News archive for August, 2023
How to Achieve the 35kWh/m².yr EUI Target
Posted on August 30th 2023
The GLA’s Energy Assessment Guidance (2022) introduced an Energy Use Intensity (EUI) target of 35 kWh/m2.yr for residential developments. To meet this target, the following budget is proposed. The points outlined below provide ideas on how the 35 kWh/m2.yr EUI target could be achieved. Space Heating Fabric performance – minimising thermal bridging, low u-values. Heat pumps should be specified because …
English Housing Survey Shows Alignment with Part O Requirements
Posted on August 29th 2023
The latest English Housing Survey (published July 2023) indicates that occupant overheating experience aligns with the requirements of Part O: Only 49% of households were able to keep homes cool using windows alone. This supports our experience of Part O modelling, where additional measures are commonly required; Part O requires the use of passive measures as far as reasonably practicable, …
Six Material Changes to Lower the Embodied Carbon of a Building
Posted on August 29th 2023
The GLA have set benchmarks to reduce the embodied carbon emissions of a building and are requiring developments to consider material changes to reduce these emissions. Embodied carbon refers to the carbon emissions associated with materials and construction processes throughout the lifespan of a building. In order for the UK to become carbon neutral, further focus needs to be given …
Ofgem Prioritises Protection for Heat Network Customers
Posted on August 29th 2023
The pressure is on for heat network operators to deliver quality heat networks, and a primary focus is being placed on customer standards and fair pricing. In an industry that has been widely unregulated, this will be a huge leap for some. However, a much smoother transition is expected for operators who have committed to delivering optimal heat network performance, …
Company co-founder Wendy Hodkinson dies peacefully from Ovarian Cancer
Posted on August 18th 2023
Wendy Hodkinson, co-founder of the company, died on Friday 11th August 2023 following a 3 year battle with Ovarian Cancer. She died peacefully with her family in Michael Sobell Hospice, Northwood. Alongside her husband Richard, Wendy founded the company in 1998 to promote environmental and sustainability standards for new housing. The company was one of the first sustainability consultants in …
Existing Heat Networks and the Importance of the Part L Notional Building
Posted on August 1st 2023
Buildings connecting to existing heat networks can now choose how they are assessed in Part L 2021. The approved software change means that decarbonised networks are now assessed fairly. Developers may therefore wish to ask their energy consultants if this impacts their schemes and if there are any planning implications. Under the previous method, buildings connecting to existing networks were …
How to Best Use Readily Available Psi-Value Details
Posted on August 1st 2023
Part L 2021 allows the use of open thermal bridging (psi value) detail databases, resulting in effective cost savings. However, developers should use them diligently to avoid the risk of non-compliance. The following items can be easily checked to ensure appropriate use and quality of the psi-values: Values should be calculated following the requirements of BRE BR497 (the standard used …
Corridor SBEMs under Part L 2021
Posted on August 1st 2023
SBEM Part L compliance for communal corridors is no longer an easy win. Under Part L 2013 it has generally been possible to heat corridors with electric panel heaters and easily comply with regulations. In the process this has made the residential SAP energy efficiency specification more relaxed than where corridors are assumed as unheated. Part L 2021 tightens the …