News
Hodkinson Outlook 2023
Posted on December 20th 2022
2022 was eventful, will 2023 be the same? To help work the impact in 2023 we have listed our key thoughts for 2023 across four sections: Design considerations Planning requirements in London but could be extended elsewhere Operational requirements What to look for that will impact you in the coming years. Design considerations Part L 2013 transition period ends Any …
The New Opportunities Unlocked through Be Seen
Posted on November 30th 2022
There are key benefits to developers of monitoring energy use under the GLA Be Seen requirements, but these will not be achieved through the minimum requirements alone. With the cost of energy high on everyone’s agenda, demonstrating that a project will be monitoring energy use can be a key sales feature and provide comfort to customers. Knowing how actual energy …
How New Energy Bill Supports Heat Networks
Posted on November 30th 2022
New Regulations under the Energy Prices Act 2022 oblige heat network operators to ‘pass-through’ savings on fuel costs from the Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS). Notifications to customers of any benefit should have been issued by November 30th (or 30 days after receiving a benefit, whichever is the later) and operators must pass-through the benefit by the time the next …
Is Water Neutrality Now As Important As Carbon Neutrality?
Posted on November 30th 2022
Planned development in water stress areas is expected to come under increasing pressure to show how it is water neutral. This is where a development results in no increase to an existing site’s water usage, which for some developments will be very challenging to demonstrate. This is becoming a planning requirement in certain locations due to cumulative water management problems …
How to Ensure PV Improves EPC Ratings for Flats
Posted on November 30th 2022
EPC ratings can be improved by using approved photovoltaic sharing technology. This links the energy from PV to the apartments rather than the landlord’s area. Dwelling EPCs ratings do not benefit from PV panels linked to the landlord supply. The CO2 emissions do however account for the reduction. The technology consists of a power division control system placed between a …
Building Physics Key to Healthy and Energy Efficient Retrofits
Posted on October 27th 2022
Mitigating heat losses and condensation in retrofits reduces heating bills while providing comfort. A whole building approach should be considered when improving thermal comfort. This requires controlling U-values, thermal bridges, material selection and controlled and uncontrolled ventilation rates. The following are well documented challenges with retrofit: Spatial restrictions impact the amount of insulation that can be added to improve the …
Movember – Hodkinson’s Fitness and Facial Hair challenge
Posted on October 26th 2022
Employees’ mental health and physical wellbeing is very important at Hodkinson. That’s why we are taking part in Movember this year to raise awareness and encourage discussions around mental health. During November we will be collectively walking, running, swimming & cycling over 1,600 km beyond our normal fitness goals, as well as growing some interesting facial hair. If you can …
Project Success at Abbey Road
Posted on October 19th 2022
We were appointed as BREEAM and Carbon consultants by Wates Construction London Residential for the commercial development at Abbey Road in the London Borough of Camden, which has now been successfully completed. Wates are committed to the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and have joined the ‘Race to Zero’ campaign, which aims to halve Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by …
Heat Network Bills Support – Temporary Relief for Heat Network Customers
Posted on October 19th 2022
Much needed clarity has emerged on how the government will support domestic heat network customers in the light of high wholesale energy prices this winter. The implications on landlords and heat network operators must not be ignored to avoid the risk of referral to a new Energy Ombudsman. The following measures to benefit heat network customers have been announced: £100 …
Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis Helps Improve Indoor Air Quality
Posted on September 29th 2022
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis can diagnose risks of inadequate air distribution which can impacts both occupants and the building. Poor indoor air quality increases the risks of spreading illnesses between occupants (WHO), leads to uncomfortable occupants and reductions in productivity. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis is a powerful tool to be used when developing the ventilation strategy. It can …