BREEAM Communities Certification Demonstrates Sustainability to Eastleigh Borough Council
Posted on March 4th 2014
We are delighted to announce that we have recently achieved our first BREEAM Communities certification at Crowdhill Green, Fair Oak, in Eastleigh Borough Council. Working closely with Bloor Homes and the Highwood Group, both of whom demonstrated a strong commitment to BREEAM Communities from the outset, the BREEAM Communities Step 1 process was undertaken in parallel with the Outline planning …
Assessing Existing Buildings with BREEAM In-Use
Posted on January 16th 2014
BREEAM In-Use is an environmental assessment method for existing non-domestic buildings whereby buildings are assessed using a standard methodology through an independent certification process. The aim of BREEAM In-Use is to identify sections of a property portfolio that is under-performing and will benefit from refurbishment or improvements in management practices. Carrying out this assessment promotes positive changes in the …
Our work along the River Thames
Posted on December 4th 2013
Over the past 5 years, we have been involved in some of the most significant developments along the River Thames, extending from Isleworth to Woolwich. This includes over 8,000 dwellings and a wide range of non-residential uses in 13 different developments. Through working on these projects we have gained specialist knowledge and skills through planning and assessment work. Riverside developments …
BREEAM and Code Design Stage Assessments Before Construction
Posted on November 18th 2013
Developments which are required to achieve BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes ratings should consider their requirements as early as possible. It is essential that pre-assessments are included within the feasibility stage of the development. The design must incorporate all of the required criteria ensuring minimal impact on the development and reducing the risk of the rating not being achieved …
BREEAM Commissioning Requirements
Posted on September 16th 2013
Commissioning is one of the key elements included within the Man 1 Sustainable Procurement issue within the BREEAM 2011 manual. There are two credits available for the commissioning process. The main contractor must appoint a commissioning manager to monitor and programme the commissioning of systems. All commissioning must be carried out in line with the current building regulations, BSRIA and …
Green Materials – The Environmental Product Declaration
Posted on August 26th 2013
The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardised way of measuring the environmental impact of a product, it includes verified information on the procurement of the raw materials, energy use and efficiency, content of materials and chemical substances, emissions to air, soil and water and waste generation. It reports the results of a product Life Cycle Assessment and is classified …
BREEAM Communities – 2013 update
Posted on June 10th 2013
BREEAM Communities was re-launched in 2012, with the new scheme providing a more straight-forward, deliverable assessment methodology that ties in more closely to the new planning framework in England and Wales. Hodkinson Consultancy is certified to undertake BREEAM Communities assessments with the new methodology. BREEAM Communities aims to assess and improve the sustainability of developments, beginning at the masterplanning stage …
A BREEAM Accredited Professional Adds Value
Posted on May 27th 2013
BREEAM Accredited Professional is a qualification provided, certified and accredited by the BRE. Involving a BREEAM Accredited Professional in your projects ensure that there is a qualified member of the project team who has specialist skills in sustainability and environmental design combined with a high level of competence in the BREEAM assessment process. Our proactive involvement early in the design …
The Technical Housing Standards Review and the NPPF
Posted on April 29th 2013
An announcement from the Technical Housing Standards Review Panel is anticipated imminently which we hope will signal improvements to the relevance and compliance efficiency for the currently wide range of housing related standards. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in March 2012. As we reported last month, the 12 month transitional arrangements formally ended in March 2013. Local Plans …
BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment and Planning
Posted on April 15th 2013
Existing buildings are currently responsible for approximately 27% of CO2 emissions produced in the UK. With local planning authorities updating their policies to reflect the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), in the absence of the adopted local plan, the use of BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment is expected to increase significantly. Paragraph 95 of the NPPF states that: “To support the move …