Where does modular construction save carbon?
Posted on April 7th 2021
Modular construction offers a significant reduction in carbon emissions when compared to traditional construction. The gains are primarily achieved through improved transport, construction impacts, repair, maintenance, and deconstruction. Significant savings are unlikely to come from embodied carbon specifically, due to the similarity in materials used. Modular buildings can be disassembled, and the modules relocated or refurbished for new use. This …
Be Seen: a reputational minefield?
Posted on April 7th 2021
The GLA’s ‘Be Seen’ policy will empower residents by providing public access to a development’s design and in-use energy performance data. It requires explanations and potential mitigation measures for differences between design and in-use performance. With increasing public awareness of energy and sustainability issues, inaction could have a significant reputational impact. Energy estimates are based on controlled variables such as …
CIBSE Heat Networks Code of Practice CP1 2020 Update
Posted on March 9th 2021
The revised CIBSE Code of Practice CP1 (2020) represents a minor improvement in design standards but introduces compliance checklists for verifying that the process and standards are followed. Increasingly planning authorities are conditioning CP1 compliance, whilst historically unchecked, it is likely they will now seek submission of compliance checklists. The Code has been updated to provide new requirements and add …
Solar PV no longer net zero carbon
Posted on March 9th 2021
Solar PV panels are no longer truly a net-zero carbon technology. A net-zero carbon technology will generate more carbon savings in operation than the embodied carbon used to produce it. PV panels have a high initial carbon cost (~640 kg CO2e for a 250 W monocrystalline PV panel). PV panels produce renewable electricity which offsets the electrical grid’s carbon emissions. …
Addressing Pitfalls of Plant Noise Conditions
Posted on March 9th 2021
Developers should be aware of the pitfalls associated with noise conditions that are typically applied to mechanical plant. We recommend that developers should be prepared to question the validity of planning conditions that set onerous noise limits well below the background sound level when they cannot be justified. BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 provides a method for rating and assessing industrial and commercial …
Cooling in SAP
Posted on March 9th 2021
SAP will let you install cooling in your dwellings but the real impact could be much bigger. SAP, the UK’s calculation methodology for compliance with Part L in dwellings, added the calculation for space cooling in SAP 2009. The calculation follows similar steps to the space heating energy calculation. From a technical basis, this is sensible and has been largely …
New Part L 2021: Government finally responds to Future Homes Standard Consultation
Posted on January 20th 2021
The government response to the Future Homes Standard was published in mid-January 2021, almost a year after the consultation closed. It should be reviewed in detail by developers to understand implications on new developments and those already under construction. This article summarises six key points relating to the interim Part L which will be implemented while the government consults and …
Merry Christmas from all at Hodkinsons
Posted on December 16th 2020
From all at Hodkinsons we wish you an enjoyable Christmas and hope that 2021 brings us fewer unwelcome surprises. A big thank you to our clients – we’ve enjoyed working with you this year and hope to be able to meet more of you in person in the near future. Our office will close at midday on 24th December and …
Is Hydrogen the Future of the Gas Grid?
Posted on December 16th 2020
Whilst the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution talks up decarbonisation of the gas grid, and therefore heat, with Hydrogen, it is far from clear that this will be the case. Unlike for electricity, there is no funded decarbonisation trajectory for gas nor any logical technological solution to achieving anything other than modest decarbonisation. For instance: …
Changes to Heat Networks Regulations
Posted on December 16th 2020
Heat network operators should not be disconcerted by the recent changes to the Heat Networks Metering and Billing Regulations which came into effect on 27th November 2020. Most district and community heating networks installed after 2014 satisfy the metering requirements stipulated by these Regulations and will need to do nothing until their 4yr heat network notification has expired. The new …