EV Chargepoints to enter Building Regulations
Posted on May 6th 2021
Electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints will soon be essential for new homes due to the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars (hybrids to be banned from 2035), with Government now also proposing to mandate their inclusion through the Building Regulations. The widespread uptake of EVs and chargepoints suffers from a classic chicken and egg dilemma. A …
Adapting buildings to a warmer climate
Posted on May 5th 2021
The UK climate is changing and it is important that the design of buildings takes this into account. By 2070, summer temperatures in the southeast of England are expected to be 3 to 5°C higher than current, flooding events will increase owing to increased precipitation, and hot spells will be more frequent. All of the above affect building function, longevity, …
Preventing condensation may not stop mould growth
Posted on May 5th 2021
Dealing with this distinction is paramount when assessing the quality of buildings, pre and post construction. Surface condensation can cause issues such as decay of finishes, corrosion of materials, or destruction of organic based materials (e.g. wood, plaster). Mould growth, aside from being aesthetically unpleasant, is a risk to building users as it is associated with a range of respiratory …
Overheating Mitigation to become Regulated
Posted on April 7th 2021
The proposed Approved Document ‘[X]’ prioritises key design changes to mitigate overheating, taking the London Plan cooling hierarchy approach nationwide. It will compel design teams to consider overheating mitigation in conjunction with noise, air quality, safety and security. The consultation version of the guidance provides two approaches for developers to choose from: Option 1: Simplified method – prescribes a maximum …
Preventing pipe corrosion from phenolic insulation
Posted on April 7th 2021
It’s not an easy switch to mineral wool to address pipework corrosion risk caused by phenolic insulation. On Low Temperature Hot Water (LTHW) systems the thickness of mineral wool required to achieve the same insulating properties may be considerably more than you think. For example, more than 1.5 times the insulation thickness may be required when using mineral wool compared …
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 …