Energy House 2.0: UK mega-lab simulates weather to test future homes
The mega-lab can generate sunlight, snow, wind, and rain in order to figure out how to build better houses.
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A logo is pictured at Energy House 2.0 at Salford University in Salford, northwest England. (AFP)
As a flurry of fine snow descends on two newly built dwellings inside a large laboratory in northern England, the thermometer drops below zero.
Despite the freezing temperatures, the two energy-efficient homes stay cozy thanks to cutting-edge heating and insulation technologies.
Welcome to Energy House 2.0 -- a science experiment made to help the world's housebuilders slash carbon emissions and save energy, not to mention tackle climate change.
The project, which is situated in a laboratory resembling a massive warehouse on the Salford University campus near Manchester's center, began last month.
Take a look inside eHome2, a three-bedroom family home which has been designed to shape zero carbon homes of the future.
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Find out more👉https://t.co/FMaIkwHRXm#eHome2 #EnergyHouse2 #SustainableConstruction #LowCarbon pic.twitter.com/KSHO0y248B
Rain, wind, sunshine, and snow can be generated in temperatures ranging from 40 to -20 degrees Celsius using a control center.
Professor Will Swan, head of energy house laboratories at the university, said, as quoted by AFP, "What we've tried to achieve here is to be able to replicate the weather conditions that would be experienced around 95 percent of the populated Earth."
The facility, comprising two chambers that can experience different weather at the same time, will test types of housing from all over the world "to understand how we deliver their net-zero and energy-efficient homes," he added.
The two houses, which are quintessentially British and constructed by firms with UK operations, will remain in place for a few years.
According to parliamentary research, residences accounted for 17% of heating emissions from buildings in 2019, equaling the contribution of all petrol and diesel cars on British roads.
Environmentalists have long urged the UK government to boost energy efficiency and insulation help for existing houses across the country.
