News
GLA requirements for commercial buildings means planning for new technology and optimised services
Posted on July 29th 2022
Meeting the GLA’s Part L 21, energy efficiency requirement is especially tough for offices and retail units. The required changes will impact architecture and how they are serviced. Developments with high hot water uses, such as leisure facilities or care homes, will have to further consider new technologies to reduce energy used for hot water generation. Our early assessment has …
New buildings measure up in CCC’s Progress Report
Posted on July 29th 2022
A recent publication by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) states UK has “solid Net Zero strategy in place” but risks missing the aim of net zero in practice. The report notes that the building sector needs to increase the uptake of low carbon heating technologies and ensure reductions in energy demands. These are elements that have been considered for new …
Heatwaves: Designing for a Changing Climate
Posted on July 29th 2022
New apartments need to be better designed for our changing climate. Designers should look to our nearest southerly European neighbours for architectural inspiration to not only keep heat in during winter but also keep heat out during summer. Our fascination in the UK with entire glazed facades and full height windows in apartments is an interesting one. Glass may provide …
Heat Pump refrigerants: CO2 vs Hydrocarbon – which to use when?
Posted on July 29th 2022
There are several manufacturers of both low and high temperature heat pumps, and their choice of refrigerant impacts performance. Refrigerants are the lifeblood of heat pumps and is also the medium through which heat is transferred. Hydrocarbon and CO2 refrigerant heat pumps offer some benefits in comparison to alternatives such as Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) and other compounds. The former are non-toxic, …
UK Wide Mandate for Heat Networks Arriving Shortly?
Posted on June 30th 2022
The Government has responded to the heat network zoning consultation and confirmed it will push for a UK wide requirement for heat network connections. The consultation highlights that a methodology will be developed to identify heat network zones across the UK. Zoning is expected to help expand the heat network sector by encouraging continuing investment, and forms part of the …
Part O: Are you Prepared?
Posted on June 29th 2022
Building Regulations Part O, for Overheating, applies to all residential buildings and came into effect in England on 15th June 2022. Its reach is extensive covering dwellings, care homes, student accommodation and halls of residence, boarding schools and residential colleges. Part O’s stated aim is to protect the health and welfare of occupants by reducing the occurrence of high indoor …
GLA Delays use of New Energy Statement Guidance Until 01/08/2022
Posted on June 29th 2022
The GLA have delayed use of their new energy strategy guidance requirements until 31st July 2022. The information we provided last month remains correct except the go-live-date, which has been pushed back until the new software is available, on the 31st July 2022. The GLA have however added additional requirements and benchmarks. The following summarises the changes: The new requests …
Project Success at Westbury Estate
Posted on June 28th 2022
We were appointed as Energy, Sustainability and BREEAM consultants by St James Group for the mixed use development at Westbury Estate, which has now been successfully completed. Located in Lambeth, this scheme is the first phase of the rebuilding of part of the Westbury estate, which will provide 334 new homes. We worked closely with the design team throughout planning, …
GLA Toughens Carbon and Energy Efficiency Policies
Posted on May 31st 2022
The GLA have made carbon & energy efficiency requirements significantly more onerous. The requirements from 15/06/22 will require building design improvements over the tougher Part L 2021 baseline. The GLA states that their full requirements will be provided on the same day enforcement begins. We have followed up with the GLA, and development teams should consider that: Requirements are applicable …
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring for the Public Services Industry
Posted on May 31st 2022
Indoor Air Quality monitoring is a potential solution to the COVID-related staffing crisis plaguing the public services industry. COVID transmission risk is particularly high in public spaces such as pubs, cafés and restaurants. This can be improved by changing occupant behaviour and increasing natural ventilation. However, implementing these solutions may impact the occupant experience and reduce trade. Through the use …