Technical newsletters about emerging issues & our latest research

BREEAM Fees Set to Increase from May 2025

Posted on April 10th 2025

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) has confirmed a new round of fee increases for BREEAM certification, set to take effect from 1st May 2025. While existing developments already registered under BREEAM will maintain the fees applicable at the time of registration, any new projects registered on or after 1st May will be subject to the revised charges. For developers and …

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Emerging inclusion of WLCA in Local Plans

Posted on April 9th 2025

Several local authorities are following London’s lead and requiring whole life cycle carbon assessments to be conducted for submission at planning. The table below shows the authorities that have adopted, or are considering, a requirement to conduct the assessment. Several of the adopted Local Plans introduce targets or benchmarks that require consideration alongside design. Whole life cycle carbon emission assessments …

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Landlords, Heat and Regulations

Posted on April 9th 2025

Proposed consumer protection regulations for the supply of heat will impact all new and existing heat suppliers, but landlords of residential properties will face some unique challenges that need to be considered early.  Current proposals include: “Unbundling” heat charges from rent or service charges; Limiting back-billing for heat consumption to 12 months; Banning heat suppliers from evicting customers due to …

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How the BSR Impacts FHS and Heat Network Risks

Posted on April 9th 2025

We have been considering risks with upcoming regulations given the current Building Safety Regulator requirements and timelines. The Future Home Standard (FHS) and heat network regulations provide new complications to work through with timing becoming critical. The following are two examples that can be reviewed today and added to risk registers: The FHS proposals includes changing the commencement definition requiring …

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The BSR and Condensation Assessments

Posted on February 28th 2025

A BSR (Building Safety Regulator) submission against Building Regulation Schedule 1 Paragraph C2(c) needs to demonstrate that condensation and mould growth risk has been minimised.  Typically, the guidance in Approved Document Part C would be sufficient however some of the standards listed have been replaced or superseded. This is important as a BSR submission should be compliant with the most …

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Beware Roof Upstands Causing Dwelling Condensation

Posted on February 28th 2025

Increasing numbers of upstands are required on rooftops for placing mechanical plant, such as heat pumps, leading to hygrothermal risks. The risk impacts compliance with Part C and Part L of the Building Regulations. Though the roof is insulated, the upstands are typically not and penetrate above the insultation line.  Upstands that are not adequately thermally broken act as a lightning …

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Home Quality Mark (HQM) to Transition to BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential

Posted on February 28th 2025

The Building Research Establishment (BRE) will be up updating the Home Quality Mark (HQM) assessment scheme to align more closely with BREEAM standards for new residential developments. From April 2025, HQM will transition to BREEAM UK New Construction: Residential, strengthening its assessment framework while maintaining its commitment to high-quality, sustainable homes. This update will simplify sustainability navigation for developers and …

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Demonstrating Sustainability of Utility and Infrastructure Projects

Posted on January 24th 2025

Certifications like BREEAM Infrastructure (previously CEEQUAL) help utility and infrastructure projects show investors and stakeholders that they prioritise sustainability and net-zero goals. These projects now need to cover and assess important issues, including: Whole life cycle carbon assessments to show reduced carbon emissions. Resource efficiency plans to lower environmental footprints. Circular economy principles in procurement strategies. Socio-economic impact assessments to …

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How to Limit Electrical Capacity Requirements for Heating

Posted on January 24th 2025

There are a number of ways to limit the electrical load needed for heating and hence minimise the cost of obtaining it. For heat network strategies these include: Taking a heat supply from a nearby existing heat network, especially one which utilises waste heat (e.g. waste combustion or data centres). Do not have full boiler (electric) backup, but rather utilise, …

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Heat Network Connection Hidden Requirements

Posted on January 24th 2025

Understanding the small print is key to avoiding hidden costs and requirements when connecting to heat networks. Examples include: Technical specifications that go significantly beyond your normal designs. Commissioning and handover requirements that are troublesome to demonstrate or are unclear, leading to different interpretations of what is required. This in turn can lead to occupations occurring before handover to ESCO …

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