News
Progress in Reducing Emissions – But What about Timing?
Posted on May 30th 2025
We have been reflecting on our portfolio of CO₂ assessments and the general industry trajectory over the last couple of years, and found that: There is anecdotal evidence that embodied CO2e is lower today vs 2-3 years ago for new projects; There has been a reduction in regulated operational CO2 performance because of new Building Regulations and enhanced planning requirements; …
SAP to Continue with HEM
Posted on May 30th 2025
The Government quietly announced this month that the Future Home Standard (FHS) will use an updated SAP alongside the Home Energy Model (HEM). The release of the FHS should be expected later this year. Retention of SAP should result in a smoother transition for developers, with less uncertainty of results and without the additional cost of procuring HEM calculations. It …
Planning Success for Southbend
Posted on May 30th 2025
We are pleased to have supported AR18 in securing planning consent for their proposed new Warehouse in Kings Langley. The approved two-storey development is tailored to house their advanced warehouse, workshops, assembly areas and office space, all within a single, efficient site. Set into the sloping landscape, the building exemplifies environmental responsibility and innovative design. It is set to achieve …
BREEAM Fees Set to Increase from May 2025
Posted on April 10th 2025
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has confirmed a new round of fee increases for BREEAM certification, set to take effect from 1st May 2025. While existing developments already registered under BREEAM will maintain the fees applicable at the time of registration, any new projects registered on or after 1st May will be subject to the revised charges. For developers and …
Emerging inclusion of WLCA in Local Plans
Posted on April 9th 2025
Several local authorities are following London’s lead and requiring whole life cycle carbon assessments to be conducted for submission at planning. The table below shows the authorities that have adopted, or are considering, a requirement to conduct the assessment. Several of the adopted Local Plans introduce targets or benchmarks that require consideration alongside design. Whole life cycle carbon emission assessments …
Landlords, Heat and Regulations
Posted on April 9th 2025
Proposed consumer protection regulations for the supply of heat will impact all new and existing heat suppliers, but landlords of residential properties will face some unique challenges that need to be considered early. Current proposals include: “Unbundling” heat charges from rent or service charges; Limiting back-billing for heat consumption to 12 months; Banning heat suppliers from evicting customers due to …
How the BSR Impacts FHS and Heat Network Risks
Posted on April 9th 2025
We have been considering risks with upcoming regulations given the current Building Safety Regulator requirements and timelines. The Future Home Standard (FHS) and heat network regulations provide new complications to work through with timing becoming critical. The following are two examples that can be reviewed today and added to risk registers: The FHS proposals includes changing the commencement definition requiring …
The BSR and Condensation Assessments
Posted on February 28th 2025
A BSR (Building Safety Regulator) submission against Building Regulation Schedule 1 Paragraph C2(c) needs to demonstrate that condensation and mould growth risk has been minimised. Typically, the guidance in Approved Document Part C would be sufficient however some of the standards listed have been replaced or superseded. This is important as a BSR submission should be compliant with the most …
Beware Roof Upstands Causing Dwelling Condensation
Posted on February 28th 2025
Increasing numbers of upstands are required on rooftops for placing mechanical plant, such as heat pumps, leading to hygrothermal risks. The risk impacts compliance with Part C and Part L of the Building Regulations. Though the roof is insulated, the upstands are typically not and penetrate above the insultation line. Upstands that are not adequately thermally broken act as a lightning …
Home Quality Mark (HQM) to Transition to BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential
Posted on February 28th 2025
The Building Research Establishment (BRE) will be up updating the Home Quality Mark (HQM) assessment scheme to align more closely with BREEAM standards for new residential developments. From April 2025, HQM will transition to BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential, strengthening its assessment framework while maintaining its commitment to high-quality, sustainable homes. This update will simplify sustainability navigation for developers and …