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15 Minutes With… Planning Consultant Rob Hughes of Hughes Planning on Delivering Success for Paragraph 84

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 17:35:25 GMT

Rob Hughes of Hughes Planning Shares his Insight on the Drivers for Success on Paragraph 84 and Complex Planning Projects

Delivering a home in the open countryside under Paragraph 84 of the National Planning Policy Framework is widely recognised as one of the most demanding routes to planning approval in England. In this article we dive into the key considerations with one of the UK’s leading experts.

Rob Hughes is a planning consultant who has spent his career navigating the complexities of this policy. With multiple Paragraph 84 approvals (and all the previous iterations) secured across 22 planning authorities in 16 counties to date, and more than a decade working alongside Mesh, he shares his perspective on what makes these projects succeed – and why early collaboration is so important.

Q: What is the starting point for a successful Paragraph 84 scheme?

The absolutely vital first step is a thorough development appraisal. Before any design concepts can begin, we have to understand the planning policy framework and how it applies to a specific site.

Not every rural site can support a Paragraph 84 dwelling. The reality is many are not appropriate or are too constrained. The first-stage appraisal is about ascertaining whether this site genuinely has the right ‘ingredients’ to justify a new home in the countryside under this policy.

The policy sets an exceptionally high bar in design terms – not just for architecture, but for environmental performance, landscape integration and long-term sustainability.

You have to understand the site constraints, opportunities, and the local planning context, which can include how that local authority has interpreted Paragraph 84 for previous schemes. This is not a box-ticking exercise – it about judgement, experience and taking a realistic approach.

Q: Clients may approach Paragraph 84 as a way to ‘get permission to build a new home in the countryside’. How do you manage those expectations?

Paragraph 84 is not a silver bullet to getting planning approval and the reality is much more complex. The honest answer is this is not always the right route as it cannot be applied to every rural site.

For example, if a site sits next to a settlement, the requirement for isolation means it is very unlikely to be supported. In those cases, pursuing Paragraph 84 would be the wrong approach.

The key to success is understanding how policy is likely to be applied and being upfront with clients early on about the chances of success.

If a proposal is not capable of meeting Paragraph 84 – or other policies that support new dwellings in the countryside – then it simply shouldn’t proceed. That honesty avoids wasting significant amounts of time, money and emotional energy for the client.

Paragraph 84 applications are a significant undertaking for clients – financially and emotionally. You have to balance the landscape, ecology, site heritage, biodiversity, and drainage considerations alongside the need for outstanding sustainable architecture.

Coming to a clear conclusion at the outset about whether a development on a particular site is able to deliver this level of ambition is absolutely necessary. That honesty is the foundation of a successful project.

Q: Once a site is identified as meeting the policy criteria, what factors determine success?

The next step is identifying all the issues that the planning proposal must address and assembling the right team with the right level expertise to achieve that.

Paragraph 84 is not just about architecture. Yes, the design has to be exceptional – but it also has to mitigate impact and deliver environmental enhancement. That means combining landscape, environmental and building design, and sustainability expertise from the very beginning of the design process.

These projects involve considerations such as architectural quality, landscape effects, biodiversity and ecology improvement, drainage impacts, heritage effects, energy strategy, carbon outputs, and long-term operational performance of the building itself. That’s why we need a range of disciplines and deep expertise to inform and evidence the proposed design.

Q: You have worked with Mesh on these complex projects for more than a decade. Why do you bring them onto your Paragraph 84 projects?

Mesh’s engineers are experts in their field, and they understand what Paragraph 84 demands.

Sustainability is not an add-on under this policy – it is a fundamental aspect of achieving the highest standards of design. Mesh provides the sustainable construction insight, performance modelling and energy strategy to inform the design process from day one.

We never want to be six months down the line trying to fix a problem. It is much better to have their engineers shaping the scheme from the outset.

This level of collaboration is critical. Everyone involved needs to push hard to maximise the benefits of what a scheme can deliver and to make it as good as it can be.

Q: What specifically do Mesh contribute to Paragraph 84 schemes?

Mesh’s engineers define how a house will achieve the level of performance required by the Paragraph 84 framework.

They understand the baseline requirements of Building Regulations and Passivhaus-level performance, but they go beyond that. This means working closely with the architects and landscape architect to deliver a scheme that exceeds standard specifications and expectations – because that is exactly what Paragraph 84 demands.

A Paragraph 84 home shouldn’t just be architecturally significant. It has to be deeply integrated into its landscape, be genuinely highly sustainable and deliver demonstrable and measurable environmental benefits. Evidencing how that performance is achieved requires detailed technical input, analysis and close collaboration – this is where Mesh add real value to every project.

Q: Why is it so important to involve Mesh from concept stage?

Getting Mesh on board at inception is critical. That will avoid having to address problems at a later stage which can result in significant reworking of the scheme.

Early involvement allows their engineers to influence fundamental decisions, such as how the dwelling is constructed, the choice of materials, energy strategy, orientation, ventilation, plant and services requirements, and how the building can harness energy from its environment.

Those decisions need to be made at concept stage, correctly documented and evidenced with modelling as part of the planning narrative.

On Paragraph 84 projects, higher standards of design and sustainability are not optional. Mesh understands that and will help to ensure energy efficiency and environmental performance are inherent to the scheme.

Q: Any final advice for clients considering a Paragraph 84 project?

Clients have to genuinely buy into the design process. Paragraph 84 is not a shortcut to planning – it is demanding, complex and there are pitfalls to avoid if success is to be achieved.

But by being open-minded, engaging with the design process and assembling the right team from the outset, there is a pathway to success for a fantastic project. On projects of this complexity, experience and collaborative working makes all the difference.

www.hughesplanning.co.uk

Mesh Supports Forestry England’s Drive to Net Zero at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:51:19 GMT

A Plan to Build Long-term Resilience and Improve the Energy Efficiency of Buildings on the Estate

Energy performance specialist Mesh has successfully delivered a sustainability project for Forestry England at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, helping to improve the energy efficiency and long-term resilience of buildings on the 600-acre estate.

The historic arboretum near Tetbury, managed by Forestry England, is one of the UK’s most visited heritage sites, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.

Rapid growth in visitor numbers, combined with the impact of climate change, prompted the need for a clear, practical plan to reduce energy use and carbon emissions across the estate’s facilities including the visitor centre, café and restaurant and offices.

Following a competitive tender, Mesh was appointed to develop an evidence-based strategy to guide building upgrades, balancing sustainability ambitions and the transition away from fossil fuels in this sensitive rural and heritage setting.

Mesh took a whole-building approach, assessing how the buildings on the estate currently perform, how they are used at different times of the year in line with fluctuating seasonal visitor patterns, and how future changes to climatic conditions could affect running costs and user comfort.

This has enabled Forestry England to make informed decisions on heating solutions, energy supply and building fabric improvements, and to plan upgrades in a phased approach. It provides a clear framework for improving energy efficiency, and importantly, for moving away from fossil fuels.

Several of the strategies have already been implemented, delivering immediate energy efficiency improvements whilst informing longer-term refurbishment and upgrading plans.

Sophie Nash, Programme Manager at Forestry England:

“Our aim with this project was to use detailed analysis to steer our specifications for remediation and upgrading works to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of our most heavily-used buildings at Westonbirt and the resilience of our electricity infrastructure to support future growth.

The assessments carried out which were very thorough and detailed, provide us with valuable insight to inform the design and specification of refurbishment and remediation works in a phased approach.”

Doug Johnson, Founder and Director of Mesh:

“For rural estates, landowners, parks and visitor attractions across the UK, this project for Forestry England clearly demonstrates how a data-led, whole-building approach can accelerate decarbonisation and create a clear route towards net zero – even in the most sensitive heritage environments and landscapes.”

The Westonbirt project reflects growing demand from rural estates, landowners and visitor attractions for clear sustainability strategies that reduce risk, improve performance and support long-term resilience.

Image credit - Forestry England / Brian Martin

Fuel Poverty, Health and Overheating: An Emerging Contradiction in Housing Policy

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 20:15:43 GMT

Mitigating the Risk of Overheating in Affordable Housing

The direction of travel for affordable housing is clear. Legislation and policy, including Awaab’s Law and the recently announced Warm Homes Plan, are rightly focused on improving the quality, safety and energy efficiency of affordable homes, whilst tackling fuel poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. Warmer homes should reduce energy bills, improve occupier comfort, support better health outcomes and contribute significantly towards the drive to net zero.

However, whilst this ambition is welcome and needed, there is an emerging contradiction – the very measures designed to make homes warmer, more airtight and cheaper to run can also significantly increase the risk of overheating.

As climate change brings more frequent and intense heatwaves, overheating is no longer a marginal issue. It is becoming a clear housing risk and even more so for the more vulnerable members of our society.

The Warm Homes Plan is fundamentally about enabling people to live affordably in their homes, using modern and renewable technologies to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions at a time when fuel poverty is rising. That principle is sound.

Equally, well-ventilated homes are directly linked to good health and wellbeing. Overheating has a measurable impact on physical and mental health, including sleep quality, metabolic health and productivity. An occupant-centred approach therefore has to underpin the Warm Homes Plan, balancing affordability with health outcomes. The policy’s recognition that passive or active cooling may be required to mitigate overheating is an important acknowledgement that energy efficiency alone is not enough – but it is a complex challenge to address.

Why overheating matters – and why it is complex

The risk of overheating is surprisingly acute in well-performing homes. Highly insulated, airtight homes – including those built to high specifications and Passivhaus principles – can be vulnerable to excessive internal temperatures if ventilation and heat removal are not carefully designed in at the outset.

For residents in affordable housing – including older people and those requiring specialist care – getting this balance wrong has serious consequences. The response to the Warm Homes Plan therefore needs to be right first time, with health and wellbeing underpinned by the appropriate level of technical expertise and correct and ideally regulated execution.

The Cooling Hierarchy

Well-insulated buildings make absolute sense, but insulation, airtightness and ventilation must be addressed as part of a cohesive energy strategy.

Comfort cooling is a more practical solution for reducing temperature. Air conditioning also manages humidity but is energy intensive, maintenance-heavy and costly to run, even when paired with solar. However, there is significant untapped potential in passive measures such as external shading, blinds and shutters – commonplace in warmer climates but still under-utilised in the UK.

This is the cooling ‘hierarchy’:

1. Minimise internal heat generation through energy efficient design
2. Reduce the amount of heat entering the home in summer through orientation, shading, fenestration, insulation and green roofs and walls
3. Manage heat within a building through thermal zoning, buffer spaces, exposed internal thermal mass and higher ceilings
4. Passive ventilation
5. Mechanical ventilation
6. Active cooling systems such as air conditioning.

The Need for a More Holistic Approach

Overheating cannot be considered in isolation. Whole-life carbon, operational emissions from heating systems, materials selection, and long-term maintenance and repair all need to be addressed as part of the transition away from fossil fuels and towards more energy-efficient homes.

Ventilation may be key to passive cooling, but real-world constraints quickly emerge.

The external acoustic environment matters – homes adjacent to busy roads or railway lines may not be able to rely on opening windows for ventilation without compromising wellbeing. In dense urban areas, background noise can itself become a health issue.

Regulatory requirements will also shape the solution. The Building Safety Act requires consideration around fall protection, which may limit window openings through restrictors.
Air pollution is another constraint, particularly in city centres.

The layout of multi-occupancy housing can severely limit natural cooling strategies. Traditional apartment layouts – with homes on either side of a corridor – make cross-ventilation for cooling extremely difficult, regardless of insulation levels.

These inter-relating factors vary widely depending on location, building age and housing typology. Improving thermal performance through additional insulation also introduces the risk of interstitial condensation if ventilation levels are not properly understood. There is no silver bullet or single solution.

Designing Building Performance Strategies that Work in Practice

The starting point is to treat each building as a whole, rather than a suite of measures to be installed. No single element should be changed without first clarity on how it affects the whole property and its occupants. This requires time, analysis and robust thermal modelling, enabling housing providers to understand, at a systems level, what interventions will deliver the greatest benefit without creating new risks and health hazards such as condensation or overheating.

Technology is rapidly advancing. The first ventilation systems with integrated cooling are now available and can be combined with building fabric upgrades and low-energy renewable heating. Where roof orientation allows, solar energy can help offset the additional electrical demand of these cooling systems. But technology alone is not the answer.

Occupant profiling is critical. Homes occupied by older or more vulnerable residents, who are likely to remain in the property during the day, need to perform very differently from those properties occupied mainly in the evenings. Overheating in daytime is harder to mitigate than night overheating, and these factors need to inform the performance strategies from the outset.

There are significant risks to undertaking blanket upgrades to heating, glazing and insulation without detailed analysis. Homes can take many hours to cool once overheated, and what appears to be a sensible energy upgrade in theory may be hugely detrimental to resident health and wellbeing, increasing risk of non-compliance under Awaab’s Law.

There is a delicate balance between resident comfort, health, running costs and carbon emissions, and it cannot be achieved without detailed analysis, modelling and complex calculations.

New build affordable homes have more flexibility – window orientation, shading and layout can all be optimised. Retrofit is more challenging.

Orientation of roofs or windows cannot be changed; internal insulation reduces room sizes, and the existing interior is someone’s home. The solution will differ from building to building, even across similar typologies. The key is to design for residents – present and future – rather than relying on standardised assumptions.

The new legislation rightly raises expectations around building safety, health and affordability, but overheating must be treated as a core risk, not an afterthought.

Without a holistic, evidence-led approach, these well-intentioned policies risk poor outcomes for the very people they are designed to help. However, this is also a huge opportunity to increase the affordability, health and resilience of social housing in a changing climate.

NEW Embodied Carbon Calculator to Allow Architects to Generate Super-fast, Accurate Carbon Assessments

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 13:26:19 GMT

A New Generation Embodied Carbon Calculator for Real-time Analysis of Building Designs and Powerful Results in Minutes

Mesh has launched a new version of our Embodied Carbon Calculator (V9) to help architects and building designers working at concept stage to generate accurate embodied carbon assessments in minutes.

This cost-effective tool has a host of features for automated, super-fast report generation:

Architects can now input simple area and materials data and see how their designs perform against RIBA 2030 and LETI targets

Different design options can be compared and assessed
More than 95% accuracy, even at concept stage
Calculate relative embodied carbon values for a wide range of materials and building typologies - input up to 10 different construction types for walls, floors, roofs and other building elements
Create 'favourite' custom element build-ups to save time across multiple projects
Accurate results to inform planning applications, client reporting and RIBA Award submissions.

Watch the demo video here and download the latest version for a one-off fee from our Meshwork platform here .

The Planning Consultant's Perspective on Mesh and Paragraph 84

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 14:23:32 GMT

Rob Hughes of Hughes Planning Shares his Insight on the Drivers for Success on Paragraph 84 and Complex Planning Projects

Mesh has worked with Hughes Planning for more than a decade and recently interviewed Rob Hughes, a Paragraph 84 specialist planning consultant. He shared his perspective on why he works with Mesh, the value our engineers bring to his clients’ schemes and the drivers for success on complex planning projects.

“I have been involved in many Paragraph 84 projects across 22 local authority areas to date, and have worked with Mesh for over a decade. Their engineers bring a level of expertise and a realistic approach that genuinely drives, strengthens and informs a complex planning proposal from inception.

A significant factor in the success of a project is assembling the right team at the earliest stage. The Paragraph 84 planning framework demands the very highest standards – not just in architecture, but in sustainability, environmental performance and how a building sits within and enhances its landscape.

Mesh feeds directly into the design process rather than being brought in at a later stage to ‘fix’ problems that could otherwise have been avoided.

Their deep understanding of sustainable construction, energy performance, regulations and Passivhaus-level thinking helps to shape the design and architecture from the initial concept stage.

Mesh’s engineers are experts in their field and work as a genuine partner with the design team on each project, helping to deliver and inform schemes that are not only beautiful, but are genuinely integrated into their setting, environmentally responsible and exceed expectations for sustainability.

That level of joined-up thinking is critical when you are asking a local authority to support a proposal for an exceptional home in the countryside.

I regularly recommend Mesh to our clients and their early involvement consistently helps projects to reach the highest standards of design and sustainability, giving applications the strongest possible chance of success.”

Paragraph 84: Why Demand Is Rising – and How Early Technical Input is Critical to Project Success

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:57:11 GMT

Paragraph 84 Planning Policy - What are the Key Considerations to Meet the Requirements?

Designing a new home in open countryside has always required compelling justification. Under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Paragraph 84 is one of the few legitimate planning pathways for the creation of new homes on rural or Green Belt land. It is a stringent route – intentionally so – that demands both exceptional design quality and demonstrable sustainability and environmental considerations.

The term ‘Paragraph 84′, is the latest iteration of the policy, which was first established in 1997 to set out how new homes can be built in open countryside.

Setting a High Bar for Design Quality and Sustainability

For architects and planning consultants, Paragraph 84 is an opportunity to create inspirational, landmark architecture. The requirements of the policy set a high bar for architects to achieve with their approach to design.

But it is also a policy area where planning authorities demand robust technical evidence from the earliest design stages. These projects have to be designed sensitively to their location and are subject to rigorous review at each stage – from concept, technical design, planning and construction.

Without addressing this, proposals will fail to pass the design review panels and achieve planning, leading to costly redesigns and delays.

