Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

SAP calculations for conversions?

2022-02-25T10:32:20Z

Darren Evans:

[[File:Screenshot 2022-02-25 at 10.31.25.png]]

Calculations carried out using the [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sap-calculations/ Standard Assessment Procedure, or SAP], are used to show that a proposed dwelling meets the energy efficiency requirements of national building regulations. It is primarily used for new-build dwellings, but can be used to assess the performance of extended or refurbished dwellings too.

The SAP methodology was created, and continues to be developed by, the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Government adopted SAP calculations as the preferred approach for assessing the energy performance of dwellings. Major updates to SAP tend to coincide with updates to energy efficiency regulations.

== What do SAP calculations measure? ==

Measuring the energy performance of a dwelling requires a ‘whole-building’ approach, taking into account a variety of factors and how all of those factors interact. SAP calculations include all of the following:

* Building fabric performance, including [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/u-values/ U-values of floors, walls, roofs, glazed elements and doors].
* Linear thermal bridging heat losses.
* Heating system and any secondary heating.
* Hot water heating and storage.
* Ventilation.
* Energy efficient lighting.

With the introduction of Part L 2021 in England, the updated SAP 10 features, for the first time, solar PV systems, detailed information about showers and baths and waste water heat recovery.

Using the SAP methodology, the calculations resulting from the inputted data compare the energy performance of the proposed dwelling against that of a ‘notional’ dwelling of the same shape and size. The proposed emissions must match or better those of the notional dwelling.

In England, SAP is also used to compare the fabric energy efficiency standard (FEES) of the proposed dwelling to the notional dwelling. The regulated energy consumption of the dwelling must again match or better that of the notional dwelling.

== When are SAP calculations carried out? ==

Design stage SAP calculations must be submitted as part of a building regulations application to show that what is being proposed will meet the energy efficiency requirements.

Once work on site is completed, as-built SAP calculations must be submitted to demonstrate that compliance is achieved by what has been constructed. The building control body cannot sign off the dwelling as complete without these calculations.

It is common for the design stage calculations to be carried out only when a more detailed specification starts to be drawn up for the purposes of making the building regulations application. However, there are multiple benefits to having a preliminary calculation carried out in the earlier design stages to help inform planning and layout choices.

Because SAP calculations take into account so many different factors, changing one impacts on what is required from all of the others. Setting an outline specification from the outset can help with estimating required external wall thicknesses, or the need to include space for building services, for example.

As experienced sustainability consultants, Darren Evans can work with you at any stage of your project to provide design recommendations and help to achieve compliant SAP calculations. We recommend engaging with our [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sap-calculations/ SAP calculation service] as early as possible, to avoid any costly and unforeseen changes that may need to be made later on.

Start a conversation by [https://darren-evans.co.uk/contact-us/ contacting us] to discuss your project’s needs, and find out more about the [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/ range of sustainability services] we can provide.

File:Screenshot 2022-02-25 at 10.31.25.png

2022-02-25T10:32:00Z

Darren Evans:

SAP calculations for conversions?

2022-02-25T10:30:54Z

Darren Evans: Created page with "Calculations carried out using the [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sap-calculations/ Standard Assessment Procedure, or SAP], are used to show that a proposed dwelling meets ..."

Calculations carried out using the [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sap-calculations/ Standard Assessment Procedure, or SAP], are used to show that a proposed dwelling meets the energy efficiency requirements of national building regulations. It is primarily used for new-build dwellings, but can be used to assess the performance of extended or refurbished dwellings too.

The SAP methodology was created, and continues to be developed by, the Building Research Establishment (BRE). Government adopted SAP calculations as the preferred approach for assessing the energy performance of dwellings. Major updates to SAP tend to coincide with updates to energy efficiency regulations.

== What do SAP calculations measure? ==

Measuring the energy performance of a dwelling requires a ‘whole-building’ approach, taking into account a variety of factors and how all of those factors interact. SAP calculations include all of the following:

* Building fabric performance, including [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/u-values/ U-values of floors, walls, roofs, glazed elements and doors].
* Linear thermal bridging heat losses.
* Heating system and any secondary heating.
* Hot water heating and storage.
* Ventilation.
* Energy efficient lighting.

