Our Test of Energy and Water Saving Showers
Posted on September 1st 2025
New technologies such as Kelda’s air-powered shower could significantly reduce building hot water demand, which has remained stubbornly high despite advancing energy standards. Kelda showers use a patented technology to deliver water into a high-velocity air stream. This differs from widely available aerated showers. Benefits include: Flow rates of 4.5 l/min Significant improvement in SAP via Appendix Q (to both …
Securing BREEAM Excellent at Planning
Posted on September 1st 2025
Don’t miss out on achieving BREEAM Excellent, by dealing with these key items at planning stage. While there are many pathways to success, the most effective and cost-efficient strategies begin before planning consent is granted. By securing certain key credits early, project teams not only strengthen their BREEAM outcomes but also embed sustainable principles into the design of the development. …
The Release of BREEAM Version 7
Posted on August 5th 2025
BREEAM Version 7 (V7) has officially been announced, introducing a wide range of updates that align with the construction industry’s growing focus on decarbonisation, electrification, and whole life carbon accountability. The new standard is designed to ensure that BREEAM-certified projects remain at the forefront of environmental performance while supporting the transition toward net zero. The emphasis of this update has …
FHS & Panel Radiators
Posted on August 5th 2025
Homes subject to the incoming Future Homes Standard may still be able to specify electric panel heaters, but only for the provision of space heating and where other energy efficiency and generation measures have already been adopted. We await the publication of the final FHS in the autumn, however at the time of writing the following conclusions can be drawn: …
Lombard Square nominated at the edie Net Zero Awards
Posted on August 5th 2025
We are very pleased that Berkeley Homes’ Lombard Square development in Greenwich has been nominated for the edie 2025 Heat Decarbonisation Project of the Year Award. It is the only new residential development shortlisted in this category. Lombard Square revitalises 17 acres of derelict and inaccessible brownfield land into a place for a new community to grow and thrive, delivering …
When Developments Will Be Impacted by the Next Building Regulations
Posted on June 30th 2025
The Future Homes and Building Standards (FHS) are expected later this year, following recent Government updates. The charts below reflect the latest information and indicate whether your development must comply. Other than requirement for PV, none of the other requirements have been confirmed yet. The consultation also proposed to alter the definition of commencement, therefore tightening grandfathering rules. The proposal …
Government Engaged in Improving Embodied Carbon Performance
Posted on June 30th 2025
The government is stepping in to assist construction and infrastructure projects that are already reducing their embodied carbon emissions. They have launched a consultation aimed at carbon labelling materials, starting with concrete and steel due to their greater associated emissions. Much like energy labels on white goods, they highlight that this will help simplify the procurement of lower-carbon products, supporting …
The Next London Plan
Posted on June 30th 2025
The GLA have signalled that the next London Plan will continue to strengthen its focus on energy and sustainability. The GLA has detailed that they are targeting adoption of the next London Plan in 2028, following a consultation on the detailed proposal in 2026 and submission to the Planning Inspectorate in 2027. Below is a summary of the energy and …
Hodkinson Celebrates Awards
Posted on June 30th 2025
We are proud to announce that we have been formally recognised by Investors in People for our ongoing commitment to both employee experience and wellbeing. At the recent Invest in People Celebration Event, our Director of People and Culture, Zeta Stebbings, accepted two awards on behalf of the company: Gold Accreditation in We Invest in People Standard Accreditation in We …
Progress in Reducing Emissions – But What about Timing?
Posted on May 30th 2025
We have been reflecting on our portfolio of CO₂ assessments and the general industry trajectory over the last couple of years, and found that: There is anecdotal evidence that embodied CO2e is lower today vs 2-3 years ago for new projects; There has been a reduction in regulated operational CO2 performance because of new Building Regulations and enhanced planning requirements; …