What is Paragraph 84 Designed to Achieve?

Paragraph 84 exists to protect and enhance our most sensitive landscapes. It is a national policy pathway that allows new dwellings to be approved for development in open countryside or on Green Belt land when:

• The design quality is exceptional
• The architecture reflects and enhances the location
• The new home would achieve exemplary environmental performance
• The proposal results in a dwelling that could not have been delivered using conventional development criteria.

Paragraph 84 homes must blend into the landscape and deliver outstanding environmental performance. Projects are typically large, bespoke private homes, where form and materiality relate directly to the context of the site. Schemes draw inspiration from local heritage or the landscape. For example, one of our Paragraph 84 projects sited close to a river was interpreted as two interlocking river boats, or another design near an ancient burial mound was built into a hillside.

Paragraph 84 is, at its core, a policy about contextual, site-specific, sustainable landmark design.

Why the Number of Paragraph 84 Projects is Increasing

At Mesh, we have seen a sharp rise in Paragraph 84 projects in the past year and that trend is continuing. Several converging social, environmental and planning policy trends are driving this:

People are moving out of cities – High net worth individuals are increasingly buying rural land to build homes that deliver space, security, privacy and connection to nature. Remote working and advances in technology have accelerated this shift, as has a growing desire to move away from highly urbanised environments.

A cultural appetite for exceptional homes – The ‘Grand Designs effect’ and social channels such as Instagram have fuelled the ambition for highly individual, statement homes in rural environments.

Planning policy is becoming more rigorous – Local authorities are enforcing sustainability and environmental design requirements far more strictly. Paragraph 84 schemes must now present high-level, evidence-based technical data earlier in the design process and with far greater precision.

National planning policy is reinforcing sustainability – Paragraph 84 favours homes that embody sustainable construction, low-carbon energy strategies and responsible material use. As national guidance tightens, planning authorities expect quantifiable evidence rather than simply narrative intent.

Demand amplified by Paragraph 84e – Even stricter criteria apply to proposals within National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where the architectural and technical design must reach an even more exceptional threshold. This further increases reliance on specialist input for both planning and building engineering.

The Role of Building Performance Engineering in Paragraph 84 and Why Early Involvement Matters

Paragraph 84 homes do not secure planning consent without high-quality technical input and evidence-based data. Architectural excellence must be matched with detailed environmental studies and data and that requires specialist expertise in renewable technology, performance engineering and building physics.

Mesh is one of the UK’s most experienced building-performance specialists in this area and has supported many Paragraph 84 projects since the inception of the policy. Its engineers work with architects and planning consultants typically from RIBA Stage 2, ensuring proposals are grounded in robust, defensible technical data long before design freeze.

The key areas of building performance engineering to consider are summarised below.

1. Design Review Panel Preparation
Successful Paragraph 84 applications depend heavily on the quality of evidence presented to Design Review Panels (DRPs). These panels expect a clear, data-backed narrative that explains:

• The sustainable design strategy
• The performance metrics and modelling that underpin design decisions
• The rationale for innovation and how that responds to site context
• How the scheme meets the ‘truly outstanding’ and ‘exceptionally designed’ criteria of the planning policy.

This preparation must be done collaboratively across the design team, with architects, planning consultants and building engineers all aligned. The strength of this early narrative often determines whether a scheme progresses or stalls at the first review.

2. Sustainability and Building Physics Analysis
Because Paragraph 84 homes are held to the highest standards of environmental performance, applicants must provide robust technical analysis early in the design process. This typically includes:

• Part L thermal efficiency and heat-loss calculations
• Part O overheating analysis – often requiring full TM59 dynamic thermal modelling, particularly for large homes with a high level of glazing
• Part G water-efficiency calculations
• Energy performance modelling.

The technical evidence must demonstrate that the building can achieve year-round comfort, comply with overheating regulations, and meet or exceed building-performance requirements. Applying passive measures, such as ventilation strategy and thermal efficiency, play a critical role in compliance with the latest regulations.

3. Energy Strategy and Low Carbon Technology Feasibility Studies
A comprehensive energy strategy is a core expectation under Paragraph 84. Design teams must explore low carbon or renewable energy technologies such as:

• Air and ground source heat pumps
• MVHR and passive ventilation strategy
• Underfloor heating
• Solar PV and battery storage.

The objective is not simply to specify ‘green’ technologies, but to demonstrate – through accurate, interpretable data – that the proposed home will operate efficiently, integrate well with the landscape, and deliver reasonable long-term running and maintenance costs. The Design Review Panels increasingly expect a credible, quantifiable whole-site strategy, not simply a list of technologies.

4. Whole Life Carbon and Material Assessments
Given the size and bespoke nature of many Paragraph 84 projects, design teams must account for the impact of both operational and embodied carbon. Data typically required includes:

• Embodied-carbon calculations
• Material sourcing such as the volume of reclaimed stone or building material versus materials transported to site and from where
• Circularity and waste-minimisation principles
• Justification for material choices in relation to the local area and the project’s sustainability objectives.

DRPs will look for a clear link between the architectural concept, the landscape context, and the environmental logic behind building material decisions and product specifications.

5. Building Services Strategy
A common pitfall in Paragraph 84 proposals is not addressing the building services design at an early stage. For these often-large homes, the services strategy has implications for form, structure and landscape integration. Early-stage clarity is therefore required on:

• Sizing of plant and equipment
• Ventilation strategy and riser requirements
• Space planning for plant rooms and roof-mounted equipment
• Any constraints that may affect massing or design freeze.

Without this early work, design and planning teams risk significant redesign at a late stage – which can seriously delay planning or even undermine the planning case.

6. Ongoing Workshops and Team Co-ordination
Paragraph 84 planning approval depends on a cohesive, aligned design team. Workshops throughout RIBA Stages 2 and 3 ensure that:

• The environmental strategy and building efficiency match the architectural intent
• Technical modelling supports the design narrative being presented to DRPs
• The whole team can confidently articulate the detailed evidence behind the proposal
• Potential risks of non-compliance are identified well before design freeze.

Planning authorities expect clearly reasoned, data-supported submissions – and this level of co-ordination is essential to delivering that.

What are the Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Paragraph 84 Projects?

Despite the growing demand, design and planning teams can fall into predictable traps. The consequences can be severe – lost design time, repeated panel cycles, unnecessary cost, or complete refusal.

1. Involving building-performance consultants too late
Design teams should avoid completing early concept designs without taking account of the implications of thermal performance, overheating risk or services integration.

Unless engaged early, by the time the building engineers are brought in, it can be impossible to accommodate regulations or planning requirements into the design – incurring additional work, time and cost.

2. Attending DRP meetings without sufficient technical evidence or data
Design Review Panels expect detailed data, not aspirations. Without robust modelling, sustainability metrics or strategy justification, the proposal is unlikely to be endorsed.

3. Overlooking overheating in highly glazed designs
Large Paragraph 84 homes frequently feature a high level of glazing to allow panoramic views over the countryside. This increases the risk of overheating. Compliance requires either the simplified Part O route or TM59 dynamic modelling – and most high-specification designs require the latter. Failing to allow for this will result in design amendments that can significantly delay the planning process.

4. Freezing the architectural design before the services strategy is confirmed
If plant rooms are undersized, or if roof-mounted equipment cannot be accommodated, the entire form or massing of the building may need to change. This is especially problematic in landscape-led designs or partially sub-terranean structures.

5. Underestimating the impact of whole life carbon and building material specifications
Many panels now expect quantified embodied carbon assessments, along with clear justification for material choices and sourcing. Without early data, design freeze cannot be achieved.

6. Assuming compliance can be ‘dealt with later’
For Paragraph 84 homes, sustainability and building performance are integral to the planning case, not a post-design add-on. A non-compliant design will not pass planning, regardless of how well it is presented.

7. Ignoring running costs and operational energy
High-end homes can be extremely costly to operate if the energy strategy is not well thought through. DRPs are increasingly asking about longevity, efficiency, maintenance and whole-site energy planning.

Why Preparedness is Essential

Paragraph 84 opportunities are expanding – but so are expectations.

The most successful proposals are those where architects, planning consultants and building performance engineers collaborate from the earliest stages, ensuring design intent, narrative, sustainability and technical evidence evolve together and are fully aligned.

This strategy enables design and planning teams to approach DRPs with confidence, clarity and fully defensible data. For architects and planning consultants, engaging the right technical partner early is now not simply beneficial but absolutely critical to the project’s success.

Images: Green Fox Farm designed by Hawkes Architecture

Futureproofing buildings at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:41:11 GMT

How detailed building performance analysis is helping rural estates and visitor attractions plan for net zero.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum near Tetbury in Gloucestershire, has one of the world’s most celebrated botanical collections. It is home to over 2,500 different species of trees and shrubs gathered from across the globe, as well as five national tree collections.

Created in the 1800s by Victorian landowner Robert Holford and his family, the 600-acre estate has been managed by Forestry England since 1956. The arboretum welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and is supported by over 300 volunteers. It also conducts important scientific research and plays a significant role in education and international tree conservation of some of the world’s rarest trees.

The arboretum is now one of the most visited pay-to-enter attractions in the Southwest. Visitor numbers have doubled in the last 10 years, putting greater pressure on the park’s infrastructure, along with balancing the additional challenge of climate change.

This has created the need for a long-term, sustainable plan to improve the energy efficiency and decarbonisation of the buildings on the estate – from the visitor’s centre, café and restaurant to the Great Oak Hall, offices and other amenities.

A Strategic Approach to Decarbonisation in a Sensitive Rural Setting

Following a tender process, Mesh was appointed to develop a clear and practical pathway towards reducing operational carbon emissions across the Westonbirt estate.

The brief extended beyond simply replacing technologies. It required a holistic understanding of how its buildings perform – from the café and restaurant to the offices, how they will be used in the future, and how climate change will affect user comfort and long-term resilience.

For rural estates, parks and visitor attractions, these challenges are increasingly common – constrained infrastructure, seasonal and variable occupancy or visitor numbers, heritage considerations, and the need to balance capital investment with long-term operational savings.

Integrated Analysis to Inform Decision-making

Mesh carried out a series of integrated building performance and services engineering assessments to help Forestry England understand the feasibility, economic implications and long-term benefits of different strategies.

The analysis included:

Renewable energy feasibility studies – evaluating air and ground source heat pumps, solar photovoltaics, EV charging, comfort cooling, and low-carbon hot-water solutions for buildings with fluctuating visitor numbers.
Fabric optimisation – Assessing walls, insulation, roofs, floors and glazing to identify cost-effective improvements with realistic payback periods and lower embodied-carbon impacts, supporting a refurbishment-first approach.
Overheating and ventilation modelling – Dynamic thermal modelling (TM52) to mitigate the risk of overheating in the peak summer months and the impact of climate change on occupier comfort. The study investigated cooling using heat pumps, the viability of mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) and solutions to increase natural ventilation as alternatives to carbon and energy-intensive air conditioning.
Electrical infrastructure and capacity review – Assessing the existing site electrical supply and predicting energy supply and demand to accommodate future electrification, EV charging and additional loads from Westonbirt’s summer event programme.

These analyses used dynamic simulation models for each building to create an integrated energy strategy that simplified decision-making and cost planning for the client.

Addressing Rural and Heritage Challenges

Each building at Westonbirt presented different challenges, with variations in age, construction type and patterns of use. The Grade I landscape status required careful consideration of installations and changes to heritage buildings.

The rural electrical supply was originally designed for smaller-scale loads and required detailed investigation to ensure future compatibility with all-electric systems, such as instant hot water and EV charging stations, and to transition away from fossil fuels.

These are issues shared by many rural estates and visitor attractions, where infrastructure constraints and heritage considerations can make decarbonisation a huge challenge without robust technical evidence to inform decision making.

Practical Recommendations

Mesh’s recommendations focused on realistic, deliverable measures that could be implemented in phases to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs – and using a refurbishment-first approach.

Transitioning from the existing gas space heating systems to air-source heat pumps.
Using on-demand electric hot-water systems to address significant variations in visitor footfall through the year.
Improving user comfort during the peak summer months through natural ventilation strategies, such as automatic opening rooflights, supported by cooling using heat pumps to support the move away from air conditioning.
Fabric improvements, such as increasing insulation to roofs and external walls
Phased upgrading of the electrical supply to future-proof the estate for expansion and accommodate EV charging and cooling loads, and to create a more resilient estate.

Several recommendations have already been implemented, providing immediate benefits whilst informing longer-term refurbishment plans

Supporting the Journey Towards Net Zero for Estates and Attractions

Reflecting on the project, Forestry England highlighted the value of detailed analysis to shape decisions and specifications that balance sustainability, user comfort and operational resilience.

According to Sophie Nash, Programme Manager at Forestry England:

“Our aim with this project was to use detailed analysis to steer our specifications for remediation and upgrading works to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of our most heavily-used buildings at Westonbirt.

We needed to examine the options for upgrading our electricity capacity which is currently constrained with this being a rural site and yet demand continues to increase. The third element was to undertake a detailed study for overheating and how the predicted rise in temperatures would affect some of our buildings and users in the summer months.

We are happy with the assessments carried out which were very thorough and detailed.

Our intention is to move forward with Mesh’s recommendations and to feed this insight into the design and specification of refurbishment and remediation works in a phased approach. The first of these recommendations have now been actioned.”

For rural estates, landowners, parks and visitor attractions across the UK, this project for Forestry England demonstrates how a data-led, whole-building approach can accelerate decarbonisation and create a clear route towards net zero – even in the most sensitive heritage environments.

How Mesh Supported Forestry England

• Renewable energy feasibility studies
• Initial fabric optimisation
• Dynamic overheating and ventilation modelling
• Building energy and electrical capacity analysis
• Low-carbon heating and hot-water strategy

If you manage or advise a rural estate, heritage site or visitor attraction and are exploring how to improve the energy efficiency of buildings and reduce carbon emissions, Mesh can provide independent analysis to guide strategic direction for futureproof decision making and long-term resilience in the face of climate change.

Images: Forestry England / Johnny Hathaway / Brian Martin / Rob Cousins

Our Christmas Message

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:15:29 GMT

A Message from Our Founder

Doug Johnson, Director and Founder of Mesh:

"I would like to wish all the clients, architects, planning consultants and partners we work with a very Merry Christmas from the whole Mesh team.

As 2025 draws to a close, I personally wanted to express my sincere thanks for your valued business, collaborations, recommendations and referrals.

This year our building engineers have contributed to an extraordinary breadth of work - from projects that enhance the energy performance of existing buildings to award-winning architecture, social housing schemes, rural estates, and public and community buildings.

Your sustainability aspirations and trust enable us to do what we love -delivering intelligent, data-driven building engineering that raises the standard of sustainable design to protect and enhance the environment.

A special thank you to our brilliant teams across the business, whose commitment, insight and good humour make every project a pleasure and every challenge solvable.

Wishing you all a restful festive break, and we look forward to working with you in 2026. "

Bringing Some Festive Cheer to Our Community This Christmas

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:20:12 GMT

How we are spreading some festive cheer this Christmas

As the year draws to a close, the Mesh team has been out in the community helping to spread some much-needed festive cheer. From fundraising in Santa suits, food donations for local families and donating warm clothing for those who need it most, the team has embraced the spirit of giving in the run-up to Christmas.

Running for a Cause: The Guildford Santa Fun Run

Despite the wet weather, members of the Mesh team braved the elements for the Guildford Santa Fun Run, raising money for the children’s charity, Challengers.

Joined by Jacqueline Smith from our client TALO, Mesh’s Founder and Director Doug Johnson, along with Maria Fiore and Ilianna Filippopoulou, completed the festive run in full Santa attire.

The team also reached their fundraising target, helping Challengers continue its exceptional work in supporting disabled children and young people in the community.

Supporting Local Families in Need through the Lions Christmas Food Parcel Appeal

For another year, Mesh proudly supported the Lions’ Christmas Food Parcel Appeal, helping to provide food parcels to individuals and families in need over the festive period.

Thanks to the generosity of the Mesh team and many local businesses and residents, a huge selection of donated goods is now being sorted and delivered by the incredible volunteers at Lions Farnham. This annual initiative continues to be a meaningful way for us to support vulnerable members of our local community during what can be a really challenging time of year.

The Coats for All Initiative

Mesh has also taken part in the Coats for All initiative, a brilliant scheme that distributes warm, good-quality coats to anyone who needs one. Through the generosity of colleagues, friends, and partners who donated pre-loved coats in excellent condition, we are helping to ensure that more people can stay warm this winter.

Many local libraries are acting as collection points, making this a simple but impactful way for people to support others in the colder months — and we are proud to play our part.

According to Mesh Founder and Director, Doug Johnson:

“Community sits at the heart of Mesh, and it’s been inspiring to see our team give their time, energy and generosity to support such worthwhile causes - not just this Christmas but throughout the year. Whether running through the rain, collecting food, or fundraising for local charities, everyone has contributed to making a real difference — and I couldn’t be prouder.”

At Mesh, we believe that small acts of kindness create meaningful impact. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, participated, or volunteered this year. We look forward to continuing our community support into 2026 and beyond."

