News archive for September, 2025
Heat Network Regulations: A Wake-Up Call For Landlords
Posted on September 30th 2025
From 27 January 2026, landlords operating heat networks and communal heating systems in England will be subject to formal regulation and enforcement by Ofgem. This marks a significant shift in the responsibilities of landlords, who will effectively become regulated energy suppliers under the new framework. The transition to regulation is not just a technical compliance issue – it represents a …
Hodkinson Consultancy a finalist in the Investors in People Awards 2025
Posted on September 30th 2025
Hodkinson Consultancy is delighted to announce that we have been named a finalist in the Investors in People Awards 2025, shortlisted in the Health and Wellbeing (up to 499 employees) category. Over the past few years, we have worked hard to strengthen our culture of health and wellbeing, making meaningful changes that support team of staff both inside and outside …
MEES C & New EPC Methodology
Posted on September 30th 2025
Incoming EPC reforms could increase the difficulty in achieving a ‘C’ rating, an expected requirement for both private and social rented homes from 2030. Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) are planned to be set at an EPC ‘C’ level from 2030. The Government prefers for this to be on a new fabric performance metric rather than the running cost measure …
BREEAM Excellent Limits Architecture
Posted on September 30th 2025
Planning policy in London typically requires larger commercial units to mandate reductions in space heating and cooling demand by achieving BREEAM Excellent. This requirement is demonstrated through the BREEAM ENE 01 credit and differs from other reported metrics at planning, such as CO2 reductions or energy use intensities (EUI). The ENE 01 performance requires a bespoke strategy, especially for units …
Don’t Overlook Solar Gains in Communal Corridors for Gateway 2
Posted on September 1st 2025
For Part O, including BSR Gateway 2 submissions, housing developers must consider the potential for solar gains in communal corridors – even where no communal heat distribution pipework exists. Solar gains can contribute to overheating risks, impacting occupant comfort and safety. However, in some cases, dynamic thermal modelling may not be necessary. Where corridors are fully enclosed with no glazing …
Government’s Heat Networks Consumer Protection Response leaves many unanswered questions
Posted on September 1st 2025
The Government response to the Consumer Protection consultation earlier this month has provided some clarity on rules that will be applied to heat network suppliers and operators from January 2026. However, a wide range of issues remain unresolved and subject to further consultation, extending the period of uncertainty for landlords and other operators. Some key points to consider: Guaranteed Standards …
Our Test of Energy and Water Saving Showers
Posted on September 1st 2025
New technologies such as Kelda’s air-powered shower could significantly reduce building hot water demand, which has remained stubbornly high despite advancing energy standards. Kelda showers use a patented technology to deliver water into a high-velocity air stream. This differs from widely available aerated showers. Benefits include: Flow rates of 4.5 l/min Significant improvement in SAP via Appendix Q (to both …
Securing BREEAM Excellent at Planning
Posted on September 1st 2025
Don’t miss out on achieving BREEAM Excellent, by dealing with these key items at planning stage. While there are many pathways to success, the most effective and cost-efficient strategies begin before planning consent is granted. By securing certain key credits early, project teams not only strengthen their BREEAM outcomes but also embed sustainable principles into the design of the development. …