With the introduction of Part L 2021 in England, the updated SAP 10 features, for the first time, solar PV systems, detailed information about showers and baths and waste water heat recovery.

Using the SAP methodology, the calculations resulting from the inputted data compare the energy performance of the proposed dwelling against that of a ‘notional’ dwelling of the same shape and size. The proposed emissions must match or better those of the notional dwelling.

In England, SAP is also used to compare the fabric energy efficiency standard (FEES) of the proposed dwelling to the notional dwelling. The regulated energy consumption of the dwelling must again match or better that of the notional dwelling.

== When are SAP calculations carried out? ==

Design stage SAP calculations must be submitted as part of a building regulations application to show that what is being proposed will meet the energy efficiency requirements.

Once work on site is completed, as-built SAP calculations must be submitted to demonstrate that compliance is achieved by what has been constructed. The building control body cannot sign off the dwelling as complete without these calculations.

It is common for the design stage calculations to be carried out only when a more detailed specification starts to be drawn up for the purposes of making the building regulations application. However, there are multiple benefits to having a preliminary calculation carried out in the earlier design stages to help inform planning and layout choices.

Because SAP calculations take into account so many different factors, changing one impacts on what is required from all of the others. Setting an outline specification from the outset can help with estimating required external wall thicknesses, or the need to include space for building services, for example.

As experienced sustainability consultants, Darren Evans can work with you at any stage of your project to provide design recommendations and help to achieve compliant SAP calculations. We recommend engaging with our [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sap-calculations/ SAP calculation service] as early as possible, to avoid any costly and unforeseen changes that may need to be made later on.

Start a conversation by [https://darren-evans.co.uk/contact-us/ contacting us] to discuss your project’s needs, and find out more about the [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/ range of sustainability services] we can provide.

Is local sourcing always the most sustainable choice?

2022-02-25T10:19:16Z

Darren Evans: Created page with "File:Screenshot 2022-02-25 at 10.18.29.png The local sourcing of construction materials has taken on greater importance for clients and architects looking to achieve buildin..."

[[File:Screenshot 2022-02-25 at 10.18.29.png]]

The local sourcing of construction materials has taken on greater importance for clients and architects looking to achieve building projects that can be considered sustainable. It can be likened to the increased awareness of where our food comes from, and how we might be more resistant to buying out-of-season fruit in the supermarket because it has been transported halfway round the world.

Of course, construction materials generally don’t have seasons like fresh produce does. Nor do a lot of materials have the country of origin printed on their labels like fruit and vegetables. This makes the topic of local sourcing in construction a much more complex one.

== Defining ‘local sourcing’ for sustainable construction ==

Before global supply chains and transportation, people had no choice but to build using the materials available to them locally. Plenty of evidence of that remains today, especially in areas whose visual character is defined by certain masonry or roofing materials. In those cases, the material was extracted, processed, and sold all within a matter of miles.

Today, the picture is considerably more complicated.

Look at the results of life cycle assessment (LCA) for a product or material, such as in the form of an environmental product declaration (EPD), and transport is mentioned multiple times. In the early stages of the product’s life cycle, the transporting of raw materials for processing/manufacture is separate from the transporting of a finished product to site.

How are you defining ‘local’ in terms of your project? Is it feasible to specify components where the raw material is extracted, and the product is manufactured within a few miles of the site? Do you simply want to be able to say that all products were purchased from a local merchant or supplier, regardless of where the raw materials came from?

While it’s easy to see how the former is likely to have a lower overall impact than the latter in terms of transport, there is not necessarily a right or wrong answer.

== Transportation globally and locally ==

The information provided in EPDs is often based on assumed travel distances, which will be more applicable to some projects and sites than others. Unless you know exactly where something is coming from, calculating accurate impact figures is very difficult.

The method of transport and the efficiency with which something is transported also changes the nature of the overall impact. Internationally, sea freight tends to have a lower impact than air freight. Once the shipment arrives at our shores, rail miles tend to be less impactful than road miles.

How the material or product is packed for transport is important too; essentially transporting air, because products don’t stack easily, for example, is highly wasteful - but it’s also the kind of information a manufacturer is unlikely to make readily available to a specifier.