Future Homes Standard: Designing for a Zero-Carbon Future

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 16:05:12 GMT

Designing for the Future Homes Standard

The Future Homes Standard (FHS) represents one of the most significant shifts in residential design, engineering and construction for a generation. It is not simply a compliance update – it is a complete redefinition of how homes will be designed, built and operated.

The proposed changes to Building Regulations mean all new homes in England will need to achieve a 75 to 80% reduction in operational carbon emissions compared to those built to the 2013 regulations. This aligns with the UK’s wider decarbonisation strategy and sets a new benchmark for energy efficiency, comfort and occupant wellbeing.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters?

For years, the industry’s innovators have led the way with Passivhaus principles, fabric-first approaches and the specification of renewable technologies.

What makes the Future Homes Standard transformative is that these best practices will now become the minimum expectation. Every project team - from architects and housebuilders to residential developers and planning authorities – will need to adapt.

Key implications include:

Fabric-first design from concept stage:
Improved U-values, minimised thermal bridging and enhanced airtightness will be fundamental. Co-ordination between the architectural and building services design teams must happen at an early stage to avoid incurring costs on late-stage adjustments.
Low-carbon heating and smart control systems:
Heat pumps are set to become the default heating solution for new homes. The successful integration of this technology demands early consideration of space for plant, acoustic management and electrical loading.
Smarter integration of renewable technology:
Photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems will be designed according to predicted energy demand, not just available roof area. Roof massing, shading and orientation decisions will play a bigger role from RIBA Stage 2 onwards.
Overheating analysis and compliance with Part O:
Homes must now demonstrate thermal comfort through either simplified assessments or dynamic TM59 modelling. This will encourage better glazing ratios, natural ventilation design, and passive cooling strategies. These are all essential for occupant health and comfort in a warming climate.
Whole-life carbon assessments:
Increasingly required at tender stage, these assessments quantify embodied carbon and inform the specification of products and materials. This is a significant shift away from simply meeting energy targets – to understanding the full environmental impact of every design decision.

This is clearly a design opportunity – ensuring the building fabric and energy strategy are designed in at the outset and with carbon as a design metric. This will help to futureproof homes for generations.

The Role of Modelling and Intelligent Design

Overheating and ventilation performance are now critical factors in compliance. As Mesh’s technical engineers highlight in our CPD sessions, overheating is rarely caused by one factor alone. Instead, it results from a complex interaction between glazing, building orientation, location, ventilation, occupancy, and thermal mass.

Dynamic thermal modelling (using CIBSE TM59 and TM52) allows these factors to be understood and the risk of overheating mitigated – before construction begins.

Passive measures such as cross-ventilation, building overhangs, brise-soleil sunshading, and night-time purge strategies can then be optimised, balancing comfort, daylight and energy performance through intelligent design.

Helping Housing Clients Prepare

Mesh is already contributing to the Government’s consultation on the Future Homes Standard and supporting clients as they prepare for implementation.

Our building performance engineers work closely with architects, housebuilders and residential developers to help them navigate the evolving landscape with practical, data-driven support, including:

Early-stage energy and carbon strategies
Dynamic modelling for thermal comfort and compliance
Renewable and low-carbon system design
Whole-life carbon assessments

Our aim is simple – to help achieve compliance, with the minimum risk and to create better-performing, healthier homes for the future.

Volunteering in the Surrey Hills

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 16:13:49 GMT

Putting our Sustainability Values to Action

Members of the Mesh team joined a local charity to help with a tree planting project on the Hampton Estate.

This was organised by the Surrey Hills Society, an independent charity who do some great work to encourage people to spend time in the beautiful Surrey landscape.

According to Mesh Director Doug Johnson:

"We are always looking for volunteering ideas and this charity's work fits so well with our sustainability values. This was our second volunteering day this year. It is very much part of our ethos and culture to make a difference to our environment. These events are also a fantastic opportunity to bring our team together. Thank you to the Surrey Hills Society for a really good day in the autumn sunshine. It’s just so good for the soul!"

Five members of the Mesh team joined the day – travelling from Worthing, Bristol and as far as Exeter to help out.

Our New Core Values and Why these Matter

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:58:24 GMT

The Mesh Way – Our values in action

At Mesh, our culture isn’t just an internal handbook – it’s the very foundation of how we work with our clients, architects and each other.

We believe the best outcomes in sustainable building design come from a team that is:

INNOVATIVE – bringing fresh thinking and bigger-picture solutions to every project
CURIOUS – asking ‘what if’ to push beyond the norm and discover smarter, answers to the urgent carbon challenge
COLLABORATIVE – working side-by-side with architects, planning consultants, developers and construction clients to achieve the better outcomes
HONEST– transparent in our approach, clear in our communications, and accountable for our decisions.
KIND – leading every interaction with empathy and respect.

This way of working ensures our clients can trust us to deliver analysis, assessments and building services designs that are rigorous, practical, and future-focused – while our team members thrive in an environment that is flexible, supportive and purpose-driven.

According to Doug Johnson, Mesh Founder and Director:

"The Mesh Way is about much more than building performance and design – it’s about how we work with clients and as a team. These are the behaviours to guide us through every project. It is this culture that enables Mesh to deliver sustainable, future-proof solutions for architects, developers, building owners and construction clients – from landowners to housebuilders and local authorities – and the very best outcomes for every project and the wider environment."

Tackling Part O Compliance in London

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:38:12 GMT

Why is Building Regulations Part O compliance tougher to achieve in London?

This is because the capital is classed as a high-risk location for overheating, so compliance demands more rigorous design solutions. For architects, that can feel restrictive — but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be.

At Southmore Court - an aged living scheme in Bromley - we helped architects Designscape to achieve compliance with Part O and mitigate the risk of overheating.

We carried out energy modelling and carbon assessments to compare decentralised, renewable and low-carbon energy options to achieve compliance for the London Borough of Bromley.

The outcome – a 58% reduction in total carbon emissions compared to Building Regulations Part L and fully aligned with the London Plan.

Part O compliance is particularly demanding in London due to the higher risk of overheating. We recommended dynamic solar shading to limit solar gain and reduce overheating.

Designscape adopted this passive solution and incorporated projecting fins in a box-style configuration into the design for the windows on the upper floors. This will reduce solar gain in all angles of sun, whilst maintaining design integrity.

The result? Comfortable, future-proofed accommodation for the care home residents that meets the more stringent requirements of the London Plan.

Part O isn’t about limiting design. With the right team, collaboration and a practical approach to building engineering, it is an opportunity to deliver buildings that perform better for occupants all year round.

The result is a building which meets the rigorous standards of the London Plan and that will enhance occupant comfort and wellbeing.

Image courtesy of Designscape

Acclaimed Hope Street Scheme Wins RIBA National Award

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 17:07:15 GMT

The pioneering Hope Street project in Southampton has won an RIBA National Award in recognition of its outstanding design.

Designed by Snug Architects for the charity One Small Thing, this scheme is one of only 25 projects recognised with this award, which follows a host of other accolades.

A Pioneering Project

Hope Street is a progressive pilot project for women in the justice system, designed to support a healing trauma service and provide an environment that improves long-term prospects.

The design deliberately rejects the institutional character often associated with the justice system, instead applying trauma-informed design principles to create a welcoming and domestic-in-scale setting.

Mesh’s Contribution

Our engineers worked closely with the Hope Street design team to provide:

Energy studies
Overheating and ventilation assessments
Embodied carbon analysis

This collaboration delivered an impressive 93 per cent reduction in carbon emissions, whilst helping the project to target a BREEAM Outstanding rating.

The Project Team:

Client - One Small Thing
Briefing - Heatherwick Studio
Architects - Snug Architects
Landscape Architect - Harris Bugg Studio
Interior Architect - Focus Design Ltd
Energy & M&E design - Mesh

Image – Snug Architects | FotoHaus

Project Awards:

RIBA National Award
RIBA MacEwen Award - an examplar of architecture for the common good
RIBA South Award
RIBA South Client of the Year Award
RIBA South Sustainability Award

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT - Willow House, Surrey

Mon, 08 Sep 2025 14:03:17 GMT

Assessing Low Energy and Renewable Technologies for Cost Efficiency and Carbon Reduction

This high specification residence designed by Strom Architects for a private client is a replacement house on a large suburban site on a private estate in Oxshott, Surrey. The Mesh team assisted with a feasibility study to assess the suitability of low carbon technology and carried out building services design.

The existing property comprised of several disparate extensions and outbuildings and was environmentally inefficient and lacking in occupier comfort. The design brief was for a more coherent and energy-efficient contemporary family home with entertaining spaces.

Feasibility Study for Low Carbon Technology

This study compared a range of energy options and the running costs for each. The property was modelled using IES to gain a clear understanding of its heating and cooling requirements. A number of different options were assessed including air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and gas in different combinations for the house, pool and cooling.

A number of scenarios were modelled to give the client a clear understanding of the impact of technology specification on future energy costs.

Building Services Design

Our engineers assisted in the design of:

Ground source heat pump for space heating, cooling and swimming pool heating
Mechanical ventilation and heat recovery
Solar battery package
EV charging
Integration of the swimming pool into the services design
Hot water – gas calorifiers for hot water were specified that would allow multiple showers simultaneously
Underfloor heating.

We guided the client at each stage through different options for the building services to optimise operational cost efficiency whilst achieving lower carbon emissions.

We assessed a number of space heating options and utilised a pond in the grounds as a collector for the ground source heat pump.

Significant Carbon Reductions

The building services specification achieved an estimated reduction in carbon emissions of 6.6 tonnes annually when compared against a similar property without a ground source heat pump, MVHR or solar battery package.

Architectural Design

Finished in textured natural stone and porcelain cladding, the new property is portioned into different volumes to create visual interest. One cuboid block houses the shared spaces, and another is for the private accommodation. These are connected by a double height glazed entrance hall.

A swimming pool complex is located in the basement. A horizontal concrete plane bisects the house, tying elements, defining terrace spaces, and accommodating ancillary facilities below.

How we helped:

Renewable and low carbon technology feasibility study
Design stage SAP calculations
Dynamic thermal modelling
Heat loss calculations
Performance specification and design of key building services

Images - © Strom Architects / StriveCGI

Extreme Heat Threatens Care Home Residents in High Heat Zones

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 13:36:37 GMT

New Research Highlights Care Home Residents at Risk in High Heat Zones

Nearly 10,000 care homes are located in parts of England facing extreme levels of heat, increasing the chances of heat-related deaths. Research carried out by Friends of the Earth has identified 9,589 care homes, 1,012 hospitals, and 10,064 nurseries in high heat zones.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more extreme as climate change gathers pace. Government advisors have predicted that heat-related deaths could rise to over 10,000 a year by 2050 – a horrifying statistic.

Some people are affected more severely by extreme heat conditions, including older people, young children, people with health issues and hospital patients.

Friends of the Earth is calling for the Government to prioritise care homes, hospitals and nurseries and to tackle the issue with a series of new policies:

- A new national adaptation plan to protect people from heat and other extreme weather events

- £1 billion per year for upgrades to cool buildings prioritised

- Better insulation and ventilation in care homes

- Public ‘cool spaces’ such as libraries and community centres, open during heatwaves.

According to the new research, West Worthing is the constituency which has the most care homes in high heat neighbourhoods, and Birmingham is the council area with most high heat neighbourhoods.

With a well co-ordinated, considered approach to overheating in the early stages of design, we can all, as design team members, contribute to mitigating this issue and without having to shoulder the burden of excessive mechanical cooling.

Read more about mitigating overheating and designing for comfort here .

Delivering Low Carbon Development - Understanding DEV32

Sat, 05 Jul 2025 16:33:25 GMT

Local Planning Authorities Strengthen their Stance on Carbon Reduction in the Drive Towards Netzero

The South West Devon Joint Local Plan (JLP) – specifically Policy DEV32 – is a requirement for development proposals to actively reduce carbon emissions across the full lifecycle of the building, not just through operational performance.

For replacement dwellings, this introduces a new layer of rigour in the planning process. Design teams must now demonstrate a robust, evidence-led approach to reducing whole life carbon (WLC) from the initial design stages of a project.

A Summary of the New Planning Policy

Policy DEV32 mandates that new developments must:

Minimise carbon emissions throughout the life of the building, including embodied carbon and operational, maintenance, and end-of-life impact.
Incorporate passive design and low-carbon technologies.
Demonstrates a clear understanding of the carbon implications of material choices and construction methods.

DEV32 prioritises retention and retrofit over rebuild, unless it can be clearly justified. This encourages the upgrading and reuse of existing buildings – and if this is not feasible, then the replacement building must be demonstrated as the most carbon efficient solution.

This aligns with sustainability objectives of reducing waste from demolition, preserving embodied carbon, and minimising the environmental impact of new construction.

If the preferred option is to replace the existing dwelling, the new building must be designed to deliver the most sustainable solution possible. This typically means:

High levels of energy efficiency, such as to Passivhaus standards
Use of sustainable building materials
Low or zero carbon impact
A daptability and resilience to climate change.

How to Address the Requirements

Whole life carbon assessments

As part of the design for planning process, developers should evaluate whether demolition and rebuild can genuinely deliver a lower carbon outcome compared to deep retrofit. This would provide clear justification to support planning applications where new build is proposed.

Undertaking RICS-compliant whole life carbon assessments, aligned with LETI and GLA benchmarks and using a centralised modelling process, provides clear insight into:
Embodied carbon from both materials and construction
Operational carbon from energy use
Lifecycle impact scenarios, including refurbishment cycles and end-of-life deconstruction.

2. Optimise materials and building engineering systems

Specialist engineers such as Mesh who understand the DEV32 policy should work alongside the design team and the client to inform the material selection process and achieve the optimum balance between performance, durability, and embodied carbon.

By applying a combination of building performance and M&E engineering, clients can ensure that the performance of a building meets the net zero targets – cost efficiently and without overengineering.

3. Informed support for the planning and design process

If there is clear and compelling evidence in a planning submission to demonstrate that the client’s proposals go beyond minimum compliance and actively engage with the intent and spirit of DEV32, those applications will have the best chance of success and without the need for re-submissions or amendments.

In the areas governed by DEV32, lack of evidence of justification will often delay or even derail planning applications, particularly for replacement dwellings that may be perceived as being unjustifiable.

Clients, planning consultants and architects can mitigate risk by demonstrating technical rigour and policy alignment in a way that resonates with the planning authorities and the local plan.

Mesh is launching a new CPD programme to help architects and developers better understand DEV32 and how to integrate sustainable design best practice into a project from the earliest stage.

This CPD will cover DEV32 policy stipulations, from material selection and calculating embodied carbon to avoiding overheating and integrating low carbon energy solutions. Send us an email t o register your interest, cpd@mesh-energy.co m .

Mitigating Overheating in the Algarve

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 16:42:47 GMT

A stunning villa is nearing completion in the Quinta do Lago area of the Algarve in Portugal for a private client.

Designed by award-winning international architects Vasco Vieira Arquitectos, this house has a striking contemporary design featuring innovative use of concrete and glass and strong geometric lines to create double height spaces and uninterrupted views.

With the combination of transparent and solid materials – timber fins, glass and concrete – the design plays with light and shadow throughout the property.

A pergola at roof level extends nearly 5m to provide shade for the ground floor spaces.

Overheating Analysis

Mesh was commissioned to provide dynamic thermal modelling and a TM59 overheating assessment to analyse the potential for overheating and propose solutions to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature all year round.

We assessed the impact of climate change and how occupant thermal comfort is likely to change over time, to make the design of the villa as future proof as possible.

A rise in temperature of 1.4°C is predicted in this area of Portugal between 2031 and 2050, which would affect the performance of the property and comfort for its occupants.

Practical Solutions

We were able to analyse the entire property, room by room, for potential overheating issues.

Our recommendations:

Additional brise soleil sunshading for the west façade to protect a glazed office space from late afternoon overheating
High-level fixed glazing was changed to openable windows to create air circulation and an air stack effect.

Client Feedback

Property Owner and Developer:

“Having an independent assessment of the building’s performance against more stringent UK standards was a very useful exercise that gave us peace of mind. The Mesh team was technically competent and super responsive to our brief.

We wanted to assess the building’s performance in maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature over time, and in particular our use of glass and shading.

On Mesh’s recommendation, we have added more vertical fins to protect the glazed areas from late afternoon sun. We changed some of the fixed glazing at roof level to electric opening windows to achieve a stack effect and air flow. We are also using high specification solar reflective glass that is more typically used for commercial projects.

This was a really interesting process and well worth doing given the importance of designing-in thermal performance.”

Images - Vasco Vieira Arquitectos

Mesh Working in Partnership with Waverley Borough Council to Support Affordable Housing Development

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:21:31 GMT

Plans for Highly Sustainable, Low-energy Affordable Housing Scheme in Surrey

Mesh is working with Waverley Borough Council on plans for a highly sustainable housing development in Elstead, Surrey to replace 10 existing properties built in the 1960s with 26 new low-energy, affordable homes.

The plans are for one, two and three-bedroom homes – a mix of flats, maisonettes and semi-detached houses for rent and shared ownership. The architects for the scheme are Nye Saunders.

Sustainability is central to the design of the Springfield development to reflect the Council’s determination and forward-thinking approach to addressing climate change and protecting the environment, whilst delivering its wider strategy and the growing demand for affordable housing.

