Energy House 2.0 comprises two large environmental chambers, each capable of accommodating two full-scale detached houses. These chambers can simulate a wide range of climatic conditions, including temperatures from -20°C to +40°C, alongside wind, rain, snow and solar radiation. This unique environment allows researchers and industry partners to rigorously evaluate building materials, technologies and systems under controlled yet highly realistic conditions.

The facility is central to research into low-carbon housing design and construction and supports the development of homes aligned with future regulatory standards and net-zero ambitions.

Kelda is delighted to be working alongside Barratt Homes, Saint-Gobain and other forward-thinking partners as part of this landmark project. Our Air-Powered high-efficiency shower has been installed within eHome2 to assess its contribution to reducing both water consumption and hot water energy demand – two critical factors in lowering household carbon emissions.

Showering accounts for a significant proportion of domestic hot water use. By addressing this area, Kelda’s technology supports a more holistic approach to sustainable housing, helping to reduce environmental impact without compromising user comfort or performance.

Sustainable Technology Benefits

Kelda’s Air-Powered shower delivers measurable environmental, energy and financial benefits:

– Up to 50% reduction in water consumption, while maintaining a high-quality showering experience

– Up to 50% reduction in hot water energy demand

– When combined with Q-Blue’s Showersave wastewater heat recovery system (WWHRS), a further 71.8% of wastewater energy can be recovered and reused, delivering total net energy savings of up to 85.9%

– 10% reduction in Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) and associated carbon emissions

– Reduced hot water demand can enable the specification of a smaller hot water cylinder, supporting space and material efficiency

– Estimated annual household savings of £430 on water and energy bills

– Technology independently verified by the Energy Saving Trust (EST)