Revised Part L 2013 to come into effect in April 2014...

New Domestic Buildings: Notional dwelling target emission rates are reduced by 6% in relation to the previous 2010 standards. An additional compliance test has been introduced for new domestic buildings...

New Non Domestic Buildings: CO2 emission targets have been tightened to deliver a 9% CO2 reduction across the building mix. This will see the largest reductions to offices and...

 Revised Part L 2013 Sheet (PDF 642 KB)

Avoid Overheating in Medium and High Rise Apartments

The recent changes to Building Regulations and the requirements for higher levels of Code for Sustainable Homes compliance over the past few years, has meant that new homes are being built to increasingly high thermal standards including improved fabric insulation and air tightness.

These problems are most prevalent in medium and high rise apartment blocks in city locations particularly where a extensive areas of glazing is used on the building façade.

 Avoid Overheating publication (PDF 412 KB)

BREEAM 2011

The new BREEAM 2011 New Construction methodology replaces the 2008 version as from 1st July 2011.

The BREEAM 2011 version will now be referred to as BREEAM ‘New Construction’ scheme. For now, refurbishments and fit outs should continue to be assessed under the 2008 scheme until BRE global have developed a standalone scheme to cover refurbishments and fit out assessments.

 BREEAM 2011 publication (PDF 156 KB)

CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES 2010

On the 11th November Communities and Local Government published the 2010 version of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

It is now possible to register projects against the November 2010 scheme version. There will be a transition period of one month where registrations are more flexible to allow developments to be registered against the May 2009 scheme version, where the applicable requirements are met.

 CfSH 2010 publication (PDF 173 KB)

Part L 2010, proposed new changes...

The last major update of Part L of the Building Regulations was in 2006. Three years on, the Government has released a consultation paper on changes that will come in to force in October 2010.

The major change is the requirement for a further 25% reduction in buildings' CO2 emissions.

 Part L 2010 Sheet (PDF 661 KB)

BREEAM In-Use scheme...

BREEAM In-Use is a new scheme to help building managers reduce the running costs and improve the environmental performance of existing buildings. It consists of a standard, an easy-to-use assessment methodology and a 3rd party certification process that provides a clear and credible route map to improving sustainability.

 BREEAM In-Use Sheet (PDF 148 KB)

BREEAM HE 2009

The BRE are currently developing a version of BREEAM specifically for the Higher Education Sector. The new version of BREEAM will avoid the need to use the Bespoke version which is expensive and slow to implement. Twelve new build schemes are currently being piloted with the new scheme.

 BREEAM HE 2009 Sheet (PDF 148 KB)

Educated Design - Smart engineering from Silcock Dawson

With an increasing wealth of experience in the Education Sector, Silcock Dawson has become a supplier of choice to the market as highlighted in this showcase of our current and recent projects.

 Educated Design Sheet (PDF 705 KB)

Energy Performance Certificates Update

Energy Performance Certificates are now required for non-domestic buildings in the UK, but what are these certificates, why and when are they required, and how do you get one? This information sheet aims to answer these questions and provide guidance to make the compliance process as simple as possible.

The Requirement - Energy Performance Certificates form part of the UK Government's response to the EU's Energy...

 EPC Update Sheet (PDF 1797 KB)

Air Conditioning Inspections

The UK Government is committed to implementing the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in January 2009. Article 9 of this Directive requires regular inspection of all air conditioning systems over 12kW. Those over 250kW capacity are to be inspected by an Accredited Inspector before 9th January 2009.

Why do I need to get my air conditioning systems inspected? The Government have international agreements...

 ACI Information Sheet (PDF 248 KB)

Display Energy Certificates

Display Energy Certificates (DECs) are now required for public buildings in the UK, but what are they, why and when are they required, do you need one and, if so, how do you get one?

What are Display Energy Certificates? To meet its long term CO2 reduction targets the UK Government is committed to raising public awareness in Climate Change. To help this and to implement the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) the annual...

 DECs Information Sheet (PDF 670 KB)

Bexhill College

Architect: SMC Charter Architects
Value: £9.5 Million

This extensive facility consists of three self-contained buildings with over 8,700 sq. metres of teaching accommodation.

A three storey Teaching Facility comprising of an IT Training Resource Centre, TV & Sound Studios, Biology and Chemistry Laboratories.

A sports facility includes a multi-purpose Sports Hall, 4 Court Sports Hall & Fitness Laboratory, Dance and Aerobic Studios.

A refectory building, including full Kitchen and Catering equipment.

Two traction lifts and two vertical platform lifts will also be provided.

 more...