Mesh was appointed to contribute to the design and planning process for this scheme and is assisting Waverley Borough Council with:

- Energy strategy

- Design stage SAP calculations

- Heat loss and ventilation modelling

- Dynamic overheating assessment and passive design strategy development

- Building fabric and insulation optimisation

- Whole life carbon assessments at key stages of the project.

Mark Constable, Housing Development Officer at Waverley Borough Council:

“As with all residential developments, it is a huge challenge to address the climate emergency, changing regulations, the urgent need for more affordable housing for local people, whilst developing plans for brownfield sites such as Springfield, that are economically viable.

These often-competing priorities mean we need a partner like Mesh to be agile, knowledgeable and proficient in proposing practical energy strategies and building engineering solutions that help to us to achieve that balance – which is no easy task.

Mesh have performed well on this project and are helping us to meet our development objectives. We look forward to continuing our partnership on future schemes.”

Mesh advised on passive design measures including purge ventilation, shading and building orientation to mitigate overheating. This work required close collaboration with the design team at pre-planning stage to preserve the overall design integrity and appearance of the scheme which is set within semi-rural surroundings.

The proposed new homes at Springfield are designed with solar panels to generate renewable energy to power each property and electric vehicle charging points, and air source heat pumps which are a more efficient heating solution.

Each home will benefit from access to outdoor space, either as private gardens or communal landscaped areas designed to support biodiversity and promote residents’ health and wellbeing.

Watercolour image – Neil Emery

National Recognition for Mesh in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work

Tue, 27 May 2025 13:27:51 GMT

Mesh is Recognised as One of the UK's Best Workplaces

The Sunday Times Best Places to Work has been published in partnership with WorkL, with Mesh receiving recognition as one of the top small organisations to work for in 2025.

This national survey highlights the Best Places to Work in seven categories and provides valuable insight into what makes a good workplace.

To achieve recognition, each organisation had to score highly in six areas – reward and recognition, instilling pride, information sharing, empowerment, wellbeing and job satisfaction.

Zoe Thomas, Editor of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work:

"The Sunday Times Best Places to Work list is the UK’s biggest survey of employee engagement. Spanning a raft of sectors and located throughout the UK, the organisations in this year’s list range from innovative start-ups with a handful of employees to big multinational corporations staffed by thousands. These organisations know that happy employees are the superpower helping them thrive.”

Lord Mark Price, Founder of WorkL:

“Many congratulations to those featured in the 2025 Sunday Times Best Places to Work list. The recognised organisations lead the way in employee experience and will now benefit from improved retention and recruitment for the year ahead.”

Doug Johnson, Founding Director of Mesh:

“We are thrilled that Mesh has received this national recognition.

Everyone has their own ideas about why the culture of an organisation matters. For me, a positive culture is a catalyst, amplifying the abilities of individual team members. If you feel happy and valued at work and can be yourself, you’re far more likely to explore beyond your comfort zone, ask questions, be proactive, and accelerate your learning. You will also be motivated to go that extra mile for your customers, knowing you’ll be appreciated and rewarded in turn.

This is the ethos and vision behind everything we do at Mesh whilst working hard to improve the sustainability of the built environment as part of the drive to netzero .”

Some of our employee initiatives include:

A standardised performance metric – to balance productivity with salary to enable us to recognise great work without bureaucratic delays.
Flexible working – we want everyone in the business to have a healthy balance of life and work. As long as the work is done, our teams can work to their own timetable.
Remote, hybrid or in-person working – we have an office in Surrey, but our teams live all over the country.
Annual leave – in addition to a generous holiday entitlement that exceeds the statutory minimum, everyone has the opportunity to earn additional leave for annual service.
Team building – every couple of months we bring the team together for different outings and activities – from go-karting and clay pigeon shooting to rounders in the park.
Parental leave – we offer four months of fully paid leave for either parent, which in addition to our regular keeping in touch days and flexible working, help to make our staff feel supported as much as possible.
Monthly challenges – we challenge the team to undertake a variety of light-hearted activities through the year with some healthy competition – from steps walked to random acts of kindness and spending time in nature.
Spot bonuses – we recognise exceptional performance by rewarding individual team members with a spot bonus of £1,000.

Designing for Comfort: How to Avoid Overheating

Wed, 21 May 2025 17:07:19 GMT

Designing for Comfort: Why Intelligent Building Engineering is the Key to Avoiding Overheating

In this article, Doug Johnson, Founding Director of Mesh, looks at the issues around the overheating of buildings – from new homes to schools, offices and public buildings.

Changes to Building Regulations, the UK’s warming climate and increased awareness of occupier wellbeing and comfort have made the overheating of buildings a critical design consideration for architects and construction clients.

Tackling this issue needs to go further than compliance. It requires intelligent, holistic design thinking from the earliest stages of a project in order to future-proof buildings against rising temperatures, whilst enhancing comfort, health, and energy efficiency.

Understanding the Issue

Overheating is not simply about feeling warm. It is a complex interplay of environmental conditions, occupant expectations, and building design.

Temperatures exceeding 26°C can impair sleep in homes, concentration in schools and workplaces, and overall wellbeing.

Exceeding 35°C can even induce heat stress. But the real issue lies not just in peak temperatures, but in the duration and timing of these exposures. A spike may be bearable but sustained elevated temperatures over six hours or more becomes uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous.

Several factors contribute to overheating, many of which are the result of otherwise very positive design specifications. Improvements to the building fabric, insulation and airtightness to reduce heat loss – all pillars of sustainable design – can inadvertently trap heat if not balanced with proper ventilation, orientation and solar control.

Single-aspect apartments, excessive glazing, occupancy levels, centralised service risers in high-rise buildings that emit residual heat, and limited window openings are all factors that can cause a building to overheat. Add climate change and the urban heat island effect in cities such as Manchester and London into the mix, and the risk is compounded.

Regulation: From Lagging Behind to Leading the Charge

Historically, Building Regulations have lacked a cohesive overheating framework. However, this was addressed with the introduction of Part O, which came into effect in 2022 for new residential dwellings. This legislation represents a significant step forward in addressing thermal comfort and reducing the risk of overheating.

It offers two routes to compliance: a simplified method for straightforward designs and dynamic thermal modelling (CIBSE TM59) for more complex projects.

While the simplified method is cost-effective, it lacks the nuances required for many modern building designs. It is location-based (London and Manchester are designated high-risk), restricts glazed areas, and mandates cross-ventilation – which rules out many corner or single-aspect dwellings.

For more accurate, project-specific analysis, TM59 dynamic modelling provides a richer dataset and allows intelligent refinements to be made at the early design stage.

However, regulations alone are not enough. The most successful buildings go beyond compliance to embrace intelligent design – where regulation is a baseline, not a barrier.

Intelligent Design: Solving a Complex Problem with an Integrated Building Performance Strategy

Solving overheating isn’t about a single fix – it is about developing a co-ordinated strategy that considers thermal mass, glazing, ventilation, location, orientation, and fabric composition in an integrated way.

Strategies for avoiding overheating include:

Passive solar control: Features such as overhangs, brise soleil, and louvres can block unwanted summer sun whilst allowing beneficial winter gain. Glazed areas must be carefully balanced – larger windows may offer views and welcome natural light but can lead to excessive heat gain if not shaded properly.
Ventilation: Cross ventilation is critical. When designed well, this can dramatically reduce the risk of overheating. Passive stack ventilation, which uses natural thermodynamics to remove hot air and draw in cooler air, is particularly effective. Openable windows – ideally on multiple elevations – are essential.
Thermal mass: Buildings constructed using heavier materials such as brick and concrete absorb and store heat, releasing it slowly and tempering internal temperature swings. However, they must be paired with effective night-time ventilation to prevent heat build-up.
Glazing selection: Low energy, solar control glazing can reduce internal heat gain without sacrificing daylight.
Holistic modelling: Tools like IES or dynamic simulation models that we use allow us to test these variables, tailored to a building's location, orientation, and use. This empowers architects to make performance-led decisions at an early stage, when the most cost-effective solution can be engineered for the client or developer.

Early Design Input Manages Risk

There are still too many projects where overheating is only flagged at late-stage compliance checks or, worse, post-occupancy. This reactive approach can lead to costly retrofits, performance gaps, and dissatisfied occupants. For example, a 115-apartment scheme in Southampton that recorded internal temperatures of 41°C, required £350,000 in post-completion remediation work to address the overheating failures.

Contrast that with projects where intelligent design, specialist building performance engineering and modelling are integrated from the outset. This allows architects to retain creative freedom whilst ensuring thermal comfort and often achieving exceptional results from the engineering process.

The message is clear: early specialist input pays dividends. Not only does this approach de-risk planning and compliance, but it supports healthier, more comfortable spaces for living and working – and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable design and construction.

Key Design Considerations:

Assess risk of overheating at concept design stage, particularly for urban sites or single-aspect dwellings.
Use dynamic thermal modelling (TM59) – this is critical for developments in London, Manchester, or other high-density locations.
Design for a warmer climate – incorporate 2050 weather scenarios and heatwaves into simulations.
Co-ordinate glazing, ventilation, and shading – think beyond aesthetics and prioritise building performance.
Engage building performance specialists early in the design process – engineers’ insight can optimise design decisions long before ground is broken.

From Restriction to Opportunity

At Mesh, we strongly reject the notion that Part O in residential building design is limiting. On the contrary, it is an opportunity to design smarter, healthier, and more resilient schemes. With the right team, tools, and mindset, even the most ambitious architectural vision can meet the highest standards of thermal comfort.

Overheating is a complex issue, and solutions will vary considerably from site to site, but with intelligent design, there is a huge opportunity to make a significant difference to occupier wellbeing as well as cost and energy efficiency for the client.

Ferry House Wins RIBA Award

Tue, 20 May 2025 17:33:02 GMT

A Stunning New Home in Wiltshire has Won a Major Award for Architectural Design

A private home designed by architects AR Design Studio has won an RIBA Award.

Ferry House is located in a beautiful setting near Salisbury on a site which slopes down to the banks of the River Avon. Mesh supported this innovative project with a detailed renewable energy feasibility study.

Our team explored low energy options such as ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps and solar panels to reduce the building’s carbon footprint and running costs.

Sustainability was a key consideration in the design of this house which has three wings with views towards the river and the panoramic landscape.

It is orientated to benefit from solar gain in the winter and the glazing reduces the need for artificial light. There is effective cross ventilation of the principal spaces, an air source heat pump, and three times the level of insulation to create a super energy-efficient home.

It is fantastic to see such a forward-thinking architectural design achieve this national recognition. Congratulations to the AR Design Studio team and to everyone involved.

Image with thanks to Martin Gardner / AR Design Studio

Mesh Team Building Event - from High Ropes Blindfolded to Yoga!

Fri, 16 May 2025 17:18:34 GMT

Developing, Nurturing and Investing in a Positive Team Culture

Our team and our culture are central to everything we do at Mesh. Developing, nurturing and investing in a positive culture is a catalyst, which amplifies the abilities of individual team members. If you are happy at work, you’re far more likely to go the extra mile for the business and for our clients – and will be appreciated and rewarded.

This is why our team building events are so important.

We recently had a fantastic day at The Oakwood in Esher which took us all out of our comfort zones! Blindfolded high ropes, donutting on ringos, laser tagging and rounding off with a calming yoga session.

Sophie Williams, Senior Building Performance Consultant (building physics):

"Why did I join Mesh? One word: Team. Team building, inter-team relationships, team culture. It’s at the heart of everything we do.

This team day definitely brought out our competitive sides. The yoga (and a gin) was definitely needed to calm down after warzone style laser tag!"

Pablo Jimenez-Moreno, Sustainable Building Consultant:

"This is a great place to work! Events like this reflect the strong human ethos here. And we had an absolute blast!"

New Collaboration with Offsite Housing Specialist TALO

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:21:38 GMT

Collaboration agreement signed to accelerate delivery of ultra-low energy housing

Offsite housing specialists TALO and building performance consultants Mesh Energy have announced a collaboration agreement to accelerate the delivery of ultra-low energy homes.

The collaboration will combine TALO’s advanced timber superstructure technology from Finland with Mesh’s experience of providing net zero building performance and engineering services for housebuilders, architects and residential property developers.

Working closely together, TALO and Mesh will aim to significantly increase the energy efficiency of new homes for market sale, rent and affordable housing, exceeding both Passivhaus energy standards and Future Homes standards, in compliance with the latest regulations.

Doug Johnson, Director of Mesh Energy:

“TALO’s timber superstructure solutions for low rise housing are the very best we have seen in the UK in terms of energy efficiency, air tightness, cost and quality. Their latest projects are achieving at least a 30 per cent improvement on Passivhaus energy standards and at no cost premium. We don’t believe there is anything like this on the market today and yet it is very needed.

Some of the biggest issues facing housebuilders and developers are managing risk and addressing skills shortages. TALO’s system addresses both of these challenges extremely well.

New regulation is coming which will make it increasingly difficult for developers to balance the rising cost of building new homes to the required energy and air tightness standards and the risk of non-compliance.

New homes simply need to perform better. And yet the risk for developers is in the fabric and performance of each home. Our new collaboration will give housebuilders the benefit of much greater certainty of delivery to the required quality, air tightness and energy standards from the inception of a project.

Our work on the energy strategy, data and compliance will support TALO’s extremely efficient way of building new homes to reduce risk for residential property developers.”

TALO and Mesh have already collaborated on a number of projects. Under the new agreement, both businesses can leverage their respective experience to enhance the efficiency and economics of new residential projects.

Dr Anthony Greer, Corporate Strategy Director of TALO said:

"Our vision is to transform UK housebuilding by taking proven technology which has been used to build thousands of units in the Nordics – in one of the most extreme climates in the world. Our goal is to address some of the difficult problems that have been challenging the UK construction industry for many years – skills shortages, speed of delivery, sub-standard quality, and poor energy efficiency.

Our ultimate goal is the offsite construction of high quality, ultra-low energy homes that can eradicate fuel poverty and snagging.

By radically reducing time on site, developers can achieve a faster return on investment. They need fewer trades on site because we are using highly efficient offsite technology. Our processes are entirely dry – from forest to site – which means better air tightness performance and more accurate programme scheduling for the fitout phase to further reduce risk.

Homes built by TALO exceed Passivhaus energy and air tightness standards at no cost impediment. This means homeowners and tenants will have hugely reduced energy costs that are verified by A-rated EPC certifications.

Our housebuilding solutions will be enhanced with our collaboration with Mesh, helping to solve the technical and economic challenges that are constraining the sector and compounding the housing and cost of living crises.”

In the new arrangement, Mesh will provide the energy strategy, data analysis and compliance work to support TALO’s delivery of the offsite superstructures for low-rise housing projects – which range from terraced housing, semi-detached family homes and larger executive schemes for developers and housebuilders across the UK.

Hampton Court Half Marathon Success!

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 10:55:16 GMT

Mesh Team Blasts Half Marathon for Cancer Charities

On the 23rd March half of the Mesh team took part in the Hampton Court Palace Half Marathon to raise money for two fantastic cancer charities helping support those close to the team.

In total 16 runners from Accenture, Brand Learning, and Mesh Energy came together to for "Team Lucy" and pound out 13+ miles to raise over £12,000 for Victoria's Promise and St Michael's hospice in Basingstoke.

Pink was the colour choice and so all manner of clothing came out to meet the brief, including a wide range of tutus!

On the day the warm spring weather and grey skies held back rain to ensure perfect running and supporting conditions for those around the course. The flat course started and ended at the stunning Hampton Court Palace and spent most of the time along the Thames and finishing through Bushy park to rapturous applause from the crowds.

"The day was superb, Having trained for months through the cold, dark and muddy winter months, the day didn't disappoint. The team did so well. With a range of abilities and some incredible support from thousands of people around the course, we all completed the course with plenty of smiles. I am so proud of the team!" Doug Johnson

Now to resting those legs and planning the next one!

Why You Need a Renewable Technology Feasibility Study

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 09:13:49 GMT

Are you dreaming of constructing your perfect home? One that not only reflects your style, but also aligns with your values of sustainability? Then it's time to consider the expertise of sustainability consultants like Mesh in your design process.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Feasibility Study

At the heart of sustainable home design lies a crucial need: understanding the potential of renewable energy and heating systems tailored to your specific project.

There's no one-size-fits-all solution! A feasibility study conducted at the appropriate stage of your project, such as Stage 3 of the RIBA plan of work, allows for a precise evaluation of these technologies. By analysing fixed plans and u-values, consultants can provide precise insights into the potential benefits and practicalities of integrating renewables into your home.

Through dynamic simulation and heat loss analysis, consultants can determine not only the optimal sizing for your heating system but also estimate your annual heating demand. This information translates directly into tangible benefits, such as running costs and carbon emissions. By comparing various heating systems, you gain a comprehensive understanding of long-term savings and environmental impact, empowering you to make informed decisions.

Moreover, accurate sizing of renewable energy components, such as photovoltaic (PV) panels or wind turbines, is essential to prevent excess energy production and maximise cost savings. Consultants can assess your energy demands and recommend the most suitable equipment and battery sizes, ensuring efficiency and affordability.

These analyses not only benefit homeowners but also enable architects to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable design principles with precise data. By delivering homes that are more sustainable and resilient, architects enhance their reputation as reliable designers in the long term.

