News archive for February, 2012
Safe Disposal of Low Energy Lamps
Posted on February 29th 2012
As part of our work on Home User Guides we have become aware of the importance of the safe disposal of low energy lights (LEL). Advice provided by the Health Protection Agency states that should a low energy light break, the following actions must be followed: Vacate the room Shut off any central air conditioning Ventilate the room for …
Simplifying Use of the Green Guide for Materials
Posted on February 24th 2012
The specification of sustainable construction materials is a mandatory requirement within the Code for Sustainable Homes, and represents a significant category within BREEAM assessments. Materials are rated against the Green Guide (Building Research Establishment, 2008), which examines environmental impact through a Life Cycle Assessment. The rating achieved is converted into Code or BREEAM credits. Currently over 1,500 different materials have …
Part L Consultation: Energy Efficiency Requirements
Posted on February 16th 2012
The Part L 2013 Consultation proposes the use of new Fabric Energy Efficiency Standards for dwellings. Through testing of typical house types we have concluded that a challenging specification uplift is required for compliance with these standards. We also outline a number of complicating issues which may pose a risk to achieving the required standards. Within the Government’s preferred approach …
DECC funding for tower block community retrofit study
Posted on February 13th 2012
Richard Hodkinson Consultancy is to carry out a study on a community retrofit project, thanks to a Department for Energy and Climate Change grant awarded through the Local Energy Assessment Fund last week. The practice is working with the Parkview and Sunrise Estate Tenants and Residents Association (PETRA) in Hornchurch, East London. PETRA is a group of community volunteers who live …
ASHPs and the Code in the British Climate
Posted on February 3rd 2012
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 number of issues to …