design and methods 

Here we provide an overview of the design of the project and the activities that were undertaken at each stage

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​Project design and methods 

The basis of this research project was to examine selected low cost low carbon housing developments, from the strategic brief through to occupation, together with views from a wider group of stakeholders, and to set out evidence-based recommendations on ways to increase the uptake of low cost, low carbon housing.

A key part of the project was engagement and collaboration with the study development teams – from funders through to contractors. Details of the developments can be found on the case studies page.
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The research project was delivered through five stages. The stages comprise a mix of desktop review, qualitative and quantitative social research, site observations of construction practice, building fabric testing, energy and environmental monitoring of the homes in-use, and mapping of different communication methods to the targeted audience.​         

Stage	Task
Stage l	Establishing the research timeline
Stage ll	Understanding the drivers, barriers, attitudes and challenges
Stage lll ​	​Identifying practical implications through the design process
​Stage lV	Determining the cost and energy performance of Building for 2050 housing in comparison to a benchmark scheme​
Stage V	​Delivering a programme of dissemination

We had two steering groups, one of which consists of government representatives and the other of experts and professionals across the built environment.
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We conducted industry stakeholder interviews to understand the drivers, challenges and impact of building low carbon homes. The findings were used to establish the common themes in our industry to support the acceleration of delivery of low carbon homes and will help shape future policy. 

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