Even if you're in the early stages of design, consultants offer valuable insights through exercises like building fabric optimisation and strategic input. These exercises explore potential energy savings and costs associated with various insulation materials and renewable technologies, guiding you toward the optimal balance between sustainability and budget.

Using Passivhaus principles, consultants help you find the 'sweet spot' to maximise carbon savings within your budgetary constraints. With their expertise, your dream home can become not just a reflection of your style but also a beacon of sustainability for the future.

Looking for assistance with a feasibility study on your next project? Don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@mesh-energy.com to find out more.

Doug’s Sustainable Construction Predictions for 2024

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 10:31:17 GMT

As we come out of our end of year hibernation period for 2023 and try to both digest and interpret what 2023 had in store for us, how we dealt with it, and what we would change if we could; we drag ourselves out into the blinding light of 2024 and hope for a less tumultuous year in the UK’s sustainable construction sector.

I am an optimistic person and ‘glass half-full thinking’, as well as doing my best to gaze into the future, is my default position. When working with a team on the sharp end of sustainable building design, there are some trends which simply cannot be ignored and hold great promise for 2024.

The following trends are in areas we’ve seen growing design time and client fees being spent to great effect, and that’s why these are my top four sustainable construction prediction of 2024.

Area 1. Integrated Building Performance and Building Services design

Prediction: The construction industry will place a growing focus on the value of integrated sustainable design, allowing overheating, whole life carbon analysis, building services, standardised energy calculations, and architecture to work together more seamlessly to deliver projects on budget and on time.

With more complicated buildings that require substantial analysis to meet various low impact targets, we commonly saw MEP companies coming up short and architects becoming frustrated with having to bear the building sustainability analysis workload last year. Companies that can blend building performance and services design in parallel to architectural specialisms will continue to gain traction in 2024.

Area 2 . Whole Life Carbon Assessment

Prediction: Councils across the UK will increasingly adopt whole life carbon (WLC) methodologies as part of their planning application process to prove minimal material carbon impact in developments.

Whilst not yet regulated for, Mesh dealt with a growing number of councils modifying planning policy or adding a WLC assessment of existing buildings as a pre-requisite to planning submission throughout the second half of 2023. This was mainly for replacement dwellings, but with other major planning councils and cities requesting this analysis for all new builds, WLC analysis will continue to become more popular in 2024.

Area 3. Powerful Marketing of Low Energy Buildings

Prediction: Promotion of low or zero energy buildings, which generate as much energy as they consume, will become popular so it will be easier to differentiate them from the rest of the ‘pack’.

As developers and building owners try to figure out how to make money in a tough market, those who truly understand the power of good marketing and can built cost-effective low energy homes that perform well will start to see greater margins, faster sales, and more success in 2024.

Mesh have known for a while that this is something can be delivered, and there are now a few players making a fair go at it (e.g. Octopus Energy). With consumers pocket’s straining and energy costs still high, those that can provide cost effective living are starting to see increased consumer demand and will most likely do well this year.

Area 4 . Enhanced Collaboration for Sustainable Development

Prediction: Increased collaboration among stakeholders (architects, builders, developers, policymakers, and communities) will be a key driver of sustainable construction.

This collaboration will involve early-stage planning to ensure sustainable practices are incorporated into the entire project lifecycle, fostering holistic and eco-conscious development. Some of Mesh’s best projects have involved great collaboration and trust between client, architect, specialist consultants, and contractors. More projects are starting to take this collaborative approach, and further increases in collaboration will happen in 2024.

Area 5. Further Success of Knowledge Platforms and Podcasts

Prediction: The UK consumer will start to rapidly seek trustworthy and reputable advice on a range of low energy materials, technologies, and techniques, and sustainable construction will become a ‘must-have’.

Several great podcasts on the low carbon building industry and products have sprung up in the last couple of years, and even our own Meshwork platform grew considerably in 2023 as professionals and specialist look to digest information, case studies, and ideas to help them on their current (or next) project.

These podcasts and platforms will continue to bring great speakers, ideas, and products to the fore, and their followers will continue to grow. Some will wither and some will see explosive growth, but if the internet has taught us anything, it is that the power of outreach is huge and with the right information being shared, this can make a rapid difference in 2024.

Conclusion

So that’s me done, and I shall put my crystal ball down for now! Sadly, none of these predictions are particularly, sexy, cool, ground-breaking, or radical; but they do point to real tangible progress, and I for one look forward to seeing them develop and further the UK’s successful, rapid, and affordable decarbonisation of the built environment.

Navigating the Growing Risks: 6 Sustainable Building Design Challenges in the Construction Sector

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 11:39:58 GMT

In recent years, sustainability has seen a massive increase in priority within the construction industry. As climate change and its effects worsen around the world, architects, builders, and developers are now feeling more compelled to adopt more environmentally friendly practices.

While pursuing sustainable building design is definitely a commendable course of action, the process itself has its own set of challenges; introducing potential risks to the construction industry that must be addressed.

1. Integrating Sustainable Features

One of the big challenges faced by the construction industry today is the tricky process of integrating sustainable features into traditional construction practices. With sustainable building regulations becoming more stringent, construction professionals are now being tasked with incorporating energy-efficient systems, recycled materials, and renewable energy sources.

Successfully integrating sustainable features demands a higher level of expertise, and this means builders must adapt to new technologies and methodologies that might be unfamiliar or less standardised.

Unfortunately, there’s currently a lack of expertise in this field, and this poses a significant risk, potentially leading to errors in implementation and compromising the overall effectiveness of sustainable features.

2 . Upfront Costs

The upfront costs that come with sustainable building design often deter many developers, even in the face of long-term benefits such as reduced energy consumption and operational costs.

The initial investment required can be a big hit to project budgets, posing financial risks that may not be immediately offset by the projected savings over the building's lifecycle.

Additionally, the potential for delays or cost overruns during the construction phase amplify financial concerns. The need for specialised materials and the time-intensive nature of sustainable construction methods can lead to unanticipated challenges, affecting project timelines and financial viability.

3. Regulatory Risks and Compliance Challenges

With general environmental awareness increasing, governments worldwide are implementing stringent environmental standards and building codes to promote sustainable practices. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in substantial fines and legal consequences.

The dynamic nature of regulations and their constant evolution poses an ongoing challenge for the construction industry. Staying clued up on any new changes and ensuring that construction projects align with the latest environmental standards is a demanding task that requires constant vigilance.

Failure to meet compliance requirements not only jeopardises the financial health of projects, but also tarnishes the reputation of construction firms, potentially leading to a loss of future business opportunities.

4 . Quantity Surveyors and Main Contractors

Within the construction sector, quantity surveyors and main contractors face distinctive challenges in delivering sustainable buildings.

Quantity surveyors must grapple with accurately estimating costs for sustainable materials and technologies, which may lack standardised pricing. The volatility in material costs, coupled with the evolving nature of sustainable technologies, adds an additional layer of complexity to their role.

On the other hand, main contractors must navigate the coordination of various specialised subcontractors and ensure the seamless integration of sustainable features into the overall project plan. This increased complexity introduces the risk of delays and coordination issues that may impact project timelines and budgets.

5. Learning and Adapting

As the construction industry transforms to better embrace sustainable practices, there’s a looming risk that there won’t be enough active learning and adaption to these changes.

This emphasises the importance of continuous learning and adaptation for construction professionals to navigate sustainable construction. Quantity surveyors and main contractors should keep up to date on the latest developments in sustainable technologies and materials, ensuring accurate cost estimations and the seamless execution of projects.

Also, fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability within construction firms is paramount. Embracing emerging technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and advanced project management tools can streamline processes and enhance collaboration among project stakeholders. This not only improves efficiency, but also positions construction companies at the forefront of industry advancements.

6. Collaboration as a Catalyst for Success

Collaboration across the construction industry is fundamental for it to overcome the challenges associated with sustainable building design. Architects, builders, developers, regulators, and environmental organisations must work in tandem to create a supportive and collaborative environment.

This includes sharing best practices, lessons learned, and success stories to accelerate the industry's collective learning curve, facilitating a smoother transition to sustainable construction practices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the construction sector's journey towards sustainable building design is not without its challenges and risks. The integration of sustainable features, financial constraints, regulatory compliance, and the unique challenges faced by quantity surveyors and main contractors all underscore the need for a proactive approach.

Recognising the risks of inaction, particularly the failure to learn and adapt, highlights the importance of continuous education and the cultivation of an adaptable mindset within the industry.

If we can address these challenges head on, embrace innovation, and foster collaboration; the construction industry can navigate the risks associated with sustainable building design and emerge as a catalyst for positive environmental change.

A delicate eco-system: creating and maintaining company culture

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 11:20:03 GMT

In May 2023, we discovered we’d been included in The Sunday Times’ ‘Best Places to Work in 2023’ list . This phenomenal achievement was the icing on the cake of what’s been a great few years for Mesh as an employer.

From achieving our B Corp in November 2021, to being recognised in B Corp’s ‘Best in the World’ category for workers in March 2022, to growing the business to the 22-strong team it is today, it’s been both incredible to see our recognition grow, and a mammoth effort to get here.

The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards recognise companies that create a happier and fulfilling working environment for all, by fostering engagement from their teams, yielding great business and performance in return. Wishing all of those companies who made the grade this year many congratulations.

Chris Longcroft

EVP Publisher, The Times and The Sunday Times

A challenging landscape for recruitment

One of the most complex repercussions of the pandemic for businesses has been the surplus of job vacancies and accompanying skills shortage. Companies across the UK have struggled to recruit, and in the engineering sector, where experienced professionals are always in high demand, it’s been heavily felt. At Mesh, we faced a tough time as we struggled to cope with the increasing demands of our pipeline and the need to scale from a small team to a much larger organisation.

While we knew we needed to build up the team, we were also keen to maintain the close-knit culture that made us so distinct, so we recognised it was something that needed careful thought.

Two solutions

The first thing we did was to work with an experienced freelance recruiter to help tackle the immediate problem. Dylan’s approach was to put relationship building at the centre of the process, he actively sought and reached out to the individuals we needed, starting conversations, and building interest in Mesh as a brand. Outsourcing this process to Dylan not only freed up our internal resources, but it gave applicants a consistent point of contact, someone to ask questions of and talk to before and after our formal interviews.

Over the two years, Dylan became one of Mesh’s biggest champions – so much so, that he decided to join the team full time earlier this year! Perhaps one of the biggest compliments he could have given us.

We recognised that alongside this direct, outbound approach, we could also take an inbound tactic to encourage talent to come to us. We knew how great our culture was internally, but how well were we communicating it to the outside world? If I was a new graduate or an experienced engineer, would I look at Mesh as an attractive alternative to a bigger corporate? Would I get a clear impression of what it would be like to work with them

from their website, social and marketing?

A Strategic approach

We decided to work with our strategic and creative partner Avery & Brown on a time-limited recruitment and internal culture project. The main goal of the project was to refine our positioning and messaging to increase engagement with potential applicants. We also hoped that the research and insights undertaken would help to strengthen our recruitment and retention and consolidate the positive elements of our culture.

Like with an overarching brand strategy, we were aiming to set ourselves apart from the competition, to identify and engage our target audience (potential employees) and to build a recognisable persona. And, like a brand strategy, we were hoping for the project to help further unite our team and engage them within the principal goals of the business.

Over six months, Avery & Brown interviewed every member of the team to gather qualitative feedback on our recruitment process and onboarding, information on what it was like work at Mesh, and what had attracted them to the company initially. This gave us the insight we needed to build out a messaging strategy, including which strengths we should focus on and what really mattered to our team.

One example of this was our discovery that for many of the team it was the intellectual challenge and opportunity to work on innovative projects that encouraged them to apply to Mesh. Consequently, we put further emphasis on that angle in our Culture Deck and other marketing – including a mini set of case studies to demonstrate the kinds of opportunities available for our consultants.

At the end of the project, we launched our overhauled Culture Deck , and a new section of our site that was dedicated to telling Mesh’s story as a business and an employer, just in time for B Corp month in March. We’re really proud to have such extensive collateral, that sets us apart from other businesses in our sector. Plus, we also know it works! Many of our current team cite the Culture Deck as instrumental to their understanding and interest in Mesh.

While many businesses would have solved the post-pandemic problems by just focusing on recruitment, we wanted to commit time and budget into ensuring that as we grew, we could retain and even improve the culture we built in our early years as a small team. These days, while we’ve got enough people for two teams in a rounders match, we still have an informal, flat structure and close working relationships between our various teams.

While awards are great to have and we’re so grateful to be recognised by The Sunday Times and B Corp, it’s been the subtler everyday consequences that have made this focus on culture worthwhile. From my perspective it’s probably most apparent in the reassurance I feel knowing we have the expertise and dedication within the team to do great work for our clients. But I’ve always liked the idea that company culture can be measured by the way your team feel before going to bed on Sunday, knowing they’ve got work in the morning. Hopefully, everyone is sleeping soundly!

The Tech Behind Low-Energy Commercial Projects: The 5 Key Benefits

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 09:42:45 GMT

Incorporating low-energy solutions like solar PV, battery systems, and other energy-efficient technologies into commercial buildings offers several key benefits. We cover the top 5 in our latest blog.

Cost savings

One of the primary benefits of incorporating low-energy solutions is cost savings. By reducing reliance on traditional energy sources and optimising energy consumption, commercial buildings can significantly lower their energy bills over time. Solar PV systems generate electricity from the sun for free, reducing the need to purchase electricity from the grid. Battery systems help store and optimise the use of this generated energy, further reducing demand charges and off-peak electricity rates. By investing in energy-efficient technologies, businesses can experience long-term cost savings, which can positively impact their bottom line.

Environmental sustainability

Low-energy solutions contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Solar PV systems generate clean electricity, resulting in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional energy sources. By adopting renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices, commercial buildings can minimise their environmental footprint and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

Energy independence and resilience

Incorporating low-energy solutions enhances energy independence and resilience for commercial buildings. Solar PV systems combined with battery storage provide a level of energy self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on the grid and increasing energy security. During power outages or grid disruptions, battery systems can provide backup power, ensuring critical operations continue uninterrupted. This enhanced energy independence and resilience can be particularly valuable for businesses that require continuous power supply or operate in areas with unreliable grids.

Improved building value and marketability

Commercial buildings that incorporate low- energy solutions often gain increased value and marketability. Energy-efficient and sustainable buildings are increasingly sought after by tenants, investors, and customers who prioritise environmental responsibility and operational cost savings. Green building certifications, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), can further enhance a building's reputation and market appeal.

Regulatory compliance and incentives

Incorporating low-energy solutions helps commercial buildings comply with energy efficiency regulations and sustainability standards. The UK is tightening up on the EPC ratings of commercial buildings and have implemented energy regulations (most notable MEES: Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards) that requires let buildings to meet specific energy efficiency criteria. By integrating energy- efficient technologies, businesses can ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Additionally, various financial incentives, such as tax credits, grants, or rebates, are often available to support the adoption of low-energy solutions. Taking advantage of these incentives can further offset the initial investment and accelerate the return on investment for energy-efficient upgrades.

In conclusion

The key benefits of incorporating low-energy solutions into commercial buildings include cost savings, environmental sustainability, energy independence and resilience, improved building value and marketability, as well as compliance with regulations and access to incentives. These advantages make a compelling case for businesses to invest in energy-efficient technologies, look beyond capital cost alone and embrace sustainable practices. To understand more about the technology that can be applied to your next low-energy commercial project, get in touch with Mesh today.

The Tech Behind Low-Energy Commercial Projects: Solar, Storage, and Lighting

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 11:35:49 GMT

In this second blog on the technology behind low-energy commercial projects, I'll be exploring why solar PV, energy storage, EV charging systems, and LED lighting are crucial assets to any low-energy commercial building.

Solar PV systems

Solar PV systems harness sunlight to generate electricity, providing a clean and renewable energy source. Here's how they contribute to energy efficiency in commercial buildings:

Renewable energy generation: Solar PV systems generate electricity from the sun's rays, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly power source. By utilising solar energy, commercial buildings can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Cost savings: Solar PV systems can significantly reduce electricity costs for commercial buildings. With wholesale electricity prices having raised considerably over the last 12 months, by generating electricity on-site, businesses can offset a significant portion of their energy consumption from the grid. This leads to lower utility bills and long-term cost savings.

Peak demand management: Solar PV systems often produce the most electricity during peak daylight hours when energy demand is high. This aligns with commercial buildings' peak load periods, allowing them to reduce the amount of electricity drawn from the grid during costly peak demand periods.

Export metering: UK power companies offer export metering programs, allowing commercial buildings with solar PV systems to export excess electricity back to the grid and get paid for what they don’t use. This results in further reduced energy costs.

Environmental benefits: Solar PV systems significantly reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact by generating clean electricity. By adopting solar power, commercial buildings can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and contribute to a greener future.

Rapid change in the UK is starting to occur with solar panel installations doubling in the last 12 months compared to the year before. Companies and individuals are waking up to the environmental and financial benefits of free solar energy as well as working out how to better manage it on site to really reduce net usage and increase company profit margins.

Energy storage

Battery systems store excess electricity generated by solar PV systems during the day for later use. This stored energy can be utilised during periods of low solar generation or during peak demand times, maximising self-consumption and reducing reliance on the grid.