Ultimately, being transparent about, and accountable for, specification decisions is key, especially when you are seeking to label a project as sustainable. It helps to try and work with manufacturers and suppliers to better understand these issues, in order to help drive improvements in the supply chain.

== Are local materials the right ones for your project? ==

Of course, sustainability encompasses a variety of different considerations that goes far beyond transport and local sourcing.

The durability and adaptability of buildings is a significant one, ensuring their lifespans can be maximised before we must think about deconstructing them. And then, if a building must be deconstructed in 60- or 100-years’ time, can its components be reused as part of another construction project, in order to minimise the demand for new materials and products?

This kind of resource efficiency is essential for the built environment to make its contribution to wider net zero goals. In some cases, that might make it desirable to specify a material that has to travel further than a local equivalent.

A good example might be structural timber, about which there is often discussion in terms of sourcing from within the UK. As a country, we have relatively little land available for growing trees, so we are a [https://www.beyondzerohomes.co.uk/timber-in-construction-local-sourcing/ significant importer of timber]. The way in which timber grows in the UK is also different, so not only is there a limited quantity available but it also has different performance properties.

Efficient design and use of wood could mean that more people can make use of UK-grown timber, but only if that product offers the right performance characteristics. If Scandinavian timber is stronger, so you need less of it to create a more resilient building with smaller foundations, the overall impact is likely to be lower even though the primary structural material had to come from further away.

== The complexity of choosing local sourcing for sustainability reasons ==

The impact of local sourcing and travel distances is different for every construction product, so there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer to the questions raised in this post. For many materials and products, the environmental impact of raw material extraction and processing is so great that any savings made due to ‘local sourcing’ criteria are likely to be insignificant to the bigger picture.

Where designers and specifiers are being careful to keep environmental impact to a minimum across every aspect of a project, then travel distance is going to be a much bigger proportion of embodied and whole life carbon. In such situations, opting for local sourcing where possible will have a more noticeable effect on the project’s overall claims to sustainability.

Of course, it stands to reason that not specifying exotic materials that are in limited supply, and which are onlyavailable from other areas of the globe, is a generally sustainable approach to take. Where there is no choice but to select products with more travel miles than desirable, the key is to look for responsible sourcing rather than local sourcing, necessarily.

Sustainability extends to the way in which people and communities in other countries are treated. Local sourcing can support local economies, while responsible sourcing can demonstrate the supply chain traceability that ensures people elsewhere are treated appropriately and with fairness. Regardless of any trade-offs needed between local and global sourcing, the exploitation of land, resources, and people, cannot be considered sustainable in anybody’s book.

To find out more about sustainable building specification, including support on achieving [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/net-zero-in-construction-consultancy/ net zero in construction], you can [https://darren-evans.co.uk/contact-us/ contact] the team at Darren Evans.

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2022-02-25T10:18:51Z

Darren Evans:

What is Building Thermal Modelling?

2022-02-25T10:09:45Z

Darren Evans: Created page with "File:Thermal Building DE [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/thermal-modelling/ Building thermal modelling] - also known as thermal comfort modelling or overheating assessm..."

[[File:Thermal Building DE]]

[https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/thermal-modelling/ Building thermal modelling] - also known as thermal comfort modelling or overheating assessment - is a form of analysis designed to assess the thermal comfort of buildings and mitigate any overheating risks. There are two standardised approaches: CIBSE TM52 for non-residential buildings, and TM59 for residential buildings (TM simply means ‘Technical Memorandum’).

Modern construction techniques generally deliver buildings with high levels of thermal insulation and good airtightness. However, summer overheating can be a significant risk - and will become more so as we deal with the consequences of a warming climate. Thermal comfort models will therefore only become more important in order to ensure buildings are healthy and safe places to be.

== Why is a thermal comfort model required? ==

Building designs often focus on headline performance metrics, especially those that form part of national building regulations. It can be easy to assume that achieving energy efficiency compliance through [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sap-calculations/ SAP calculations] and [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sbem-calculations/ SBEM calculations] will lead to a comfortable building for occupants.

That is not always the case, however.

For example, a building designed to maximise winter solar gains through south facing glazing may not have sufficient shading to restrict the extent of solar gains in summer, leading to uncomfortable (and potentially dangerous) increases in internal temperature.

