Effective Heat Network Management
Posted on September 27th 2024
When it comes to proper and effective management of a heat network, ‘the buck stops with’ the Landlord. The landlord’s primary responsibility is to protect the interest of its leaseholders, and a poorly managed heat network can present a significant risk that this won’t be achieved, even if certain obligations are delegated to managing agents, ESCOs or CEM contractors. Managing …
Carbon Emissions in Facades
Posted on September 27th 2024
We have reviewed the embodied carbon emissions for 8 façade types for a standard, mid-rise development that would typically be constructed in London in order to highlight their embodied carbon impact. LETI guidance states that facades have a 13% impact on total emissions. The table below presents the options we have tested. It is based on the upfront emissions related …
Industry produces net zero standard
Posted on September 27th 2024
The net zero building standard pilot was released on Tuesday and may become the methodology industry will practice. This would provide some standardisation to the current proliferation of net zero definitions. The standard is a deep technical manual on how to evidence your building achieves net zero, helping to narrow its definition. The standard can be found https://www.nzcbuildings.co.uk/ and has …
The Launch of BREEAM V7
Posted on August 30th 2024
BREEAM New Construction Version 7 has just been pre-released for consultation. It has been updated to mirror the latest science in order to remain closely aligned with industry objectives and further reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. The latest version of the world-renowned sustainability assessment for the built environment will be launched officially towards the end of the year. We …
4 Months Left For Large Plant To Comply With MCPD
Posted on August 30th 2024
Only four months left for existing sites, with combustion plant rated between 5MW and 50MW, to achieve compliance with their Medium Combustion Plant Directive (MCPD) permits. Based on MCPD transitional rules, these sites should have secured a permit by 1st January 2024 and now have until 1st January 2025 to comply with their permits. Compliance could include: Installation of abatement …
Mitcham Gasworks – Planning Success
Posted on August 30th 2024
St William’s Mitcham Gasworks development has been granted planning consent. The site will provide 579 homes in the London Borough of Merton and benefits from a comprehensive sustainability strategy which was discussed with both LB Merton and the GLA prior to submission. Our work addressed several key themes: Low carbon and future-proofed heat network – with no feasible sources of …
RICS v2 – What do you need to know?
Posted on August 30th 2024
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) released the second version of its Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment (WLCA) and it has been in effect since 01 July 2024. Overall, RICS v2 aims to provide a more robust, detailed, and internationally aligned framework for whole life carbon assessments, helping the industry move towards more sustainable and carbon-neutral …
Hodkinson is 25 this week!
Posted on August 16th 2024
This week marks our 25th anniversary of providing advice so we can all make a difference across the built environment. We would like to thank you all for your continued support and trust over the years to work on interesting and challenging projects. We look forward to the next 25 years of continuing to help the industry by providing practical …
ESCOs Take The Heat Away From Landlords, But Not Entirely
Posted on August 1st 2024
ESCO models for heat network management help landlords ensure the responsibility for heat supply is passed on to specialists, but landlords should ensure ESCO contracts are managed on their side to ensure their residents receive a fair service and their assets are protected. Much of the legal and commercial risk for supplying heat to residents can be passed on to …
How We Think This Government Will Impact Building Design
Posted on July 31st 2024
We have reviewed their manifesto pledges and highlighted some key changes to look out for that will impact sustainable building design: Clean energy by 2030 Commitment to achieve net zero-carbon electricity by 2030 will lead to greater heat pump adoption. Cleaner gas using hydrogen is expected to impact industrial clusters and not dwellings. The government has not clarified their position …