Technical newsletters about emerging issues & our latest research

Improvements to BRE’s Home Quality Mark ONE Scheme

Posted on September 14th 2018

BRE have recently revamped their HQM standard for new homes, now known as the HQM ONE scheme version. In response to recent consultation, BRE have updated the scheme to recognise homes with improved quality. We’re providing CPD presentations to keep our clients up-to-speed with the latest changes. We’re also developing forward-thinking HQM strategies with bespoke Pre-Assessments, to ensure early credits …

Read the full article...

To Regulate or Not to Regulate? UK Heat Networks

Posted on August 21st 2018

There are calls for the UK’s Heat Networks to be formally regulated. The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) have reported on how the market might look in the future and identified key drivers and trends in the industry. These include identifying Ofgem as a suitable regulator, assessing the need for greater consumer protection and developing a suitable framework for market …

Read the full article...

How Noise Mapping Can Help Develop an Overheating Strategy

Posted on August 21st 2018

Both acoustics and overheating design should be considered together, and an integrated solution provided. Noise Maps of a proposed site and surrounding areas can be produced by measuring the long term averaged sound levels. Contour lines can then be used to provide a clear picture depicting how the development will be affected by various noise sources. This allows us to …

Read the full article...

Designing for Health, Wellbeing and Productivity

Posted on August 21st 2018

We can carry out BREEAM and WELL assessments in tandem to ensure the highest quality sustainable development which focus not only on energy and environmental sustainability but human and social aspects too. Our team of BREEAM and WELL APs are experts in harmonising evidence and identifying opportunities to streamline the process of achieving dual certification. Launched in October 2014 after …

Read the full article...

Revised NPPF: Key Sustainability Factors

Posted on August 21st 2018

The final version of the revised National Planning Policy Framework was formally published on the 24th July 2018. Our review of the new document has identified the following key sustainability themes: Flexibility with daylight and sunlight standards – the updated document states that local plans should optimise the use of land through the use of minimum density standards. To ensure …

Read the full article...

Acoustic Considerations in Ventilation Strategies

Posted on July 17th 2018

When designing a building in a noisy environment the answer is often to design the building with windows closed and mechanical ventilation. However, perversely noise can be created from the ventilation systems if not designed appropriately. To ensure the ventilation system does not create unwanted noise levels the system should be designed to ensure the fans are the correct size …

Read the full article...

How we think the Heat Network CoP could be Improved

Posted on July 17th 2018

The “Heat Networks Code of Practice” for the UK, a guide produced by Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers in association with the Association for Decentralised Energy, has been, since its publishing in June 2015, the go-to document for consultants when advising clients on all things District Heating. The guide does a terrific job in raising issues and considerations that …

Read the full article...

How to get Higher Feed-in-Tariff Rates

Posted on July 17th 2018

To obtain the higher “Feed-in-Tariff” (FiT) rate for a renewable or low-carbon technology, a new dwelling needs to achieve an EPC rating of D or above which is issued before the commissioning date of the installation (the pre-EPC”). This “pre-EPC” does not include the expected PV and should be produced when the dwellings are nearing completion. Ideally the air permeability …

Read the full article...

BREEAM Achieved at new Mini & BMW Showroom in Royal Arsenal

Posted on July 17th 2018

We are pleased to announce that a BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit Out rating of ‘Very Good’ has successfully been achieved for Stephen James Group at Royal Arsenal Riverside. We were appointed to undertake a BREEAM fit out assessment for Stephen James Group, a BMW and MINI car dealership to satisfy requirements set by Berkeley Group. The unit is located within …

Read the full article...

Planning Success at Hanger Lane

Posted on June 28th 2018

Last week the Hanger Lane Gyratory student accommodation development secured resolution to grant at the London Borough of Ealing’s Planning Committee. We are delighted to have supported Hanger Lane Investments Ltd in devising an integrated Energy, Sustainability and Overheating strategy for the proposed development, which will provide 562 rooms with associated public and private amenity space, gym and retail elements …

Read the full article...