Overheating can also occur due to something as simple as a window not being opened (perhaps because of a noisy road or a smelly bin store outside), or because the ventilation provision to the building is inadequate.

Where overheating occurs, especially in commercial buildings, it can lead to increased energy use and resource consumption through using desktop fans or even retrofitting air conditioning units - all of which serves to drive up the energy use and carbon emissions of the building even more, counter to our climate change goals.

As the issue becomes better understood, the requirement to carry out building thermal modelling becomes more widespread. Local planning authorities may request thermal comfort models as a condition of planning approvals, while the London Plan requires them in order to protect people in the capital from the risks of climate change. Analyses can also help to gain credits in [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/breeam-services/ BREEAM] assessments.

== When is building thermal modelling carried out? ==

Thermal comfort models are typically carried out at detailed design stage, whether to address a planning condition that needs to be discharged or to meet BREEAM or [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/london-plan/ London Plan requirements].

The modelling exercise takes into account the size, shape and orientation of the building; the energy efficiency of the building fabric and glazed elements; how the building is ventilated; mechanical services, including heating and/or cooling; and how the building will be used.

As specialists in sustainable construction, Darren Evans can work with you from the earliest stages of a project. We can use our experience to help guide your design decisions so that they have a positive impact on assessments, like [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/thermal-modelling/ thermal comfort modelling], that are carried out later on. In doing so, we can help you to avoid costly and unforeseen changes that may only come to light after planning approval has been granted.

You can [https://darren-evans.co.uk/contact-us/ contact us] to start a conversation and discuss the needs of your project, or find out more about the range of [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/ consultancy services that we offer to enhance the sustainability of your buildings.]

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2022-02-25T10:08:39Z

Darren Evans:

What is SBEM?

2022-02-25T09:56:08Z

Darren Evans: Created page with "File:SBEM DE.png The [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sbem-calculations/ Simplified Building Energy Model, or SBEM], is a compliance tool for assessing whether a non-dom..."

[[File:SBEM DE.png]]

The [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sbem-calculations/ Simplified Building Energy Model, or SBEM], is a compliance tool for assessing whether a non-domestic building meets the energy efficiency requirements and carbon emissions targets of national building regulations.

SBEM calculations can effectively be viewed as the non-domestic version of [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sap-calculations/ SAP calculations]. They are required for new-build projects, as well as extensions, refurbishments, and retrofits of buildings other than dwellings.

== What do SBEM calculations measure? ==

Energy efficiency requirements in national building regulations generally assess a building’s performance in terms of its carbon emissions (exact performance metrics and methods of compliance vary by country in the UK). SBEM calculations set a target emission rate (TER) for the design, which must be bettered by the building emission rate (BER).

The calculations consider the building type, construction, and geometry/orientation. Mechanical services, including heating/cooling, ventilation, and lighting, are factored in with the use of the building to generate the TER/BER comparison and an energy performance certificate (EPC).

Data for different building types is contained in the ‘national calculation methodology’, which describes how buildings other than dwellings should demonstrate compliance. As the ‘simplified’ in ‘SBEM’ suggests, [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sbem-calculations/ SBEM calculations are a compliance tool] only. However, the national methodology also allows dynamic simulations that can act as a design tool and compliance tool.

== When should SBEM calculations be carried out? ==

Prior to construction, a design stage SBEM assessment is carried out to show that a building proposal complies with the regulations. Upon the building being completed, an as-built assessment is carried out.

An experienced sustainability consultant like Darren Evans can work with you at any stage of your project to provide design recommendations and help to achieve compliant SBEM calculations. However, the best time to engage with our [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/sbem-calculations/ SBEM calculation] service is as early as possible.

By guiding you through the design stage assessment, we can help you to tweak the design and make changes to the specification before the project reaches site. This ensures the design meets regulatory requirements from the start, avoiding any costly and unforeseen changes that may need to be made later.

Alongside compliance calculations we offer a complete range of [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/ sustainability and assessment services]. Start a conversation with us by [https://darren-evans.co.uk/contact-us/ contacting us] to discuss your project’s needs.

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2022-02-25T09:55:48Z

Darren Evans:

What is BREAM

2022-02-25T09:40:57Z

Darren Evans: Created page with "[https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/breeam-services/ The Building Research Establishment’s (BRE’s) Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)] is a scheme for assessing the en..."

