Part L 2021 Finalised
Posted on December 15th 2021
The Government released its new statutory requirements for energy, overheating and ventilation for buildings in England on the 15/12/21. The following is an initial review of the updates which are largely the same as we have previously discussed in various articles: Regulations – The new tougher requirements covering energy, overheating and ventilation have been confirmed. These are presented in new Approved …
Merry Christmas from all at Hodkinson Consultancy
Posted on December 14th 2021
We all wish you an enjoyable Christmas and hope that 2022 brings us continued good health (and no further global emergencies). It has been a pleasure working with all our clients over the past year and particularly enjoyable to see an increasing number of you in person. Our office is closed from 23rd December, reopening on 4th January when we …
Heat Network Water Quality – New Guidance
Posted on December 14th 2021
New guidance on heat networks’ water quality has just come out which calls for more sensors, probes and closer monitoring. The new BG50/2021, published in November 2021, introduces a number of updates over its predecessor (BG50/2013) which are aimed at making Heat Networks (and closed loop systems in general, including cooling) more robust, efficient and with longer life spans. Among …
All New Homes with Parking to Provide an EV Charge Point
Posted on December 2nd 2021
From next year all new homes with associated parking will be required to be fitted with an electric vehicle (EV) charge point. Developments will need to consider the additional electrical needs and costs that this could incur. The Government has responded to the 2019 consultation (which was summarised in our article earlier this year) and is set to introduce into …
How to get Heat Pumps Right
Posted on November 29th 2021
Compared to traditional heating systems, heat pumps need a different way of thinking about design, construction and operation to make them work as well as possible. With heat pumps becoming increasingly popular, and practically a requirement for new builds in London, its important to ensure they are delivered well. On paper, the high efficiencies and therefore low carbon associated with …
Zero Business Rates for Low-carbon Heat Networks
Posted on November 29th 2021
The government’s October 2021 budget promises 100% relief of business rates for eligible low carbon heat networks and a commitment to support green investment and decarbonisation of non-domestic buildings. This is expected to provide approximately £750 million of support to businesses, to encourage investments to meet net zero targets in the next five years. Business rates are generally charged on …
Sourcing Sustainable Steel
Posted on November 29th 2021
Sourcing UK steel won’t improve the sustainability of your projects and steel with a high recycled content isn’t the best way to reduce embodied carbon. Wait a minute, that doesn’t sound right; sourcing locally reduces A5 transportation emissions whilst a high recycled content engages with the circular economy, reducing A1-A3 materials emissions. Right? The truth is that is an over-simplification …
Planning Success for Countryside Properties
Posted on November 29th 2021
We supported Countryside Properties in their joint venture with Bracknell Forest Council to achieve planning consent for the regeneration of the Coopers Hill site. To ensure affordability, we balanced out energy efficiency measures such as high levels of insulation and high efficiency systems with low running cost heating systems tailored to the scheme. We also worked on the sustainability strategy …
Funding applications for optimisation of heat networks open
Posted on October 27th 2021
The Government is making funding available for heat network optimisations that could help reduce heat bills to residents. Public and private operators managing existing district heat networks or communal heating systems can apply for funding for optimisation and improvements works associated with their heat network. The government has launched the Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), a £4.175m grant scheme. Applicants …
BEIS Heat and Buildings Strategy Summary
Posted on October 27th 2021
The Heat in buildings strategy is short of new announcements for major developers but does aggregate policy work since 2016. It explains the current position, what needs to change and expected timelines (up to 2035) covering regulations, supporting programmes, and technological changes. A short thematic summary below provides an update of the central points: New Building Regulations Part L, still …