Haydon Grange

Energy Statements are required for all new developments, and in some cases, conversions, or renovations across the London Boroughs. Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) outside of London are increasingly mandating Energy Strategies to support planning applications.

Given that measures outlined in an Energy Statement often become planning conditions, it’s crucial for them to be not only compliant but also in alignment with broader project parameters and objectives.

Our planning and building performance specialists collaborate with design teams to develop Energy Strategies that adhere to local planning policy or fulfil client requirements related to ESG commitments. Regardless of the location, we tailor Energy Strategies to meet the stringent requirements outlined within local policy.

Following the Energy Hierarchy, our approach ensures that you:

• Develop cost-effective, compliant, and viable strategies
• Reduce emissions and achieve the zero-carbon standard where necessary
• Follow a Fabric First Approach
• Balance energy performance with design objectives and budget
• Comply with London Plan and LPA policy requirements
• Demonstrate energy efficiency and emissions reduction
• Ensure a coordinated approach
• Develop high-quality, cost-effective buildings
• Fulfil planning or employer requirements

Conducting overheating analysis using Dynamic Thermal Modelling (DTM) is a crucial step prior to planning. Whilst this has been a consideration within London for major developments for many years, the impact of the implementation of this policy is now nationwide.

Whilst a simplified approach is possible, this may not always suit bespoke designs which incorporate large quantities of glazing, and can in some cases be restrictive to the overall design process. Dynamic modelling provides a precise evaluation of overheating risk, generating customised results and recommendations for compliance.

Referencing CIBSE TM59 methodology, Building Regulations Part O incorporates other considerations which need to be balanced within the buildings overall design including security, safety, and any mechanical ventilation system.

The DTM process reviews building materials, thermal mass, local shading, local weather data, building occupancy, and employs approaches to limit solar gains and eliminate excess heat.

Our experienced overheating modellers assist developers in completing comprehensive assessments, offering specialised guidance to comply with new Building Regulations and London Plan policy.

We’ll support you to:

• Assess and mitigate overheating risk
• Understand associated costs
• Develop coordinated solutions
• Deliver comfortable, energy-efficient spaces

Achieving carbon-efficient developments requires a comprehensive understanding of a buildings’ actual operational energy performance.

While Part L calculations and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) offer insights into a building’s anticipated performance, there is a recognised ‘performance gap’ between design intent and real-world usage.

CIBSE TM54, titled ‘Evaluating Operational Energy Use at the Design Stage,’ aims to address this gap by employing dynamic simulation modelling. This approach considers the complexities and variations in energy use over time, the interactions between different elements of a building, as well as the additional energy used by unregulated systems which is becoming an increasing contributor to overall energy use and emissions.

At Futura Bright, we utilise dynamic simulation modelling to assess operational energy consumption and energy performance, providing valuable insights for carbon reduction. 

We are here to assist you in:

• Bridging the ‘performance gap’
• Fulfilling planning policy or end-client requirements
• Informing and refining energy consumption targets
• Understanding the actual operational energy performance
• Gaining an accurate representation of an existing buildings and assisting you in building a decarbonisation plan to help manage your assets into the future.