[https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/breeam-services/ The Building Research Establishment’s (BRE’s) Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM)] is a scheme for assessing the environmental performance of buildings. There are five BREEAM technical standards, of which the most commonly used is ‘New Construction’ for homes and commercial buildings.

The other four technical standards are: In-Use (for commercial buildings), Refurbishment & Fit-Out (for homes and commercial buildings), Infrastructure (for civil engineering and public realm projects), and Communities (for masterplanning).

== What areas of environmental performance does BREEAM cover? ==

BREEAM is a form of [https://darren-evans.co.uk/blog-posts/life-cycle-assessment-is-change-on-the-horizon-for-the-lca-in-breeam/ whole-building life cycle assessment], accounting for how the individual building is designed and the way materials and products are used within that design. It assesses ‘sustainable value’ across nine categories, including energy, health and wellbeing, and materials.

Each category is broken down into further areas of performance, known as ‘assessment issues’, some of which are mandatory. The categories are not weighted equally, as BREEAM aims to balance social, economic, and environmental impacts to create a complete picture of sustainability.

The result of an assessment is a rating of up to six stars, which correspond to the BREEAM rating system from Outstanding, through Excellent, Very Good and Good, to Pass. There is also an Acceptable rating, but this is only a feature of In-Use assessments.

== When should a BREEAM assessment start? ==

There are two stages of assessment and certification. An interim certificate is issued based on a design stage assessment. The final certificate and rating are awarded post-completion.

Engaging a [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/breeam-services/ BREEAM assessor] at an early stage of a project helps to guide the design, giving the project team greater certainty that they are on course to achieve the desired rating - especially for Excellent or Outstanding.

BREEAM 2018 requires several reports to be completed before planning submission. If design work is carried out without considering its impact on BREEAM scoring, costly and time consuming changes to the scheme might have to be carried out, or a lower rating accepted as the final result.

At Darren Evans, we have experienced BREEAM assessors who can capture discussions and decisions at RIBA Stages 0 to 2 and unlock credits that might otherwise be missed.

We can offer a [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/ range of other services] alongside this, ensuring the impact of design and specification changes is considered across all aspects of building compliance and assessment. [https://darren-evans.co.uk/contact-us/ Contact us to discuss the needs of your project.]

What is Net Zero Carbon?

2022-02-23T14:32:04Z

Darren Evans: Created page with "File:Screenshot 2022-02-23 at 14.17.33.png In construction, [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/net-zero-in-construction-consultancy/ ‘net zero carbon’] means that a bu..."

[[File:Screenshot 2022-02-23 at 14.17.33.png]]

In construction, [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/net-zero-in-construction-consultancy/ ‘net zero carbon’] means that a building’s carbon emissions are zero, or even negative. It does not necessarily relate to emissions of carbon dioxide only. The impact of other greenhouse gases (such as methane) is measured as a carbon equivalent, so ‘carbon emissions’ can refer to all greenhouse gases.

[https://www.ukgbc.org/ The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)] defines net zero in construction as, “When the amount of carbon emissions associated with a building's embodied and operational impacts over the life of the building, including its disposal, are zero or negative.” This is ‘whole life’ net zero carbon, but there are alternative definitions.

== Different types of carbon emissions ==

Whole life carbon as defined by the UKGBC comprises two different types of carbon: operational carbon and embodied carbon.

Operational carbon, as the name suggests, is the carbon emissions that result from the building’s use. This includes regulated emissions, which are controlled by the Building Regulations and are associated with, among others, a building’s heating and hot water systems.

It also includes unregulated emissions, which result from the activities of the building users. Unregulated emissions are not accounted for in compliance calculations.

Embodied carbon includes emissions due to the production and transport of building materials, the processes on site during construction, and the way in which components are reused, recycled, or demolished at the end of a building’s life.

== How do I define net zero carbon for my construction project? ==

For a given construction project, ‘net zero carbon’ could mean the reduction of any of these types of emissions to zero.

For some buildings, it might only be viable to address regulated emissions. On other projects it might be possible or desirable to look at whole life carbon, addressing emissions across the building’s complete lifecycle.

