News archive for April, 2021
Overheating Mitigation to become Regulated
Posted on April 7th 2021
The proposed Approved Document ‘[X]’ prioritises key design changes to mitigate overheating, taking the London Plan cooling hierarchy approach nationwide. It will compel design teams to consider overheating mitigation in conjunction with noise, air quality, safety and security. The consultation version of the guidance provides two approaches for developers to choose from: Option 1: Simplified method – prescribes a maximum …
Preventing pipe corrosion from phenolic insulation
Posted on April 7th 2021
It’s not an easy switch to mineral wool to address pipework corrosion risk caused by phenolic insulation. On Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) systems the thickness of mineral wool required to achieve the same insulating properties may be considerably more than you think. For example, more than 1.5 times the insulation thickness may be required when using mineral wool compared …
Where does modular construction save carbon?
Posted on April 7th 2021
Modular construction offers a significant reduction in carbon emissions when compared to traditional construction. The gains are primarily achieved through improved transport, construction impacts, repair, maintenance, and deconstruction. Significant savings are unlikely to come from embodied carbon specifically, due to the similarity in materials used. Modular buildings can be disassembled, and the modules relocated or refurbished for new use. This …
Be Seen: a reputational minefield?
Posted on April 7th 2021
The GLA’s ‘Be Seen’ policy will empower residents by providing public access to a development’s design and in-use energy performance data. It requires explanations and potential mitigation measures for differences between design and in-use performance. With increasing public awareness of energy and sustainability issues, inaction could have a significant reputational impact. Energy estimates are based on controlled variables such as …