News
Low Carbon Heat Networks – Is the Future Ambient?
Posted on March 12th 2019
As electricity decarbonises, the successful incorporation of heat pumps into heat networks is one route by which decarbonisation of heat can be achieved. One means of realising this is to use an ambient temperature loop. The ‘loop’ can be fed by waste heat, bodies of water such as rivers, the ground, or centralised heat pumps and is typically maintained at …
Does your development answer the Committee on Climate Change’s new future fitness test?
Posted on March 12th 2019
The Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC) report titled UK housing: Fit for the future? gives us a lot to consider. The report lobbies government departments to act further against the impacts of climate change related to the housing sector. They highlight the following themes: Climate proofing existing houses; Capacity building for compliance officers; Improving skills for installing renewables; Prioritise retrofitting …
BEIS provides funding for private heat networks – can your project benefit?
Posted on March 12th 2019
The Heat Networks Investment Project (HNIP) provides a new funding opportunity for private sector sponsors and owners of heat networks. The Department for Business, Enterprise and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has made £320 million available to create a self-sustaining heat networks market in the form of grants and loans. For private developers with eligible schemes, funding is most likely to be …
Our Presentation on Evaluation of Acoustics, Ventilation and Overheating Guidance to the IOA
Posted on March 8th 2019
Last month Kim presented her research on acoustics, ventilation and overheating in residential buildings at the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) London Branch Meeting. The presentation was an important opportunity to showcase and discuss her findings as there is limited research in this area. The internal and external environments of two developments were monitored to obtain sample noise and temperature levels …
Planning Success for the Mixed Use Development at Tesco, Kennington Lane
Posted on February 1st 2019
*Image has been provided by GRID Architects. We are delighted to have supported the planning application for the redevelopment of Tesco, 275 Kennington Lane, which secured resolution to grant at December’s Planning Committee in Lambeth. The mixed use development comprises of 571 residential dwellings, a replacement Tesco store and flexible A1/A2/A3/B1 space. A temporary replacement store also received resolution to grant. We worked …
Should we be using heat pumps on heat networks?
Posted on January 29th 2019
Rapid decarbonisation of electricity means that heat pumps are now serious contenders as a source of heat for many new developments. They can offer significant carbon reductions and air quality improvements over gas boilers or combined heat and power (CHP) if designed and installed well, and provide the option to provide cooling as well as heat. As with any technology, …
Celebrating Team Success
Posted on January 29th 2019
We are delighted to be able to announce many excellent recent team successes. This reflects our ongoing commitment to learning and development for all staff across the company. Nimco Ali and Georgios Koronaios are both now full Members of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Kim Coleman has successfully completed her Diploma in Acoustics. Her outstanding thesis on …
Tips to design out damage caused by interstitial condensation
Posted on January 29th 2019
Interstitial condensation is when water droplets form within or between the various layers of materials that make up a wall, floor, or roof. This can lead to building damage (e.g. structural corrosion or rot) and mould growth. Mould has been widely reported to lead to negative health consequences. Both outcomes have litigation and warranty concerns. Over the past year we …
Management changes at Hodkinson
Posted on December 13th 2018
To improve the technical and client focus of the company we have made changes to our organisation that reflect our future aspirations. The changes we are making to our management structure reflect our growing requirement to deliver increasingly high value services. Donald Sinclair is promoted to Managing Director with specific responsibility for project delivery. Lisa Gabriel is promoted to Finance …
Energy strategies impacted by updated GLA guidance
Posted on December 10th 2018
You can download a copy of this guidance note here: Energy Strategies Impacted by Updated GLA Guidance – Hodkinson Consultancy 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 …