News archive for April, 2023
Prepare for Increased Carbon Offset Payments
Posted on April 28th 2023
The GLA’s carbon offset price of £95/tonne of carbon dioxide for regulated emissions now looks low, with other local authorities charging almost ten times more. Development costs for a typical 2-bed flat increase by as much as £9,000 when prices already adopted by other local authorities are applied in place of the GLA’s price. Although we understand that the GLA …
Identifying How to Tackle Mould Growth in the Existing Building Stock
Posted on April 27th 2023
Housing associations are being held accountable through fines for mould growth in existing housing stock. It is a legal requirement that landlords must adequately address any underlying causes of mould growth, or health hazard within a specified time. It is important to note the severity of the negative health impacts around this area. This includes respiratory diseases, allergies and weakened …
Appraisal of the Updated RICS Whole Life Carbon Guidance
Posted on April 27th 2023
RICS is releasing a second version of their “Whole-life carbon assessment guidance”. This guidance aims to improve clarity and provide greater detail on the process of conducting carbon assessments. This guidance provides more detail on assumptions used in the absence of real data, which will allow for LCAs conducted early in the design stage to be more accurate. This should …
Enhancing Air Tightness Improves Build Quality and Provides Cost Savings
Posted on April 27th 2023
Enhancing air tightness is a major component in allowing developers to optimise design and can help reduce occupant energy use. Changing the air tightness by 2.0 m3/h.m2 could alter the insulation thickness of a GRC (glassfibre reinforced concrete) external wall for high rise apartments by 80 mm. Targeting the maximum limiting value for air permeability of 8.0 m3/h.m2 will not …