News
Benefits of storing solar PV energy thermally
Posted on April 3rd 2020
Connection of PV panels to hot water cylinders in homes will provide benefits in terms of carbon performance as well as reduced resident energy bills. Decarbonisation of the electrical grid is reducing the carbon benefit of installing solar PV on buildings. However, current policy is still encouraging the installation of renewable technologies to help meet carbon reduction targets. As peak …
Hodkinson’s Research Results on Noise Levels with Windows Partially Open
Posted on April 3rd 2020
Our post-completion research demonstrates the significant impact that opening windows even a small amount can have on internal noise levels. Once they are open, increasing the width that the windows are open have an almost imperceptible difference in noise levels, despite offering the potential for a vast improvement in ventilation levels. Balancing window openability for acoustics, ventilation and overheating is …
Hodkinson CPD Webinars
Posted on April 3rd 2020
We are continuing to offer CPD presentations on a variety of topics so please get in touch with one of our team if you would like one on a particular topic. As we all adapt to isolation and home working these will of course be presented online. We hope that these will continue to enlighten and provoke the discussion that …
Heat Network Regulation Imminent
Posted on April 3rd 2020
Regulation of Heat Networks is on the horizon but the responsibilities to be imposed on developers and operators do not appear too onerous but may introduce mandatory technical standards. Proposals now under consultation aim to attract investors and reduce capital and operational costs. There will be a greater onus on new developments to connect to heat networks, but developers will …
COVID 19: How we are responding
Posted on March 17th 2020
We want to reassure our clients that we have implemented a remote working facility for all of our staff to enable us to properly deliver our services in these unprecedented times. We have implemented a range of strategies to help deal with the impact of the Coronavirus, ensuring we continue to successfully deliver projects. Our robust IT and governance systems …
How bespoke thermal bridging calculations can help your project
Posted on March 4th 2020
Calculating heat losses resulting from thermal bridges is one of the only ways to improve SAP calculations without the need to re-design any aspect of the building, making the price per carbon of this process very low. This is because SAP punishes the lack of calculations by assuming very high values for the thermal bridging heat loss. So, to ensure …
Project Success for Berkeley East Thames at the Royal Arsenal
Posted on March 4th 2020
We recently completed our Energy and Sustainability work on the The Officers’ House and the Royal Carriage Factory at the historic Royal Arsenal site in Woolwich. We conducted three different types of BREEAM assessment on the Grade II listed buildings, each assessment bespoke to the works being conducted, achieving Excellent for the refurbished dwellings, Good for the Refurbished commercial units …
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) – A Reduction in Income from PV
Posted on March 4th 2020
A new arrangement for small-scale renewables is in most instances expected to result in generators receiving less income than would have been available to similar-sized installations previously. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG), having come into force from January 1st 2020, has been introduced following last year’s closure of the Feed in Tariff (FIT) scheme to new entrants. All existing FIT …
London Plan – Key implications of new energy policies
Posted on January 30th 2020
The Intend to Publish London Plan is expected to be adopted imminently. Here we summarise the key implications of the new energy policies: Energy efficiency Residential: 10% CO2 reduction over Part L 2013; Non-Residential: 15% CO2 reduction over Part L 2013; Using SAP10.1, instead of SAP2012, enables a slightly relaxed specification. Heat Networks The heating hierarchy remains where connecting to …
Balancing Noise & Overheating: New AVO Guide
Posted on January 30th 2020
The recently published Acoustic, Ventilation and Overheating Residential Design Guide provides a process for balancing noise, ventilation and overheating for developments in areas with high noise levels. The aim of the guide is to provide a means of assessment that recognises the relationship between acoustics, ventilation and overheating. This single document consolidates guidance and legislation for all three of these …