Load shifting: Battery systems allow commercial buildings to shift energy consumption to off-peak hours, when electricity rates are lower. By discharging stored energy during high- demand periods, businesses can avoid expensive peak demand charges and further optimise their energy usage.

Backup power: In the event of a grid outage or power failure, battery systems can provide backup power to critical loads. This ensures uninterrupted operations for businesses that rely on continuous power supply, such as data centres, healthcare facilities, or emergency services.

Grid support and resilience: Battery systems can contribute to grid stability and resilience by providing services like frequency regulation and peak shaving. Commercial buildings can participate in demand response programs or sell excess stored energy back to the grid, potentially earning revenue and supporting the overall stability of the electrical grid.

Energy independence: By combining solar PV and battery systems, commercial buildings can enhance their energy independence. They can generate and store their own clean energy, reducing reliance on the grid and providing a level of energy security and control over electricity costs.

Electric vehicle (EV) charging systems

With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, commercial buildings are incorporating EV charging infrastructure to support employees, visitors, and customers who own electric vehicles. Energy-efficient EV charging systems focus on optimising the charging process and reducing overall energy consumption. Some key features include:

Smart charging: EV charging systems can be equipped with smart charging capabilities that allow for load management, optimising charging schedules based on energy demand and grid availability. This helps balance the power load and reduce peak demand charges.

Energy metering and monitoring: EV charging systems often include energy metering and monitoring features, providing data on electricity consumption. This enables building managers to track energy usage, analyse patterns, and implement energy-saving measures.

Renewable energy integration: Integrating EV charging stations with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, allows for the utilisation of clean and sustainable energy for charging electric vehicles, reducing dependence on the grid and minimising environmental impact.

LED lighting

LED (Light-Emitting Diode) lighting technology has revolutionised energy-efficient lighting in commercial buildings. Compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent lighting, LED lighting offers several benefits, including:

Energy efficiency: LEDs are highly energy-efficient, consuming significantly less electricity than conventional lighting options. They convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into visible light, resulting in reduced energy consumption and lower electricity bills.

Long lifespan: LED lights have an extended operational lifespan compared to traditional lighting sources. This reduces the frequency of bulb replacements, saving maintenance costs and reducing waste.

Directional lighting: LEDs emit light in specific directions, allowing for more focused illumination and reducing light wastage. This targeted lighting minimises the need for additional fixtures and enhances energy efficiency.

Dimming and control: LED lights can be easily dimmed and controlled, enabling precise adjustment of lighting levels based on occupancy, daylight availability, and specific needs. This flexibility helps optimise energy usage and enhances user comfort.

Instant on/off: LEDs provide instant illumination without warm-up time, allowing for immediate response to lighting demands and avoiding energy waste caused by lights being left on unnecessarily.

Environmental benefits: LED lighting is free from toxic materials like mercury, making them more environmentally friendly. Additionally, their long lifespan and energy efficiency contribute to reduced carbon emissions and overall sustainability.

The Tech Behind Low-Energy Commercial Projects: HVAC

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 11:28:52 GMT

It's estimated that commercial buildings contribute around 8% of the UK's total annual carbon emissions, and carbon associated with heating, ventilating, and cooling buildings makes up about 40% of a building's total annual energy usage.

In this first part of a three-part blog series, I am going to focus on several key HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technologies and controls that drive energy efficiency in commercial buildings. These technologies aim to optimise heating, cooling, and ventilation systems to reduce energy consumption and improve overall efficiency.

High-efficiency HVAC equipment

Utilising high-efficiency HVAC equipment, such as heat pumps, air conditioners, chillers and, dare I say, high-efficiency boilers, can significantly reduce energy consumption compared to older, less efficient models. These systems often incorporate advanced technologies like variable-speed compressors or modulating burners to match the load requirements more precisely.

Ductless HVAC systems

Ductless HVAC systems, such as variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, offer zoned heating and cooling capabilities, providing more control over individual spaces. By avoiding the energy losses associated with ductwork, ductless systems can improve energy efficiency and offer flexibility in building design.

Thermal storage systems

Thermal storage systems utilise off-peak or low-demand electricity to store thermal energy, typically in the form of chilled water or ice. This stored energy can be used during peak demand periods, reducing the load on cooling equipment during expensive or high-demand periods.

Energy recovery ventilation (ERV)

ERV systems recover and transfer heat or coolness from the exhaust air to precondition incoming fresh air. This helps to reduce the load on heating and cooling systems by using the energy from the exhaust air to condition the incoming air, improving overall energy efficiency.

Demand-controlled ventilation (DCV)

DCV systems adjust the amount of ventilation provided based on the actual occupancy of a space. By monitoring and adjusting ventilation rates based on real-time occupancy, DCV systems optimise energy consumption while maintaining indoor air quality.

Building automation systems (BAS)

BASs integrate and control various HVAC components, lighting systems, and other building systems. They provide centralised monitoring and control, optimising system performance, scheduling operations, and adjusting set points based on occupancy and load conditions, resulting in improved energy efficiency.

Variable frequency drives (VFDs)

VFDs are used to control the speed of motors, such as those in fans and pumps, to match the system's load requirements. By adjusting the motor speed based on demand, VFDs can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Advanced controls and sensors

Advanced control systems and sensors help optimise HVAC operations by monitoring and adjusting conditions based on real-time data. This includes occupancy sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and CO2 sensors that enable precise control and automation of HVAC systems, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.

All modern and low-energy buildings use combinations of these technologies and control philosophies to drive down energy production and cleverly use and reuse valuable electricity and fuels to power them.

Geothermal Technology for Architects: Understanding the Four Types of Collectors

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 08:15:00 GMT

When it comes to sustainable and energy-efficient building design, architects are increasingly turning to geothermal technology as a viable option.

Geothermal systems harness the Earth's natural heat to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for buildings. To make the most of geothermal technology, it is important for architects to understand the different types of collectors used in these systems. In this article, we will explore the four main types of geothermal collectors and their functions.

Horizontal loop collectors

These are one of the most common collector types used in geothermal systems. As the name suggests, these collectors are installed horizontally underground, usually at a depth of around 1.2 meters. They consist of a network of plastic pipes filled with a heat transfer fluid, typically using water or a mixture of water and antifreeze. These pipes circulate the fluid, absorbing the Earth's heat in winter and dissipating excess heat in summer. Horizontal loop collectors are best suited for buildings with ample land space available.

Vertical loop collectors

Vertical loop collectors are an alternative to horizontal loops when space is limited. Instead of being laid horizontally, vertical loops are installed vertically by drilling boreholes into the ground. Multiple loops are interconnected and placed in the boreholes, typically reaching depths of 30 to 120 meters. The loops are then filled with the heat transfer fluid, and the Earth's heat is exchanged with the fluid as it circulates. Vertical loop collectors are more expensive to install due to the drilling involved, but they are an excellent choice for urban areas or sites with limited space.

Pond/lake loop collectors

Pond or lake loop collectors utilise bodies of water to exchange heat with the geothermal system. In this setup, a network of pipes is submerged in a nearby pond or lake. The pipes are filled with the heat transfer fluid, which absorbs heat from the water during the winter months and releases excess heat during summer. Pond or lake loop collectors are an ideal option for buildings located near a water source. They are cost-effective and relatively easy to install, provided there is a suitable body of water nearby.

Open loop connectors

Also known as groundwater heat pumps, these rely on wells as a source of water for the geothermal system. Water is extracted from the well, circulated through the heat pump, and then discharged back into the ground or a separate well. Open loop systems are efficient and can provide high performance, but they require a sufficient water supply and may be subject to regulatory restrictions in some areas. Architects considering this option should consult with local authorities and water experts to ensure compliance and feasibility.

In conclusion

In conclusion, geothermal technology offers architects a sustainable and energy-efficient solution for building design. By understanding the four main types of geothermal collectors - horizontal loop, vertical loop, pond/lake loop, and open loop - architects can choose the most suitable option based on site conditions, space availability, and project requirements. With proper planning and implementation, geothermal systems can significantly reduce energy consumption and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for the built environment. To find out more about how Mesh can help implement geothermal technology in your next project, get in touch today.

An aging education system, or an opportunity for change?

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 13:15:29 GMT

When we think about the UK’s education system, we tend to think about cheerful local news stories of A-level results, ideological debates over private and state, or even our own memories of school – the good and bad. What we rarely think about is school buildings.

But today, the National Audit Office released a report on the state of the UK's schools and the results are pretty alarming. It found that following years of underinvestment, the overall condition of our school buildings is declining, with around 700,000 pupils learning in a school that the responsible body or DfE believes needs major rebuilding or refurbishment. The report doesn't come as a surprise to anyone familiar with the sector. Another report, published back in 2015, found that 70% of schools were not fit for purpose , whether due to water leaks, asbestos, damp, or faulty heating. And the BBC has today been reporting anecdotes of teachers gaffer taping things together, being embarrassed to show prospective students around the site, and even of parents being hurt by falling cladding.

All of this is hardly surprising given the age of many of the UK's school buildings, and the decades of budget cuts the education system has faced, compounded by a lack of prioritisation on a national and local level. One of the most dramatic acts after the 2010 election was the axing of the Building Schools for the Future programme . The building plans of more than 700 schools, which were being developed as part of a £55bn project to rebuild or refurbish every secondary school in the country, were scrapped with immediate effect, something the then Education Secretary, Michael Gove, has since called his biggest mistake in office.

The energy crisis and sky-high bills

It's not just their impact on health and safety, our aging schools are costing more and more to run due to out of date heating and ventilation systems. When last year’s energy crisis started to take its toll, news stories started proliferating about how schools would cope with rising bills, and in the first quarter of 2022, it was estimated that gas and electricity prices in schools and colleges saw a hike of almost 85% .

Some schools were even considering a hybrid model or on-site/remote teaching but bowed under pressure to stay open full time thanks to the nightmarish recollections of pandemic schooling. The high energy demands aren’t just made worse by the operational restrictions of a school: many UK schools were built at the beginning of the 20th Century, with additional buildings and extensions added across the decades using varying levels of construction quality and architectural integrity. The resultant mismatch of thermal regulation, energy efficiency and even safety levels is a perfect storm of sky-high energy bills.

Consequent problems with overheating, lack of proper ventilation, and exposure to dangerous levels of VOCs compound the negative impacts on the occupants’ health, meaning many schools are hardly the beacon of wellbeing we would like them to be.

The NAO report will be used as evidence in an ongoing parliamentary inquiry into the state of schools , but how likely it is that government policy will change in the current cost of living crisis remains to be seen.

Consultancy services to the education sector

At Mesh, we see a glimmer of hope in the fact that in recent years, we've seen more and more schools from both the state and private sectors approaching us for work – schools that have both the opportunity and inclination to combat the problem of aging buildings head on, before it gets worse.

Whether for support on new buildings like More House School’s sports pavilion, retrofitting old ones like Rugby’s 19th Century boarding house , or for a full-site overhaul like Villiers High School in Southall .

Villiers High School in particular shows the kind of forward-thinking attitude that is so necessary to save schools from their fate. We were initially brought on to undertake a post-occupancy energy review and to advise on a potential renewable approach to on-site energy generation. Like many schools VHS is a mixture of 20th Century civic architecture and 60s and 80s additions.

We built a whole site digital twin to map historical energy usage against the thermal efficiencies of the various buildings, with the aim of identifying areas for where the greatest difference could be made.

We were then asked to review and refine a range of renewable heating and hot water solutions and to simplify the various options to help the school understand the practical feasibility, key economic considerations, and long-term benefits of a final system strategy. Our report suggested that installing a bivalent ground source heat pump with bore holes could offer a viable renewable alternative for the current gas boilers, which is something the school have since asked for support on for their Stage 4 planning application.

The project has been a real joy to work on. It’s ambitious clients who take a long-term view that recognises the cost of not acting who make our job worthwhile. Being able to work for clients like schools who are so important within society, makes it even more satisfying.

If you’re interested in learning more about our work and what services we offer, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Renewable technology in sustainable builds: Everything you need to know about solar power

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:34:31 GMT

In the pursuit of sustainable development, architects, builders, and homeowners alike are increasingly turning to solar power as a key component of sustainable building practices. One would think solar energy is all about harnessing sunlight and turning into electricity. However, what happens behind this process is something some of us might not be aware of. Let's take a deep dive into understanding the incredible potential of solar power.

An introduction to solar

The concept of solar energy dates back to ancient civilization, where people would use magnifying glasses to focus the sun's rays to create fire. Fast forwarding to the 19th century, solar power's true inception began when French physicist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel made a staggering discovery on how sunlight can be used by certain materials to generate electricity. The popularity of solar power has been growing due to the fact that harnessing the sun's power for generating electricity is one of the most environmentally friendly processes out there.

The two main technologies that harness the sun’s power are heat and electricity. These are known as solar heat and solar power:

Solar heat is a process where sunlight is used for heating water in domestic and commercial buildings. This technology is more popular in areas where there is high concentration on solar radiation.
However, when it comes to countries like the UK which aren’t always so sunny, solar power is a widely preferred option. Solar power is all about how electricity can be generated by using the contact of sunlight on a material. Let’s take a closer look at solar power to understand it better.

How does solar power work?

To keep it simple, you’ll generate electricity when the electrons of the atom flow from positive to the negative terminal of the element. When Becquerel discovered how an element can use sun energy to produce electricity, the term “photovoltaic effect” was coined. Through the photovoltaic effect, electricity generation largely relies on one element, namely silicon. The main purpose of using silicon is because it's a semiconductor.

What this means is, if you combine them with different materials, the semiconductor can easily change its atomic properties. This process of combining is also known as ‘doping’.

Regarding silicon, this is done by:

Adding boron, which makes silicon negatively charged; and
by adding phosphorus, making it positively charged.

In ‘solar terms’, these are known as n-type and p-type junctions.

When p-type and n-type materials are sandwiched together, they create something called a ‘solar cell’. When these junctions are combined, they seldom do anything other than transfer electrons in themselves.

However, the magic happens when sunlight hits this material. The energy of photons in sunlight makes electrons flow from n-type to p-type, due to the former being negatively charged and later being positively charged.

This transfer occurs near contact and makes the center region eventually stable. The stable state restricts the flow of electrons and thus creates what is known as the ‘depletion zone’. This zone acts as a barrier between the n-type and p-type junction contact and hence the flow of electron stops.

However, imagine what happens if you use a circuit that connects both n-type and p-type externally? The electron starts to flow again.

Now this electron flow is exactly how electricity is generated through photovoltaic effect. Fascinating, isn’t it?

The different types of solar panels

When a group of solar cells are combined together, they’re known as solar panels or solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Solar panels come in various sizes and types. These sizes reflect the power one solar panel can deliver. With how technology has evolved, there are currently 4 types of solar power technologies:

Crystalline silicon - This type of technology is the first generation of solar panels, working on the basic principle of solar electricity generation explained earlier.
This type of panel is further categorised into two types:

Polycrystalline - which are made from fragments of silicon; and
Monocrystalline - made from single crystal silicon.

The key difference is the efficiency each one gives. Most commercially available polycrystalline PV has an efficiency ranging from 17-18% and has capacity between 50 kWp to 350 kWp. However, monocrystalline PV efficiency often goes up to 22% efficiency with capacity of up to 530 kWp. In the UK, monocrystalline is preferred due to its efficiency and high capacity.

Thin-film solar technology - This type of solar panel is constructed using thin layers of semiconductor materials like cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS), or amorphous silicon (a-Si). The key difference between this panel and crystalline silicon type is the flexible nature and the possibility of integration into curved or irregular surfaces. Thin-film performs better in low-light conditions and has a lower temperature coefficient, meaning it can maintain higher energy production in hot climates. However, the overall efficiency falls between 9-15% which restricts its commercial use.

Dye cell technology - This type of cell is also a type of thin-film with a key difference that it uses dye as the light absorbing material. It consists of several layers including semiconductor material (typically titanium dioxide), electrolyte and electrodes. The dye molecule in the semiconductor layers captures photons from sunlight and transfers the absorbed energy to semiconductor generating electric current. One of the advantages of dye cells is their ability to capture a broad range of the solar spectrum, including visible and infrared light, making them more efficient in low-light conditions compared to other solar cell technologies. The efficiency lies between 4-10%.

Perovskite solar technology - This type of solar cell utilises perovskite material such as methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) as the light absorbing layer. One of the key advantages of perovskite solar cells is its high power conversion efficiency potential. They’ve even surpassed the efficiency levels of traditional silicon based solar cells in a relatively short period. Their efficiency has reached up to 30%. The key disadvantage of why the panels are not commercially used is the fact that their life span is only about 5 years compared to 20 - 25 years for silicon based solar cells.

Is the UK climate suitable for solar installation on a small residential or large commercial/industrial scale?

Despite its reputation for overcast and rainy weather, the UK's climate is definitely suitable for solar installation. While the amount of sunlight received might be less compared to sunnier regions, solar panels can still generate large amounts of electricity. Typically, monocrystalline solar panels are considered to be the most preferred due to their high capacity and efficiency.

