The conservation of energy is becoming a more commonplace objective amongst the UK business community. The days when such notions were viewed as being part of a Hippy agenda are thankfully long gone and the subject is now increasingly being seen to be one of sound economic common-sense particularly in view of the rising costs for energy and the volatility of the marketplace. Successive recent Governments have all embraced conservation measures and a glut of energy related statute continues to emanate from both Westminster and Brussels. The past decade has seen the introduction of numerous energy related regulations including:

• Part L of The Building Regulations
• The Code for Sustainable Homes
• Energy Performance Certificates
• Display Energy Certificates

This is in addition to the various other engineering related obligations associated with reducing greenhouse gasses which includes The F-Gas Regulations and the requirement for regular routine air-conditioning inspections.

The need to conserve energy must be foremost in a designer’s mind when defining the criteria applied to a project. Apart from being an obligation to satisfy the regulations it is also the case that most Clients are appreciative of its importance. We use highly sophisticated thermal modelling software to predict the energy requirement for a building and to accurately predict the capacity of the required heating and cooling plant and equipment. Once confirmed the performance of these systems can be predicted and associated energy consumption can be calculated.

This exercise is standard design procedure but is often needed during the early stages of a project to support the Planning Application. The earlier it is done the better it can inform subsequent design choices so that the most efficient, effective solutions are adopted.

Our expertise in energy is extensive having prepared over 130 Energy Performance Certificates for various large non domestic buildings. We also prepare BRUKL assessments which are required under Part L Building Control approvals. We also undertake energy strategy reviews and tariff assessments and a complete portfolio of energy related services for non-domestic building owners and occupiers. Other duties include preparing Energy Appraisals for Planning Approval and feasibility schemes for sustainable energy systems including water sourced heat pumps and photovoltaics, amongst others.