Technical newsletters about emerging issues & our latest research

EPC B today = EPC B.C.D in Autumn 2026

Posted on February 27th 2026

From autumn 2026, the methodology for dwelling Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will change significantly. Comparisons with existing certificates may not be possible, complicating strategies and funding plans devised to target existing ratings. There are flaws in the current single EER methodology. It’s a simplified energy cost metric, driven strongly by the difference between grid electricity and gas costs, with homes …

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Planning Success for The Green Quarter Updated Masterplan

Posted on February 27th 2026

Hodkinson Consultancy is pleased to celebrate the planning approval of the updated Phase 4–9 masterplan for The Green Quarter in Southall, one of London’s most significant regeneration projects delivered by Berkeley Homes. As part of the multidisciplinary team, we provided a comprehensive suite of environmental and sustainability services to support the application. This included the energy strategy, ensuring alignment with …

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New Heat Network Regulatory Rules Live

Posted on January 30th 2026

As of 27th January 2026, the Heat Network (Market Framework) Regulations are in force putting many obligations on authorised persons defined as Operators (those with financial control of heat networks) and Suppliers (those with direct customer supply agreements). The full list of Authorisation Conditions published by Ofgem outlining requirements for regulatory compliance can be found here. Since 1st April 2025 …

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Mitigating the Risk of Overheating with Highly-Glazed Buildings

Posted on January 29th 2026

Highly glazed designs on dwellings offer many benefits: it maximises natural daylight for health and well-being, energy efficiency, while also enhancing aesthetic appeal, visual comfort and overall market value. However, such designs can lead to increased solar gains presenting a risk of overheating, which can adversely affect both occupant comfort and safety. Part O compliance in warmer locations requires greater …

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WELL Platinum Success for Rigby & Rigby

Posted on January 29th 2026

Hodkinson Consultancy is delighted to announce that Project 089, a prestigious residential project delivered by Rigby & Rigby in Knightsbridge, London, has achieved WELL Certified™ Platinum. This marks a major milestone as the first residential building in the UK to reach the Platinum level of the WELL Building Standard. As the project’s WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP), Hodkinson supported the …

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2026: A Year of Expectation & Change?

Posted on December 23rd 2025

Two words stand out as we look back on 2025: consolidated growth. Over the past year we supported clients through Gateway 2 submissions for some of the UK’s largest and most complex projects, assessed the impacts of emerging processes and technologies, and futureproofed buildings and their designs against their wider climate impacts. Our progress in 2025 strongly positions us and …

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What Industry Thinks Circular Economy Needs To Progress

Posted on November 27th 2025

We were invited to participate on Building Insights LIVE roundtable on Circular Economy. The participants explored the challenges and opportunities for adopting the circular economy in UK construction. The discussion brought together developers, designers, manufacturers and policy teams to share knowledge on prioritising the circular economy. The group discussed the need for a clearer definition of circularity, practical data sharing …

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City Wharf Achieves BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Design Stage Rating

Posted on November 27th 2025

We’re delighted to share that Hodkinsons is working alongside PBSA and Build to Rent developer Dandara on City Wharf, a landmark student accommodation scheme in Glasgow that has now achieved an interim (Design Stage) BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. This prestigious certification from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) reflects Dandara’s strong commitment to sustainability, delivering energy-efficient homes, enhancing biodiversity, and prioritising resident …

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BREEAM V7: What You Need To Know

Posted on November 27th 2025

BREEAM v7 is applicable from 27/01/26 and helps to embed current sustainability practices. Registrations for the current version close on 26.01.26, locking schemes in to v.6.1. There are several changes that developers and designers will need to consider, these include: • Mixed-Use Flexibility Assessments now have more flexibility and can include up to 5 different uses within a single New …

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Developers Change Communities for the Better

Posted on November 27th 2025

The government has released the 2025 Indices of Deprivation (IoD), which provides an update to the most recent 2019 statistical release. Indices of deprivation measure relative deprivation in 33,755 small areas or neighbourhoods within England. They measure overall deprivation as well as deprivation of income, employment, education, health, crime, barriers to housing services, and the living environment. Redevelopments have the …

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