On a small residential scale, solar panels can be installed on rooftops to generate electricity for homes. The electricity generated can be used to power household appliances and reduce reliance on the grid, leading to potential cost savings and a lower carbon footprint.
For large commercial and industrial installations, solar panels can be deployed on rooftops, open land, or even integrated into the design of buildings. These installations can help meet the energy needs of businesses, reduce electricity costs, and contribute to sustainability goals.

It’s important to consider factors such as available space, orientation, shading, and the specific location when planning solar installations in the UK. Conducting a site assessment and consulting with solar experts can help determine the feasibility and optimise the performance of solar systems based on the unique characteristics of each location.

How does a solar rooftop system work?

A typical solar rooftop has 3 main components:

solar panels
an inverter
a bi-directional meter

When electricity is generated through solar panels, the DC current is supplied from solar panels through the circuit to the inverter. The function of an inverter is that it converts the DC into AC, which is what your home requires.

After this conversion, the AC goes into the bi-directional meter, where electricity is supplied to appliances or gets exported to the grid if there is excess. The meter also helps in making sure that the electricity supply is not interrupted even when the solar rooftop system is not generating at night.

How much does a solar rooftop system cost and what is the expected payback?

The cost of a solar rooftop system depends on different factors, including size of the system, type of the panels and components used, and the complexity of installation. In the UK, the average cost of a solar rooftop system is around £4,000 to £8,000 per kilowatt (kW) of installed capacity. Therefore, a 5 kW solar system would cost around £20,000 to £40,000.

It’s worth noting that for the solar system to pay for itself, it all depends on factors like upfront cost, the electricity rates, the system's energy generation, and any financial incentives. On an average, it takes around 8 to 10 years for payback on systems installed in the UK.

Are there any financial incentives or schemes from the government?

As of today, there are two main schemes backed by the UK government to support installation of solar rooftop systems. The 0% VAT on energy-saving products & Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) .

0% VAT - In March 2022, Chancellor Rishi Sunak, now the Prime Minister of the UK, announced that the VAT for energy saving products such as solar panels & heat pumps will go down from 5% to 0%. According to the UK Government , this reduction allows for savings of about £1,000 in installation and about £300 in operating cost. This scheme is planned to end in March 2027. For more details, you can go through the government's website .
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) - The SEG came into effect in January 2020. The key advantage of this scheme is that for any small scale electricity generator, the owner can get payments from the grid to export any surplus energy. This scheme adds the obligation of grip suppliers to offer export tariff rates to their customers. Typically, the rates range from 1p and 7.5p per kWh. It should be noted that in order to qualify for this scheme, the homeowner must install a bi-directional meter to allow the import and export of electricity.

How can Mesh help?

Mesh energy provides consultation and designing solutions for installing solar rooftop systems in both residential and commercial property. It’s part of our feasibility study where we look into various renewable energy options to explore how it can affect the efficiency of the overall house both environmentally and economically. At Mesh, we believe in a fabric-first approach and examining various construction options that promote sustainability. This way, we make sure the building energy demand is minimal, which in turn helps in reducing the size of renewable systems such as heat pumps and solar rooftop systems. To talk more about installing a system for your project, get in touch today.

Why overheating analysis is a key factor in sustainable building design

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 11:22:53 GMT

Overheating in buildings refers to when the internal temperature of a building exceeds comfortable or safe levels. It can occur when the heat gain within a building exceeds the heat dissipation, leading to a gradual increase in temperature.

The effects of overheating

Overheating can have several negative consequences. It can lead to discomfort and decreased productivity for occupants, especially in work or residential environments. Additionally, overheating can strain cooling systems, leading to higher energy consumption and increased electricity bills. It can also have health implications, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly, children, or those with pre-existing health conditions, as it may exacerbate heat-related illnesses.

To mitigate overheating, various strategies can be employed. These include improving insulation, using shading devices such as blinds or external louvres, optimising natural ventilation, utilising energy-efficient cooling systems, and incorporating passive design principles that maximise the building's ability to regulate its internal temperature. Building codes and standards often include guidelines to address overheating and promote energy-efficient designs that minimise heat gain and ensure occupant comfort.

Overheating is also directly linked to the current climate crises. In the context of climate change, ‘overheating’ refers to the increase in temperature beyond normal or historical levels, which has significant implications for the environment, ecosystems, and human well-being. It is a direct consequence of global warming, which is primarily caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

Climate change is driven by the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, leading to a gradual increase in the Earth's average temperature. This phenomenon is often referred to as the greenhouse effect.

As the Earth's temperature rises due to climate change, it affects various aspects of the environment and ecosystems, leading to overheating in different forms: Heatwaves, urban heat Island effect, ecosystem disruption, and the melting of glaciers and ice.

Overheating can happen due to several factors:

1. Inadequate insulation : Poor insulation in buildings allows excessive heat transfer from outside to inside, making it difficult to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

2. Solar radiation: Intense sunlight and lack of shading devices or proper glazing can result in excessive solar radiation entering the building, leading to increased temperatures.

3. Urban heat island effect : Urban areas, with their high concentration of buildings, concrete, and asphalt, tend to retain and radiate heat more than surrounding rural areas. The lack of green spaces, trees, and vegetation exacerbates this effect, contributing to higher temperatures within cities.

4. High energy consumption : Inefficient cooling systems or excessive use of energy-intensive equipment, such as air conditioning units, can generate additional heat within buildings and contribute to overheating.

The negative impacts to overheating:

1. Occupant discomfort : High indoor temperatures can lead to discomfort, reduced productivity, and impaired concentration for occupants in residential, commercial, or institutional buildings.

2. Health risks : Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions.

3. Increased energy demand : Overheating often results in higher energy consumption as occupants rely more on cooling systems to maintain comfortable temperatures. This leads to increased electricity bills and puts additional strain on energy infrastructure.

How can we minimise overheating?

Overheating can be addressed by incorporating the following measures which can help in mitigating the effect:

Passive design
Energy-efficient cooling systems
Green infrastructure
Building codes and regulations
Education
Awareness

By implementing these measures, the built environment can be better prepared to address the challenges of overheating. These strategies are included in overheating analysis, which is a great way to start off your project.

What is overheating analysis?

Overheating analysis is a process of assessing and evaluating the risk and severity of overheating in buildings or urban areas. It involves analysing various factors that contribute to excessive heat build-up, understanding the potential impacts on occupants, and identifying appropriate strategies to mitigate overheating.

The goal of overheating analysis is to quantify and predict the occurrence of overheating in each context, such as a specific building or an urban neighbourhood. It typically involves the following steps:

Data Collection and surveys of the property.
Modelling and simulation led by building performance consultants.
Temperature analysis to understand and access indoor temperatures of a building, as well as understand overheating risk.
Evaluation of risk factors, such as solar exposure, orientation, glazing types, shading devices, insulation levels, and ventilation strategies.
Occupant comfort assessment.
Mitigation strategies, with a combination of passive strategies that work after analysis for that particular property.
Sensitivity analysis.
Reporting and recommendations by presenting analysis findings in a clearly articulated report, including solutions and recommendations for the architects, designers and the clients.

Overheating analysis is particularly relevant in the context of climate change, as rising temperatures and changing weather patterns can increase the risk of overheating. By conducting thorough analysis and implementing appropriate strategies, it is possible to design and manage buildings that are more resilient to overheating, promote occupant comfort, and minimise energy consumption.

What is thermal comfort analysis?

Thermal comfort analysis is the process of evaluating and assessing the thermal conditions within a building to determine whether the occupants are likely to feel thermally comfortable. It involves analysing various factors that influence human perception of thermal comfort, such as air temperature, humidity, air velocity, radiant temperature, and clothing insulation.

The goal of thermal comfort analysis is to ensure that the indoor environment provides a comfortable and pleasant thermal experience for occupants, which can contribute to their well-being, productivity, and overall satisfaction. It is an important consideration in the design, operation, and assessment of buildings, especially in areas where occupants spend significant amounts of time, such as offices, schools, hospitals, and residential spaces.

Additionally, thermal comfort analysis can assist in the design and operation of energy-efficient buildings by identifying opportunities for passive strategies and optimal control of HVAC systems to maintain comfort while minimising energy consumption.

How have buildings become warmer for occupants?

Over the years, buildings have undergone various changes to improve thermal comfort and create warmer environments for occupants. These changes have been driven by advancements in building science, energy efficiency considerations, and a greater understanding of occupant comfort needs. Some key developments include:

1. Improved insulation : Building insulation has significantly evolved with the introduction of new materials and techniques to enhance thermal resistance. Insulation helps reduce heat transfer through walls, roofs, and floors, thereby minimising heat loss in colder climates and heat gain in warmer climates.

2. Enhanced building envelopes : Building envelopes, including walls, roofs, and windows, have been designed to be more airtight and better insulated. This helps reduce drafts, minimise air leakage, and maintain a more stable indoor temperature.

3. High-performance glazing : Energy-efficient windows and glazing systems have become more prevalent. They feature low-emissivity coatings, multiple glazing layers, and gas-filled cavities to improve thermal insulation and reduce heat transfer.

4. Passive solar design : Incorporating passive solar design principles has become more common. This includes optimising building orientation, utilising appropriate shading devices, and incorporating features like solar chimneys, thermal mass, and natural ventilation to regulate indoor temperatures and harness solar heat gain.

5. Energy-efficient heating systems : More efficient heating systems, such as high-efficiency furnaces, heat pumps, and radiant floor heating, have been developed. These systems provide effective and comfortable heating while minimising energy consumption.

6. A dvanced HVAC technologies : Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have evolved to offer improved control, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort. Features like variable speed drives, zoned heating and cooling, and smart thermostats allow for better temperature regulation and personalised comfort settings.

7. Building codes and standards : Building codes and energy efficiency standards have become more stringent, mandating improved thermal performance and energy efficiency in new construction and renovations. These regulations drive the adoption of energy-saving practices and encourage the use of high-performance building materials and systems.

8. Building management systems : The use of building management systems (BMS) and smart technology has increased. These systems monitor and control various building parameters, including heating and cooling, to optimise energy efficiency and maintain desired indoor conditions.

9. Increased focus on occupant comfort: There is a greater emphasis on understanding and meeting occupant comfort needs. Research and advancements in thermal comfort modelling, such as adaptive comfort models, have influenced building design and operation to provide optimal thermal conditions for occupants.

These changes in building design, materials, systems, and regulations have collectively contributed to creating warmer and more comfortable indoor environments for occupants. They aim to strike a balance between energy efficiency, occupant well-being, and sustainability, ensuring buildings are better equipped to meet the needs of occupants while reducing environmental impact.

What can impact thermal comfort?

Ventilation, solar gains, and airtightness are important contributing factors that impact the thermal comfort and warmth of buildings. Let's explore these factors:

Ventilation

Adequate ventilation plays a crucial role in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. It involves the exchange of fresh air with stale air to remove pollutants, control humidity, and regulate indoor temperatures. In terms of warmth, ventilation can contribute in two ways:

1. Heat recovery ventilation: Modern ventilation systems often incorporate heat recovery mechanisms. These systems extract heat from the outgoing stale air and transfer it to the incoming fresh air, reducing heat loss and improving energy efficiency.

2. Natural ventilation: In buildings with good natural ventilation design, the flow of air can be controlled to optimise the distribution of warmer or cooler air. For instance, in warm weather, opening windows strategically can facilitate cross-ventilation, allowing cooler air to enter and warm air to exit.

Solar gains

Solar gains refer to the heat gained from the sun's radiation. Proper management of solar gains can contribute to warmth in buildings. Key considerations include:

1. Solar orientation: Building design can optimise solar gains by orienting windows, glazing, and building surfaces to maximise or minimise solar exposure based on the local climate. For example, in cold climates, south-facing windows allow for more solar heat gain during winter months.

2. Shading devices: Employing shading devices, such as overhangs, blinds, or external louvres, can help control the amount of solar radiation entering the building. These devices prevent excessive solar heat gain during hot seasons while allowing desired heat gain during colder periods.

3. Thermal mass: Thermal mass refers to the ability of building materials to store and release heat. Materials with high thermal mass, like concrete or stone, can absorb and retain solar heat during the day, releasing it slowly at night, contributing to the warmth of the building.

Airtightness

Airtightness refers to the level of air leakage or infiltration through the building envelope. It impacts both energy efficiency and thermal comfort by reducing heat loss or gain. Considerations for airtightness include:

1. Building envelope sealing: Proper sealing of gaps, cracks, and joints in the building envelope, including walls, windows, and doors, minimises air leakage. This helps prevent drafts and heat loss, improving energy efficiency and maintaining a warmer indoor environment.

2. Air barrier systems: Effective air barrier systems, consisting of materials like membranes or sealants, can be installed within the building envelope to enhance airtightness and limit uncontrolled air movement.

3. Controlled ventilation: While airtightness is important, it should be balanced with controlled ventilation to ensure sufficient fresh air exchange. This is typically achieved using mechanical ventilation systems that provide controlled airflow while minimising unwanted heat loss or gain.

Optimising ventilation, managing solar gains, and ensuring appropriate airtightness contribute to creating warmer and more comfortable indoor environments. Building design, insulation, and the use of energy-efficient technologies and systems are key considerations in achieving these goals.

Combining the above, we can form a basis of how overheating calculation and analysis can be undertaken. Taking the key data to identify overheating in a property, targeting those overheated spots, understanding the months a building is most likely to overheat, using correct temperature and weather data files, using accurate thermal templates and a thorough journey documentation is what helps mitigate overheating in a property.

How Mesh can help

At Mesh, our analysis eradicates overheating from a property by using a step-by-step high end calculated approach. We take all the necessary steps and passive design strategies to not only reduce/remove overheating from a property, but also to reduce energy bills. We can perform calculations related to Part O compliance, TM59, TM52, general overheating and planning for new builds, as well as provide solutions for domestic and non-domestic projects. Mesh believes in using the most resourceful passive design strategies to remove/reduce overheating in both new build and retrofit projects.

How to take a best practice approach to fabric optimisation and energy saving products

Wed, 31 May 2023 11:52:41 GMT

Fabric-first is a design philosophy that emphasises the importance of carefully considering and selecting the fabric or materials used in building construction before designing the rest of the building. This approach prioritises the use of high-quality, durable, and sustainable materials that can contribute to the long-term performance and energy efficiency of the building.

Why go fabric-first?

The fabric-first approach can be contrasted with more traditional design approaches that prioritise the use of mechanical and technological solutions to achieve energy efficiency. The fabric-first approach aims to reduce the energy demands of the building by using materials that can provide natural insulation, ventilation, and lighting, thereby reducing the need for mechanical solutions.

There are several benefits to adopting a fabric-first approach in building design. First, it can lead to buildings that are more energy-efficient and sustainable, as they rely on low-carbon natural materials and passive design strategies to reduce energy use. Second, it can lead to buildings that are more comfortable and healthy for occupants, as natural materials can provide better indoor air quality and thermal comfort. Finally, it can lead to buildings that are more resilient and durable, as high-quality materials can better withstand wear and tear and natural disasters.

A closer look at the importance of insulation

The Grenfell Tower fire tragedy in 2017 highlighted the critical importance of proper insulation in buildings. As a result, there has been increased scrutiny and regulation of building insulation materials and their use in construction. The future of insulation after Grenfell is likely to involve a shift towards safer and more sustainable materials that can better resist fire and provide effective thermal insulation.

There is a growing trend towards using insulation materials that are "breathable" and can help regulate indoor humidity levels, which can improve indoor air quality and reduce the risk of mould growth. This could lead to the use of materials such as aerogel and other advanced insulation products that can provide both thermal insulation and breathability.

Low carbon insulation is a type of insulation material or product that has a low carbon footprint or a reduced impact on the environment. The term "carbon" in this context refers to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the primary driver of climate change. Insulation plays a crucial role in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, which account for a significant portion of global energy use and emissions.

Low carbon insulation can be achieved through various means, including the use of recycled materials, natural materials, and materials that require less energy to produce. For example, insulation products made from recycled plastic bottles or natural fibres like wood-fibre and hemp have a lower carbon footprint compared to products made from petrochemicals, with a similar thermal performance to glass fibre or mineral wool. Additionally, some insulation products use less energy in their production, such as cellulose insulation made from recycled newspaper.

In addition to reducing the carbon footprint of insulation materials themselves, low carbon insulation can also help reduce the carbon footprint of buildings by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Insulation helps to keep buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer, reducing the need for heating and air conditioning, which are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions.

The 9 steps to success

Taking a best practice approach to building fabric optimisation, whole life carbon, and energy-saving products involves several steps. Here are some tips:

Conduct a building energy audit: This involves reviewing your building's current energy usage and identifying areas that can be optimised. Assessing the building’s thermal performance, reviewing the building design and materials, and identifying energy usage patterns. Ideally the energy audit should understand the preceding 5-years of energy use and will act as a SWOT analysis for developing an energy strategy.
Optimise building fabric: Once you have identified areas for improvement, you can implement measures to optimise building fabric, such as understanding the cost and carbon benefit of improving insulation, sealing air leaks, upgrading windows and doors, and using high-performance roofing materials.
Choose sustainable building materials: Choose sustainable building materials made from natural or recycled fibres, such as insulation, cladding, and flooring to reduce the upfront carbon.
Reduce whole life carbon: Reducing whole life carbon is an important consideration when constructing buildings. Consider the carbon footprint of materials, transportation, and installation, repair and replacement. For example, renewable technology transported halfway across the world may greatly reduce the in-use carbon emissions, but need replacement at least a couple of times throughout the lifecycle of the building.
Use energy-efficient equipment: Investing in energy-efficient equipment is one of the most effective ways to save energy. Look for equipment that is Energy Rating Labels UK certified, which indicates that it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines.
Use LED lighting: LED lighting is more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. Switching to LED lighting can significantly reduce your energy consumption and enables daylight responsiveness, timed on/off, remote and presence-controlled on/off.
Implement energy-saving practices: Encourage employees to turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use - are they ‘burning their bonus’? Set up automatic shutdowns on equipment when not in use.
Choose eco-friendly products: Choose eco-friendly products made from sustainable materials, including recycled materials.
Partner with energy consultants: Partnering with energy consultants can help you identify further areas of improvement and potential cost savings. These experts can help you identify the most effective energy-saving measures for your building.

