News
G59 to G99: Changes in mains protection
Posted on May 7th 2019
Currently most developments with a grid-connected electricity generating output (for example, combined heat and power and solar photovoltaics) are required to be G59 compliant. Updates to the Embedded Generator Regulations (EGR), which come into force on the 27th of April 2019 will place this requirement under the new G99 regime. The changes to the regulations will have minimal impact on …
How to ensure your electric car charging prices are fit for purpose
Posted on April 29th 2019
Developments are required to install electric vehicle charging points at an ever increasing rate. This raises a question of how to determine a fair use charge. This is true for both public and private car parks. The service requirements of the Landlord Tenant Act may require considering if electric car charging forms part of a service charge. There are a …
Planning Success for Co-Living Accommodation on A40 Western Avenue
Posted on April 29th 2019
Hodkinson Consultancy has successfully supported the planning application for the redevelopment of the Land South of Vardon Close on Western Avenue which secured resolution to grant last month. The proposed development in the London Borough of Ealing will provide co-living accommodation comprising of 335 rooms, 2,557sqm of communal space, external terrace areas, cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping and public …
CEEQUAL – What’s changed?
Posted on April 29th 2019
Over the last 2 years, we have been successfully working on the BREEAM Infrastructure Assessment of HS2, with Project Detail certification expected by the summer. Through the assessment process HS2 have been able to integrate sustainability from the outset of the project and it will allow them to continue to work with contractors to ensure that sustainable outcomes are achieved. …
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, …