The key is to establish [https://darren-evans.co.uk/services/net-zero-in-construction-consultancy/ what net zero carbon means for the specific project] from the earliest possible stage of the process. If the definition is made and understood during the preliminary design stages, it can inform all the decisions that come after and save time and money.

The alternative is to set the definition at a later stage and then overhaul the design and specification because net zero carbon was never accounted for in the first place.

<br />
At Darren Evans, we help you to create buildings and spaces that are more sustainable and energy efficient. We can help you to define net zero carbon from the outset, using our in-depth [https://darren-evans.co.uk/blog-posts/ knowledge] of building regulations and current technology to offer a range of options.

To find out more about exceeding energy performance and sustainability requirements without excessive costs, [https://darren-evans.co.uk/contact-us/ contact us].

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2022-02-23T14:31:21Z

Darren Evans:

BREEAM puts the emphasis on green retail

2017-03-28T15:27:39Z

Darren Evans: Created page with "Retailers have been going green for some time now – think Marks and Spencer Plan A, the Waitrose Way or Sainsbury’s 20 by 20 – but with the release of a new report by BREEA..."

Retailers have been going green for some time now – think Marks and Spencer Plan A, the Waitrose Way or Sainsbury’s 20 by 20 – but with the release of a new report by BREEAM called Delivering Sustainable Buildings: Value of BREEAM to Retail in the UK, will all the other retailers follow suit?

Published by BREEAM and Currie & Brown, the report offers guidance by drawing on the experience of some of the big retailers and how investing in sustainable retail buildings can help them be more successful. It’s not just a case of the operational payback through energy savings, but also the potential benefits by improving their product or service, whatever their size or role is in the sector.

This is very much a global approach to retailing as evidenced by the recent BREEAM Awards, where Lidl’s new store in Vaxjo, Sweden took home the award for the world’s greenest new retail building. This is a brand new concept for a chain that continues to shake up the sector and is growing rapidly across Europe. Gaining BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification was part of a long-term approach to value adding for Lidl and seen as a big step toward being a leading sustainable retailer. It wasn’t only about creating a truly sustainable, energy-efficient store but it also addressed the health and well-being of staff and shoppers.

It’s ultimately about ensuring both the people who work there and the customers have a good experience. In the case of Lidl, it is enhancing the quality of its existing buildings. It has increased its market share and is also looking at improving the way its buildings are constructed and how they look, so much so they are winning BREEAM awards.

BREEAM has become a driver to value, and while for some it may not be a silver bullet, it can demonstrate how the sector can get the most out of their buildings. A change of mindset might be needed, particularly those retailers who place more of an emphasis on product placement. They will need to widen their thinking and look at the sustainability route.

Our BREEAM Accredited Professionals can help retailers at the design stage and get the best value out of BREEAM. They can help challenge design decisions to ensure choices made will result in the most efficient and sustainable retail building. Early involvement will make the difference and help retailers achieve their own priorities as part of the certification process.

Take a leaf out of the new rule book – collaboration is king

2017-03-23T16:29:47Z

Darren Evans:

Last week the [https://www.wellcertified.com/ International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)], along with [https://reset.build/ RESET], [https://www.bre.co.uk/ BRE] and the [http://new.gbca.org.au/ Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)] announced a joint agreement to work together to develop a coordinated set of global standards and guidelines for indoor and outdoor environmental monitoring systems and sensors. Whilst at face value this might not sound like a big step, it is in fact a huge step and one that shows that genuine collaboration and sharing of resources, knowledge and connections can facilitate change.

There are numerous indoor and outdoor environmental factors that can impact human well- being. Whilst we talk about our ability to measure these elements, in reality this isn’t the case. Yes we measure, but in the absence of a set of global, commonly agreed values and data ranges all we are doing is taking a reading and using our initiative so say whether it is good or bad – all too often this is a stab in the dark.

The new agreement will see these four organisations collaborate to develop standards for sensor manufacturers and system installers/integrators as well as building owners and operators, facilities managers and others – for whom indoor environmental quality is a critical performance measurement.

The important thing here is the fact that four highly respected organisations that between them span the globe have come together to drive this initiative. If one organisation had tried to do this on their own it is likely it would have failed – put the four together and we have the resources and skills to ensure it succeeds.

