott
BRE, Bucknalls Lane,
Garston, Herts WD25 9XX

T   +44 (0)1923 664511
E   scottce@bre.co.uk
W  www.climatelite.co.uk