Air quality
Assessments
Biomass
BREEAM
Building materials
CEEQUAL
CHP
Climate change
CO2 emissions
Code
Community energy
Daylight
Drainage
Ecology
Energy efficiency
Energy modelling
Energy Performance Certification
Environmental standards
Guides
Heat pumps
Housing quality
Inclusive Design Champion
Insulation
Lighting
Modern methods
MVHR
Part L
Part M
Planning
Pollution
Refurbishment
Renewable energy
SAP
Site waste
Solar PV
Solar thermal
Sustainability
Waste
Water
Zero carbon
Delivering a Sustainable Future
Ventilating dwellings in noise exposed areas
Developers must carefully consider the technical impacts of any planning requirements which preclude the use of openable windows in residential developments. The limited technical solutions currently available mean that any such requirements will severely constrain the ventilation strategy and have a direct impact on Part L1A CO2 compliance. Where planning requirements for developments in areas [...]
Kim Coleman joins us to extend our BREEAM services
Kim Coleman has recently joined our BREEAM team to further enhance this growing service. Kim brings with her a wide range of technical experience from BRE and Carillion. Our BREEAM team are able to undertake the full range of BREEAM assessments. Coupled with the BREEAM work we can also carry out energy assessments and modelling [...]
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Assessments, BREEAM, Energy modelling, Sustainability
Leave a comment
The Benefits of Dynamic Simulation Energy Modelling at Concept Design Stage
A recent dynamic simulation exercise for a client has highlighted the importance of early consideration of a “joined-up” building services and fabric strategy. This ensures an optimised heating solution delivers comfort and acceptable running costs. The use of our dynamic simulation energy modelling software greatly improved the accuracy of this process over standard SBEM compliance [...]
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Energy efficiency, Energy modelling, Insulation, Part L, Refurbishment
Leave a comment
The Value of Energy Modelling
Over the past twelve months, Richard Hodkinson Consultancy has invested significant resources developing our energy modelling capabilities to assist our clients. We use 3D modeling software tools such as DesignBuilder and Hevacomp for strategic heating design, cooling design, HVAC simulation, overheating assessments, daylight and sunlight analysis. SBEM Part L Compliance: DesignBuilder uses data such [...]
Improving thermal bridging for a mid-floor apartment: a case study
Undertaking Part L 2010 assessment over multiple projects has taught us that it can be difficult to take advantage of improved ‘thermal bridges’ for some building types. For most dwelling types, Accredited Construction Details (ACDs) should provide a 50% reduction in thermal bridging heat loss compared to the SAP worst case. However, we have found [...]
Running costs of energy in a Code Level 4 home
Meeting higher sustainability standards, such as Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4, does not necessarily mean lower energy costs to residents. The strategy adopted to achieve these higher standards can have a significant impact. It is possible for energy running costs to be increased if inappropriate strategies are adopted. We have examined the estimated energy [...]
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Code, Energy efficiency, Energy modelling, Renewable energy
Leave a comment
Window lintels and Part L
We have undertaken a desktop study to test the significance of lintel performance on the outcome of Part L assessment. The study was based on the 2010 version of the Building Regulations for new homes. We conclude that selecting lintels with a view to their thermal performance can be of real advantage to designers seeking [...]
Assessment of thermal mass gives Part L 2010 advantage
A review of the treatment of thermal mass under Building Regulations Part L1a suggests that, rather than relying on default assumptions, there is an advantage to be gained by undertaking an individual dwelling assessment. The results of a thermal mass parameter assessment are similar for a range of house types on the same development. This [...]
Lighting design for Part L Compliance
Addressing the energy demand and associated CO2 emissions from lighting is a key element in complying with Part L of the Building Regulations (2010). Good lighting design is fundamental to cost-effectively meeting the standards. Furthermore, there are added benefits of a good lighting design in terms of occupant comfort and potentially lower running costs. Good [...]
Energy improvements at Parkview and Sunrise Estate
We were recently commissioned to carry out an Energy Audit for a community led refurbishment project in the London Borough of Havering. The aim of the project was to ensure that any future upgrades to the energy performance of the three 1960s tower blocks on the Parkview and Sunrise Estate are undertaken to the [...]
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged CO2 emissions, Energy modelling, Refurbishment, Sustainability
Leave a comment
Thermal mass: more complex than it first seems
The effects of thermal mass on a building are not straightforward. The effects of high thermal mass can be positive or negative depending on the fabric specification of a building. The graph below illustrates the effects of thermal mass on a semi-detached dwelling, by showing the change Dwelling Emission Rate (DER, measured in kg CO2/m2/yr) [...]
Code level 3 energy measures
Our download highlights the typical improvements that are made in order to comply with a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions for Code Level 3. Click to enlarge.
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Code, Energy efficiency, Energy modelling, Energy Performance Certification, Renewable energy, SAP
Leave a comment
