News archive for June, 2012
The Code as a Pathfinder
Posted on June 29th 2012
This article looks at areas in construction where advances have been made since the Code for Sustainable Homes was launched in late 2006. Environmental information on building products is now routinely available to respond to the assessment requirements. The Code has required a consistent response from the supply chain. Building Fabric and Energy Performance The general industry view in 2007 …
Assessment of thermal mass gives Part L 2010 advantage
Posted on June 28th 2012
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 gives comfort that the approach …
Lighting design for Part L Compliance
Posted on June 26th 2012
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 lighting design will meet CIBSE’s …
Making sure sites pass BREEAM Post Construction assessments
Posted on June 21st 2012
After a successful BREEAM Design Stage assessment many sites lose vital credits at the Post Construction stage due to the transfer of information from the design team to the site teams. These credits tend to be the ones that are not included within design specifications and drawings, they are additional commitments the client and design team have made. One simple …
Electric heating for Code for Sustainable Homes level 4
Posted on June 21st 2012
The 25% dwelling emission rate (DER) improvement over Part L1A 2010 CO2 standards required for Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 compliance is being achievable via multiple routes. These have focussed on the use of decentralised energy, heat pump technology, or high efficiency gas boilers, with further CO2 reductions through the use of renewable technologies. In this note we examine …