News archive for March, 2021
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 …