Knowledge Share
We aim to be on top of all of the latest regulations and requirements which are developing quickly in the realms of sustainability and energy in the built environment, and we want you to be informed too. The more we all know, the more we can achieve together.
Included in this section is some of the guides we have produced to assist in the sharing of knowledge which helps us all develop and build better together.
Talk to us
Whole Life Carbon Assessments
To ensure that global temperature rise stays within the 2-degree limit set by the Paris Agreement, designers must extend their focus beyond operational energy to also address embodied carbon.
Both the RICS Professional Statement and the London Plan prioritise this aspect of carbon reduction efforts.
Now, for large-scale developments in London, Whole Life Carbon Assessments (LCA) and Circular Economy Statements are mandatory.
LCA considers every step from raw material extraction through manufacturing, distribution, use, and eventual disposal.
Conducting an LCA allows you to showcase reduced environmental impacts by:
The RICS Guidance offers a standardised, science-based methodology for quantifying the lifetime environmental impact of development projects.
We utilise One Click LCA (endorsed by the GLA) to help you meet local and regional requirements. We can compile compliant Whole Life Carbon and Circular Economy Statements to support your development scheme.
With One Click LCA, we guide you through all submission stages, from pre-application to post-construction, facilitating the transition to a holistic carbon approach.
Using this platform enables us to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment of the entire building quickly, pinpointing areas requiring action and helping you demonstrate your sustainability credentials to relevant authorities effectively.
Part L - Photographic Evidence
Did you know that photographic documentation has become a pivotal aspect of ensuring compliance with the latest Building Regulations Part L 2021?
This recent requirement marks a significant shift in the construction industry’s approach to verifying adherence to energy efficiency standards.
Under Building Regulations Part L 2021, photographic evidence is now mandated for all newly constructed dwellings undergoing assessment. However, it’s essential to note that this requirement doesn’t extend to non-residential buildings, conversions, or extensions, which are exempt from this provision.
The primary objective behind this mandate is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves to meticulously document the construction processes of each dwelling, offering a comprehensive visual record of the various stages from foundation to completion. This documentation not only provides transparency but also aids in quality assurance, ensuring that every aspect of construction aligns with the original design specifications.
Moreover, the inclusion of photographic evidence is instrumental in identifying any deviations or discrepancies that may arise during the construction phase. By capturing these deviations in real-time, stakeholders can promptly address and rectify any issues, thereby upholding the integrity of the project and minimising potential risks.
Furthermore, the requirement for photographic evidence plays an important role in updating energy modeling to accurately reflect the finished building. By visually documenting key energy efficiency features, such as insulation installations, air sealing measures, and renewable energy systems, stakeholders can enhance the precision of energy performance assessments and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Navigating these evolving requirements can be daunting amidst the myriad of changes occurring within the construction industry.
Daylight and sunlight
In the pursuit of creating healthy, sustainable, and visually appealing built environments, architects and designers are increasingly prioritising the integration of natural light into their projects.
Daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing play crucial roles in shaping the quality of indoor and outdoor spaces, influencing everything from occupant comfort and well-being to energy efficiency and architectural aesthetics. Let’s delve into these concepts to understand their significance in building design.
Daylight refers to the natural light that enters a building through windows, skylights, or other openings, illuminating interior spaces. Beyond its practical function of providing illumination, daylight has profound impacts on human health, productivity, and mood. Exposure to natural light has been linked to improved concentration, enhanced circadian rhythms, and reduced symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
In architectural design, maximising daylight penetration is key to creating inviting, visually stimulating interiors. Strategies such as orienting buildings to optimise solar exposure, incorporating large windows and glazed facades, and using reflective surfaces to distribute light can help harness the benefits of daylighting while minimising the need for artificial lighting.
Sunlight, specifically direct sunlight, plays a dual role in building design: it provides natural illumination and serves as a renewable energy source through solar gain. By strategically positioning windows, solar panels, and shading devices, architects can harness sunlight to optimise both daylighting and energy performance.
Sunlight analysis tools allow designers to predict and visualise the path of the sun throughout the day and across seasons, informing decisions about building orientation, window placement, and shading strategies. By balancing the desire for ample natural light with the need to mitigate solar heat gain, architects can create comfortable, energy-efficient spaces that benefit both occupants and the environment.
While maximising natural light is desirable, it’s essential to consider the potential for overshadowing, where adjacent buildings or landscape features block sunlight from reaching certain areas. Overshadowing can have significant implications for building design, affecting everything from daylight availability to solar panel performance.
Through careful site analysis and planning, architects can minimise overshadowing by optimising building massing, height, and orientation. Techniques such as setback and step-backs, building setbacks, and the strategic placement of taller buildings can help mitigate overshadowing effects while preserving access to natural light and views.
Daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing are integral considerations in architectural design, influencing the quality, functionality, and sustainability of built environments. By harnessing the power of natural light, architects can create spaces that promote well-being, enhance visual comfort, and minimise reliance on artificial lighting and mechanical heating and cooling systems.
As stewards of sustainable design, architects have a responsibility to prioritise daylighting strategies that optimise energy performance, enhance occupant comfort, and foster connections to the natural environment. By integrating daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing considerations into their design processes, architects can unlock the full potential of natural light to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.
Futura Bright brochure