The understanding of the importance of the indoor environmental performance of buildings is one of the hottest topics. For years we have put the performance of the building fabric first but we are now coming round to the realisation that we create buildings for people and that the internal environment and its effect on the building occupiers should be the primary driver.

With this desire to put the occupier first has come the realisation that there are so many new and untested monitoring systems on the market and with the lack of clear guidance for users, we are causing nothing but confusion and potentially a smokescreen of worthless data. This new collaboration will hopefully clear this smoke and provide a set of universally agreed standards against which monitoring data can be assessed.

Part of the challenge will be getting buy-in and support from the senor manufacturers. To date they have few specific data quality standards to adhere to so have a largely open playing field. However by working with the organisations to agree standards, they will enable the verification of their products and in turn create competitive advantage.

The beauty of this collaborative approach is that each party can add something to the mix. IWBI is a founding member of the Well Living Lab, a collaboration with Delos and the Mayo Clinic. The lab is a sensor-rich reconfigurable space where researchers can monitor and test technologies and protocols with human subjects in simulated, real-world environments. IWBI will leverage the information learned from the Well Living Lab to help inform the development of this new set of standards. RESET will be contributing experience from over a decade of testing, developing and deploying standards for indoor air quality sensors in China, encompassing standards for installation and maintenance as well as data reporting. BRE will be providing its expertise in providing the industry with performance data for indoor environmental sensors and its global knowledge in creating industry standards. GBCA is committed to forging partnerships with like-minded organisations to provide tools and mechanisms that will make it easier for the property and construction industry to create healthy, sustainable buildings.

The coming together of these four organisations is a massive step in the right direction and should be acknowledged by the industry as a shining example of how collaboratively we can make a difference. The accurate benchmarking of indoor and outdoor environmental factors is essential if we are to create a more sustainable built environment. Yes there is a lot of work to do and I’m sure there will be hurdles to overcome but I do wonder how much more we could achieve if we all took a leaf out of the new rule book being pioneered by the likes of IWBI, RESET, BRE and GBC. They are proving that if you want something done and want to make a positive difference, true collaboration is king.

Written by Darren Evans, Managing Director, Darren Evans Assessments

[http://www.darren-evans.co.uk http://www.darren-evans.co.uk]

Take a leaf out of the new rule book – collaboration is king

2017-03-23T16:21:01Z

Darren Evans: Created page with "Last week the [https://www.wellcertified.com/ International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)], along with [https://reset.build/ RESET], [https://www.bre.co.uk/ BRE] and the [http:/..."

User:Darren Evans

2017-03-23T16:17:22Z

Darren Evans:

{|
|width="100%"|== Contents ==

* [[#Why_use_us.3F|1 Why use us?]]
* [[#Our_Vision:|2 Our Vision:]]
* [[#Our_Mission:|3 Our Mission:]]
* [[#Our_Values:|4 Our Values:]]
|}

=== Why use us? ===

Our broad knowledge of the building energy industry means that we can act as a single point of reference. We cut through the jargon so that you know exactly what is required. If, at any time, you are unsure, simply pick up the phone and ask.

We build relationships of trust with our clients:

* We seek to understand and deliver our services based on our customers’ business needs.
* We add value in all we do.
* We stay informed of developments within our industry to provide our customers with innovative and current solutions.

=== Our Vision: ===

To be the leading independent consultant for energy and sustainability throughout the UK.

=== Our Mission: ===

To be the company of choice due to the way that we innovate, we find solutions, we are progressive, vibrant and reputable. We provide a broad range of services in energy & sustainability in the built environment drawing on our experience and relationships with partners, manufacturers and thought leaders in the industry.

=== Our Values: ===

We ensure that the quality of work carried out by our team is of a consistently high standard, our core values underpin both how we work and how we run our business.

Innovation – we turn problems in to solutions in a pragmatic and innovative way, saving you both time and money whilst adding value to your project.

Collaboration – we see ourselves as part of your team, communication is important to us especially as projects can be so fluid with changes taking place at all stages.

Care – we really care about our projects, our clients and our team. We are reliable, and always go that extra mile.

Integrity – we are open and honest, we value your business and everyone we work with. We will help to deliver solutions that work with your best interest at heart.