Who is to Bear the Cost of HNTAS Compliance?
Posted on March 31st 2026
Should the Heat Networks Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS) be introduced, who would be responsible for bearing the costs to comply? This will depend on how cost recovery is allocated within existing operational and supply contracts. For non-ESCO agreements full financial liability may sit with the asset owner or it may be possible for costs to be passed through to customers …
Registering Heat Networks to the PCDB
Posted on March 31st 2026
Developers are increasingly required to deliver homes with an EPC rating of at least Band B, yet achieving this often demands significant design changes. For sites connecting to a district heat network or developing their own on‑site network, a more effective approach can be to register that network with the BRE‑administered Product Characteristics Database (PCDB). This allows SAP assessments to …
Seismic Shift Anticipated in Delivery of Heat Networks
Posted on February 27th 2026
Developers and Operators should not underestimate the scale of the technical and administrative implications that could arise from the proposed Heat Networks Technical Assurance Scheme (HNTAS). The scheme, scheduled for Government launch in 2027, is now open for consultation until 15 April 2026. A significant number of draft documents – 84 Code documents, a Technical Standards document (TS1) and a …
What Does The Draft NPPF Mean For Energy & Environmental Planning Policies?
Posted on February 27th 2026
The draft NPPF provides an interesting balance between pushing environmental performance and largely preventing quantitative standards that go beyond the requirements of Building Regulations. Key energy & environmental aspects are summarised below. PM13: Setting standards Prevents the setting of quantitative standards beyond Building Regulations (other than water efficiency and accessibility), which would prevent policies requiring reductions in operational CO2, primary …
EPC B today = EPC B.C.D in Autumn 2026
Posted on February 27th 2026
NOTE: THE GOVERNMENT HAS DELAYED THE ROLL-OUT OF THIS REQUIREMENT WITHOUT A NEW DATE 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …