News
Energy strategies impacted by updated GLA guidance
Posted on December 10th 2018
Updated GLA guidance on energy statements will have significant impacts on all planning applications in London. All energy statements in London should be developed in line with this updated guidance, on which the GLA and Boroughs place significant weight. It is applicable to all applications from the October 2018. The single exception to this is the carbon factors which they …
Hodkinson Consultancy joins UK-GBC circular economy task group
Posted on December 10th 2018
We are pleased to be members of the UK Green Building Council’s task group on the Circular Economy. We are attending regular workshops for the group and are really looking forward to being part of this exciting programme over the next year. Clients can find it challenging to know how, when and why to specify circular economy principles to enable …
We won runner up prize in the CIBSE BSG Prize 2018
Posted on December 10th 2018
Vasiliki won the runner-up prize in the CIBSE Building Simulation Group inaugural Prize 2018 showcasing excellence in the application of building simulation. She presented her shortlisted case study amongst the six finalists at CIBSE Build2Perform 2018. Congratulations to all finalists; all presentations were of a very high standard and competition was high. The advanced simulation tools used for the assessment …
New NPPF paves way for more challenging carbon targets
Posted on October 23rd 2018
The UK Government published the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in July 2018. This paves the way for local authorities to set their own energy efficiency standards in local planning policy and represents arguably the most important step change in Government policy on housing standards since Eric Pickles published his ministerial statement in March 2015. With specific regard to …
SAP 10 and its impact on energy strategies
Posted on October 23rd 2018
We are already looking at future energy scenarios for our clients, SAP 10 provides near-future (c.2020) domestic energy assessment methodology. The SAP methodology has been updated and published to allow the industry to prepare for the expected release of the awaited Part L Approved Document late 2019 or early 2020. For clarity, until the new Part L is adopted, SAP …
Residents Perceptions on Noise, Ventilation and Overheating
Posted on October 18th 2018
Are residents satisfied with their living conditions when the building meets standards set out for noise, ventilation and overheating? We have undertaken research into resident’s perceptions on internal noise levels, ventilation and thermal comfort. This has uncovered that residents are often resigned to high levels of noise to improve ventilation, even when mechanical ventilation is available. There is an inter-relationship …
The Challenge of Grid Decarbonisation
Posted on September 14th 2018
Rapid decarbonation of UK grid electricity due to a shift away from coal towards lower carbon generation from renewables and nuclear presents a new set of challenges to developers seeking the best energy strategy for their developments. For new schemes, it is now more important than ever to balance the increasingly competing aims of minimizing capital costs, meeting customer requirements …
Hodkinson Consultancy compete in annual charity football tournament
Posted on October 18th 2018
Hodkinson Consultancy took part in the Annual Berkeley Foundation 5-a-side football tournament in September to raise funds for Demelza Hospice Care for Children, for which a total of £42,900 was raised. Demelza Hospice Care for Children provides vital care and support to young people across the South East who may not live a long or full life. They provide compassionate …
Underfloor Heating for District Heating Efficiency to give lower heat charges
Posted on September 14th 2018
Specification of underfloor heating in flats can reduce network heat losses by around 20% and in doing so reduce corridor overheating and resident heat bills. Underfloor heating has benefits not just for thermal comfort, but also for the efficiency of the Heat Network. As recommended by the CIBSE Heat Networks Code of Practice, for increased efficiency the district heating system …
Carhartt – A Project Success in Kings Cross
Posted on September 14th 2018
We are pleased to announce that the new Carhartt Work In Progress (WIP) store is now open, the store has achieved a BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit Out rating of ‘Very Good’. The iconic US clothing and accessories brand can be found on King’s Cross Boulevard, just moments from the main station entrance in the largest area of urban redevelopment in …