News
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 https://www.hodkinsonconsultancy.com/ev-chargepoints-to-enter-building-regs/) and is set to introduce …
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 …
Air Quality Monitoring for Safe Indoor Working Spaces
Posted on October 27th 2021
CO2 monitoring in commercial spaces is a cost-effective way to manage spread of Covid-19 through optimising ventilation. Poorly ventilated spaces increase the risk of virus transmission. Yet, it can be difficult to manage effectively because air is invisible, making ventilation a less obvious mitigation measure. Monitoring indoor CO2 concentration is a useful proxy for understanding occupancy levels and ventilation rates, …
The Commercial Value of BREEAM Certification
Posted on October 27th 2021
Recent research shows that full BREEAM certification can lead to appreciable increases in rental values of commercial spaces. Tenants and lessors understand that sustainable buildings are more likely to be protected against future legislation changes, meet strong mandates coming from investors, and meet occupier demands to provide high quality working spaces for their employees. BREEAM aims to significantly reduce building …
Domestic Hot Water is getting cooler
Posted on September 14th 2021
CIBSE has recently published new guidance on domestic hot water temperatures for heat networks. The new document recommends the adoption of a 50°C target for the DHW generated at the hydraulic interface unit (HIU) outlet, with 45°C being reached at the kitchen tap within 45 seconds or less (notable exceptions exist, such as for vulnerable customers). The document has been …