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Delivering a Sustainable Future
BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment and Planning
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 [...]
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Tagged Assessments, BREEAM, CO2 emissions, Environmental standards, Planning, Refurbishment, Sustainability, Zero carbon
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Northstowe New Town a Step Closer
Gallagher’s development of the first phase of Northstowe is a step closer after the joint committee of members of South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridgeshire County Council resolved to grant outline planning permission, subject to the completion of a legal agreement. Richard Hodkinson Consultancy supported the application through preparation of an Energy Statement for the [...]
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Tagged Energy efficiency, Environmental standards, Planning, Sustainability, Zero carbon
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ASHPs and the Code in the British Climate
Introduction Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) can be an effective route to achieving carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction targets under Code for Sustainable Homes Levels 3 and 4 and they can meet Part L1a of the Building Regulations. Whilst ASHPs can reduce absolute emissions of carbon dioxide when compared with conventional gas heating, there are a [...]
CHP design considerations
The following issues should be considered at an early stage of design as part of an evaluation of the viability of CHP. Organising a connection to the grid Unless a CHP engine can be connected to the grid, its size may be significantly reduced. This is so that demand for electricity across a development is [...]
Biomass, deliveries and ash management
How much more attention do biomass boilers really need? The comparison to the ‘stoker’ associated with coal fired steam engines may be unfair and extreme but it does go some way to painting a picture of the difference between biomass and gas fired boilers. Biomass (wood chip or pellet) is a solid fuel which requires [...]
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Tagged Biomass, Community energy, Renewable energy, Zero carbon
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Masterplan strategies and the Code
For most schemes, the mandatory energy elements of the Code can be achieved through the incorporation of solar thermal and/or solar PV panels on individual houses. Once Code Level 4 (a 44% improvement on 2006 Building Regulations) is sought, serious consideration must be given to a community heating network with either biomass or CHP facilities. [...]
Zero Carbon consultation: cost of compliance
We used real case studies for the Home Builders Associates to provide a response to the worked examples included in the Zero Carbon Consultation Document. Our study found that the cost to achieve Zero Carbon including energy efficiency, Carbon Compliance (on-site) and Allowable Solutions (off-site) varies from £10,000 – £40,000 per dwelling. The most expensive [...]
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Tagged Energy efficiency, Renewable energy, SAP, Zero carbon
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