fbpx

01372 438 039

info@sustainquality.co.uk

News

Net Zero Buildings: The Construction Phase

Net-Zero-Buildings-and-Passivhaus-Standards.png

To meet the UK’s aim of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the construction and building sector has been tasked with the responsibility of measuring, reducing and offsetting carbon emissions in the industry. All new buildings are required to be net zero carbon by 2030 and all existing ones by 2050.

This mission is split into two key phases: the construction phase and then the operational phase. In this blog we will focus on the construction phase of achieving net zero carbon.

According to Peter Tse, from the BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association), the net zero framework is a key challenge for the construction industry as it requires us to reassess the way buildings are designed, constructed, and run. He goes on to say we need to reconsider the way we do things, commencing a cultural change.

A verified net zero carbon building is one where the embodied emission associated with the building products and the construction itself are measured, dramatically reduced, and also offset with other forms of energy i.e. renewables.

Read moreNet Zero Buildings: The Construction Phase

Net Zero Carbon Buildings For Practices & Developers

Sustain Quality | Net Zero Carbon Buildings For Practices & Developers

Climate change has drawn an unprecedented amount of media attention in recent years thanks to movements like that of The Extinction Rebellion. This, paired with the Government’s motion to declare a ‘climate emergency’, have truly underlined the urgency to address carbon emissions.

According to the UK Green Building Council (UKGBC), global emissions must be halved by 2030 and eliminated completely by 2050. This can be found in the document, Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework Definition, which was launched by the Houses of Parliament back in April 2019.

In order to define what ‘achieving net-zero carbon emissions’ means, the document focuses on two approaches: the construction of a building and the operation of a building.

Read moreNet Zero Carbon Buildings For Practices & Developers

How Can Sustain Quality Help You Achieve A Net Zero Building?

Sustain Quality | How Can Sustain Quality Help You Achieve A Net Zero Building?

Whether you’re in the commercial or residential sector, achieving a Net Zero building is a high priority for many within the built environment.

According to the 2019 government legislation, embedding a ‘Net Zero 2050’ target for carbon dioxide emissions is a key aim, and one which paves the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for the UK.

Read moreHow Can Sustain Quality Help You Achieve A Net Zero Building?

Net Zero Buildings and Passivhaus Standards

Net Zero Buildings and Passivhaus Standards

There is a clear drive to reduce carbon emissions within the built environment across the UK. According to The UK Green Building Council’s 2019 document, Net Zero Carbon Buildings: A Framework, global emissions must be almost halved by 2030 and eliminated completely by 2050.

One of the methods designed to achieve this goal is Passivhaus, a design and construction standard for buildings that relies on principles developed in Germany. This article explores some key terms around the Passivhaus standard.

Read moreNet Zero Buildings and Passivhaus Standards

How To Achieve a Net Zero Building

Sustain Quality | How to achieve a net zero building

Sustainability is a key issue for organisations around the world today. While many builds were not originally constructed with fewer carbon emissions in mind, it can be possible to create a net zero energy building.

This looks at what net zero means, and how any building can achieve a net zero building.

Read moreHow To Achieve a Net Zero Building

Reshaping the Health of Our Buildings: The Impact of COVID-19

At Sustain Quality we help our clients create and maintain healthy buildings. History has shown that our spaces can play a vital role in our health and wellbeing, as well as our productivity and performance.

As many of us return to our work spaces, and with the coronavirus pandemic still showing no sign of disappearing, the sustainability and health of our buildings is more important to our wellbeing than ever.

Our workplaces and the health of our buildings play a significant role in the way we work and how we choose to live, and help defend us against the rising tide of challenging climates and environments.

Read moreReshaping the Health of Our Buildings: The Impact of COVID-19

Net Zero Carbon Buildings – The Commitment

The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) has issued new findings reporting that the number of organisations committed to net-zero buildings has doubled in one year.

Read moreNet Zero Carbon Buildings – The Commitment

SAP Calculations For Extensions

SAP Calculations For Extensions

In some instances, an extension will require an SAP calculation. However, this won’t apply to all extensions. This post aims to highlight when your extension would need a SAP calculation and what’s involved in the process, should your extension require one.

Read moreSAP Calculations For Extensions

Top Tips For Passing A SAP Calculation

Top Tips For Passing A SAP Calculation

A Standard Assessment Procedure, or ‘SAP’ as it is commonly referred to, is a UK government-recommended methodology for measuring the energy rating of a residential dwelling.

Using advanced software, it calculates typical annual energy costs for water heating, internal lighting and space, and a rating from 1-100+ is issued.

In order for new dwellings to comply with Part L1a and Part L1b, SAP 2012 has been used as the basis for checking such dwellings. Once a dwelling is complete, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is produced. This post aims to give you some top tips for passing a SAP Calculation.

Read moreTop Tips For Passing A SAP Calculation