By taking a best practice approach to building fabric optimisation, whole life carbon, and energy-saving products, you can reduce your environmental impact, save on costs, and create a more sustainable building.

How Mesh can help

At Mesh, we can improve building performance design by simulating and analysing the energy performance of a building under different scenarios. This process involves creating a computerised model of the building and analysing how it will perform in terms of energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality. Our modelling can help identify areas for improvement and optimise building design for better energy performance.

Here are some specific ways our modelling can improve building performance design:

Energy efficiency: We can help identify areas of the building that are likely to consume the most energy, such as lighting, heating, and cooling systems. By simulating the performance of the building under different conditions, such as varying outdoor temperatures and solar radiation, designers can identify opportunities to optimise the building's energy efficiency, such as using natural ventilation or improving insulation.
Thermal comfort: We can help predict how the building's occupants will experience thermal comfort in different parts of the building. This information can be used to optimise the building's design to provide better thermal comfort, such as adjusting the location of windows or improving insulation to reduce drafts.
Indoor air quality: We can help predict the indoor air quality of the building under different scenarios, such as varying outdoor pollution levels and ventilation rates. This information can be used to optimise the building's design to provide better indoor air quality, such as designing for natural ventilation or including air purifiers.
Whole life carbon: We can test different construction methodologies, building services strategies, and onsite energy generation alongside renewable technologies to understand the whole life carbon of a project in the context of the RICS life cycle stages.

Overall, our modelling can help designers optimise building design for better energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality with a low whole life carbon cycle leading to improved building performance and reduced energy consumption.

Why is POE Key in Sustainable Building Design?

Wed, 24 May 2023 10:18:27 GMT

In today's world, there is no question that sustainability and energy efficiency have become major concerns when it comes to building and construction. With climate change at the forefront of everyone's minds, it is imperative that we start considering the impact of the built environment. One way to do this is through post-occupancy evaluation (POE).

What is a POE?

POE is a process that evaluates how well a building is performing in terms of energy consumption after it has been occupied. It involves the use of measurement devices, such as smart meters and data loggers, to gather data on the building's energy use. The aim is to identify areas of inefficiency and optimise the building's energy performance. By analysing the data, building owners can identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills, while also reducing the building's carbon footprint.

Examples of equipment used in POEs include:

Smart meters: these devices measure energy consumption in real-time and provide data on energy use patterns. This can help building owners identify times of high energy consumption and take steps to reduce usage during those periods.

Data loggers: these devices measure and record data on temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. By analysing this data, building owners can identify areas where energy is being wasted due to poor insulation or ventilation.

Thermal imaging cameras: these cameras capture images of heat patterns in a building, which can be used to identify areas of heat loss and inefficiency.

Occupancy sensors: these devices detect the presence of people in a room and can be used to control lighting and heating to reduce energy consumption when rooms are unoccupied.

How do they make the built environment greener and healthier?

POEs can help make the built environment greener and healthier in several ways. First, by identifying areas of poor energy performance, the building owner can implement changes that reduce energy consumption and improve the building's overall sustainability. Second, by identifying areas of poor indoor air quality or other environmental hazards, the building owner can take steps to make the building healthier for its occupants. Finally, by gathering feedback from occupants, the building owner can make changes that improve the overall comfort and usability of the building.

Is it required? Is it standard practice?

POEs are not currently required by law in the UK, but they are becoming increasingly common in both commercial and residential projects. In fact, some building certifications such as BREEAM and LEED require POEs as part of the certification process. As sustainability becomes a higher priority for many building owners, we can expect to see POEs become more of a standard practice in the future. The environmental, economic, and energy benefits of POEs are significant. By identifying areas of inefficiency, building owners can reduce energy consumption, lower energy bills, and reduce their carbon footprint. For example, universities such as the MEARU (Mackintosh Environmental Architecture Research Unit) at the Glasgow School of Art implemented POEs, for which I participated in a couple of POE projects almost a decade ago. In those evaluations, we were assessing the energy performance of their buildings and identifying areas where energy was being wasted to take steps to improve the buildings' energy efficiency.

How can a POE reduce costs?

POEs can help reduce costs in several ways. First, by identifying areas of poor energy performance, the building owner can implement changes that reduce energy consumption and save money on energy bills. Second, by identifying areas of poor indoor air quality or other environmental hazards, the building owner can avoid costly health and safety issues in the future. Finally, by gathering feedback from occupants, the building owner can make changes that improve the overall efficiency and usability of the building, leading to increased productivity and potentially higher revenue.

How do I perform a POE?

Performing a POE typically requires a team of professionals with a range of skills and expertise, including survey design, data analysis, and building performance assessment. However, there are also methods to perform a DIY POE in your own house, with the assistance of an electrician. This is because there are new equipment options that are more user-friendly oriented and can be installed without requiring specialised expertise. For example, a smart meter can be installed in your home to monitor energy consumption, and this data can be uploaded online and checked by the homeowner.

While it may seem daunting to perform a POE yourself, the benefits are worth it. Identifying areas of inefficiency can help homeowners reduce energy consumption, lower energy bills, and reduce their carbon footprint. By using user-friendly equipment and online dashboards, homeowners can easily monitor their energy consumption and make changes to improve their energy efficiency. However, for larger commercial projects, it is recommended to consult with a professional team that has the necessary expertise to conduct a comprehensive POE.

How can Mesh help?

At Mesh Energy, we're committed to helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We understand that POEs can be complex and overwhelming, which is why we offer a range of services to make the process easier. Our experienced team of energy consultants can not only help with the installation of POE equipment, but also provide valuable insights on how to reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.

We've been performing POEs for an extensive amount of time and have found that POEs are becoming increasingly important for building owners who want to improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of their properties. Our team of experts has the skills and expertise needed to conduct a comprehensive POE, including data analysis, and building performance assessment. By working with us, you can identify areas for improvement and implement changes that improve the sustainability, energy efficiency, and occupant comfort of their buildings.

So whether you're a homeowner looking to make your property more energy-efficient or a business owner interested in reducing your carbon footprint, Mesh Energy can help. With our years of experience and commitment to sustainability, we're the perfect partner for all your POE needs.

In conclusion, POEs are an essential tool in closing the gap between design and actual performance, especially when it comes to sustainability and energy efficiency. As climate change becomes an increasingly urgent issue, it is crucial that we start considering the impact of our built environment on carbon emissions. By identifying areas of inefficiency, building owners can implement changes that reduce energy consumption, lower energy bills, and reduce their carbon footprint. POEs can also help to make the built environment healthier for occupants, improving indoor air quality and reducing environmental hazards. While POEs are not yet required by law in many places, it is becoming increasingly common in both commercial and residential projects, and it is likely that we will see it become even more standard practice in the future.

Sustainable building regulations: What is 'The Code' and how does it work?

Wed, 17 May 2023 08:38:06 GMT

As energy efficiency and sustainability become ever more present in the construction industry, it has become essential that we understand how to measure the energy efficiency and sustainability of a building’s design, how to compare it to other similar building designs, and finally, how we can improve it.

There are two key ways to approach these measurements. First, we can use building regulations and sustainability assessments, such as Part L, Part O, CO2 emissions and overheating risk. These are formal assessments that the building must comply with to pass building control on design and on build.

Assessments such as the Code for Sustainable Homes (code/CSH) and the British Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Methodology (BREEAM) are either mandated by a planning condition or an optional assessment used to demonstrate that the design, construction and use of the whole building (and site) have considered the energy consumption, sustainability and environmental impacts of the building during its design and build phases. Buildings are then given a rating depending on how well they perform, and are awarded a certification inline with that rating.

These building codes target domestic projects, however, they were discontinued in 2015 and are now largely a voluntary assessment, so you won't see these code requirements very often.

BREEAM targets non-domestic projects like offices, health centres and schools, and can also apply to large-scale residential institutions such as university accommodation. For new non-domestic buildings, there are three primary BREEAM standards that apply. The latest BREEAM standard to be released was ‘BREEAM New Construction 2018’, although many sub-edits have followed to account for regulation updates. Planning requirements in a local area set out the size of a building that will trip the requirement to meet a specific BREEAM rating. This is typically seen as ‘Buildings with a total floor area greater than 1000 sq. m. require a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ or greater.’

So what does BREEAM actually assess?

BREEAM awards credits to a building, and these contribute to its overall score. The score equates to a rating, and the levels are as follows:

Unclassified: < 30%
Pass: 30–44%
Good: 45–54%
Very Good: 55–69%
Excellent: 70–84%
Outstanding: > 85%

BREEAM looks at ten different categories, and assigns a weighting to each category depending on the level of work being carried out. The ten categories that BREEAM assesses are:

Management
Health and Wellbeing
Energy
Transport
Water
Materials
Waste
Land Use and Ecology
Pollution
Innovation

The four levels of work are:

Full fit-out:
Where the building is being fully designed and constructed prior to handover, such as a large office block.
Simple building:
Typically a fully fitted out building but at a smaller scale, such as an office in a large industrial unit

Shell and core:
The shell of the building and the core building services are being designed and constructed prior to handover, such as a health centre where the end client will have their own team designing the internal service requirements

Shell only:
The shell of the building is being designed and constructed prior to handover. The services supplied to the building are capped off at the plant room. An example might be retail units where the end user will design the core and local services.

The reason for the different weightings is because in a building that is fully fitted out, energy is the most highly-weighted category. The design team must make sure that they create a shell and services that are energy efficient. However, on a shell and core, or shell-only project, the design team will have little impact on the services that are included in the building, so focus is given to the materials the shell is being constructed with, and how carbon polluting they are. Each category is broken down into a further eight categories, which in turn offer between one and ten credits depending on how well the building has performed against that assessment issue.

As an example, let’s take the smallest category, Transport. Transport is broken down into 2 assessment issues:

TRA 01: Transport assessment and travel plan
TRA 02: Sustainable transport measures

TRA 01 offers a total of two credits, while TRA 02 offers a total of ten credits. To get these credits, you must show that you have considered and included different transport measures in the design of the building. For instance, with TRA 02, a credit is awarded if cycle storage is being provided to the users of the building. The difficulty with BREEAM is that it's not quite as simple as “There's my cycle storage on the ground floor, tick, I’ve got a credit.”

Keeping things in sync

BREEAM ties all the different teams together and makes sure they are considering EVERYTHING when they specify ANYTHING. Take cycle storage for example, the credit actually says “install compliant cycle storage spaces to meet the minimum levels set out in Table 7.5.” This means that there is a minimum number of cycle spaces that must be provided based on the building size and use. Also, note the word ‘compliant’! You can’t propose ten cycle spaces in a tiny room to achieve the credit, because the BREEAM assessor will have to check that they actually are compliant.

Compliant cycle storage is listed as:

Cycles can be secured in racks with an overhead covering. Racks must be set/fixed to a permanent structure or located in a locked structure with surveillance.
The distance between each rack and other obstructions (such as a wall) must allow access to the space to store bikes.
The storage facility or its entrance must be visible from a main entrance or by users from an occupied building.
The cycle storage must have adequate lighting.
The lighting must be controlled to avoid lights activating when they aren't needed.

This is the level of information needed to sign off just one credit in one of the assessment issues found in the wider categories in BREEAM. The key is to make sure that all members of the design team are considering how everything they are specifying to meet their standards impacts another design team members’ ability to reach theirs. Design teams must also remember to keep in mind the environmental and sustainability impacts of their design on the local area and the users of the building.

For example, for cycle storage, if you do not put spaces in a building, then you aren't actively encouraging building users to cycle to work. Furthermore, if that cycle storage is unusable because the cycle spaces are badly designed, bike theft is a possible issue, and if it’s badly lit, you are not actively encouraging building users to cycle to work. It's about designing a building to work for the users and to encourage behavioural changes as sustainability becomes a priority.

Our tips for complying with BREEAM

Hire a BREEAM-accredited professional! This role is specifically designed to help design teams get the credits the BREEAM assessor is asking for. Plus, there are also credits to be awarded for having a BREEAM AP onboard.

Start BREEAM in RIBA 1 as soon as you know you are building something. Check if you need to meet a BREEAM rating and get your assessor involved. If possible, also get a renewable energy consultant involved. The earlier you start targeting and trying to achieve credits, the less costly BREEAM will be in the long run (some credits are only available to action in RIBA 1 and 2, and a lot of credits are easiest to target in RIBA 2, but can become more costly to target as the design progresses.)

At Mesh, we consider it essential that our consultants and engineers understand the way their work overlaps with the BREEAM criteria and where we can actively help design teams to ensure the required BREEAM rating is met.

Our building performance consultants are well versed in the BREEAM standards, and are able to aid engineers to comply with their credits. We also embed them in design teams from an early stage, to make sure that the building design is being optimised all the way through. There is significant overlap between the M&E and building performance teams at Mesh. This allows a unique opportunity to make the projects run as smoothly as possible and make a BREEAM assessors job as easy as possible, because quite frankly, keeping a whole design team on track can be an incredibly difficult task.

Low energy building design: What are the core principles?

Wed, 10 May 2023 08:00:08 GMT

As the world becomes more conscious of the environmental impact of the built environment, low energy building design is gaining traction. Traditionally, buildings consume a significant amount of energy, and their carbon footprint is a major contributor to global warming. Low energy building design aims to minimise energy consumption and promote sustainability, so what are the core principles of low energy building design?

1. Efficient Building Fabric

Fabric first! Efficient insulation is the first principle of low energy building design. A well-insulated building will have a much lower heating requirement, saving money for the occupant as well as reducing the cost of the heating plant installed. Building designers should aim to improve on building regulations’ u-values wherever possible.

Windows and doors should also be considered as they are usually the weakest points in a building's envelope, allowing heat to escape and cold air to enter. Double or triple-glazed windows with low-emissivity coatings and insulated frames help to minimise heat loss.

2. Air tightness

Air tightness is a critical consideration in low energy buildings. Air leaks can cause significant energy losses and negatively impact the indoor air quality. A building with poor air tightness can result in higher energy consumption, discomfort and higher energy bills. It is essential to conduct air tightness testing during the construction process to identify and rectify air leaks before the building is occupied.

3. Passive solar design
Passive solar design is an approach that utilises the sun's energy for heating during the winter months. To avoid overheating in the summer, care must be taken to limit solar gains during that time. This involves the strategic placement of windows and the use of materials that absorb and store heat.

4. Low flow temperature heating systems

Regardless of the heating system you install, you can set yourself up for success by ensuring that the central heating is configured to allow for low flow temperatures. Ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, and to a lesser extent, gas boilers, all run most efficiently at lower flow temperatures. Planning for an UFH system with a flow temperature of 35-40ºC will ensure the best future options for your new home.

5. Renewable energy sources

In the UK, the most commonly used and economically viable renewable energy sources are solar PV and ASHP. For heating, ASHPs and GSHPs are viable and commonly-used options. GSHPs operate most efficiently, however, due to their high installation costs they only tend to be economically competitive for larger properties.

Solar PV can be utilised to generate electricity and reduce the need for purchasing from the grid. We find that these systems typically pay back in six years, making them a good option for most new and existing properties.

In conclusion, low energy building design is a holistic approach that integrates several principles to minimise energy consumption and promote sustainability. Efficient insulation, high levels of air tightness, passive solar design, low temperature heating, and renewable energy sources are some of the core principles.

As architects and homeowners, understanding these principles is essential to creating buildings that are both sustainable and energy-efficient. Mesh can support your design by helping you to optimise the solutions installed for your project and gain some early-stage insight into the likely capital and running costs for your preferred solutions. We can also support at the technical design stage and beyond to ensure all your systems work seamlessly together.

A closer look at the UK's sustainable building and renewable energy targets

Wed, 03 May 2023 08:00:00 GMT

The United Kingdom (UK) has set ambitious targets to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. One of the key areas where the UK is focusing its efforts is in the building and renewable energy sectors. In this blog post, I’ll be taking a closer look at the UK's sustainable building and renewable energy targets, their purpose, and how they compare to the targets set by other European countries.

Sustainable building and renewable energy targets

The UK has set a target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. As part of this goal, the UK government has set specific targets for sustainable building. The primary target is for all new homes to be built to zero-carbon standards by 2025. Additionally, the government has set a target for all existing buildings to be retrofitted to improve energy efficiency by 2030.

As well as sustainable building targets, the UK has also set ambitious renewable energy targets, including the aim to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

The purpose of these targets is to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. By building new homes to zero-carbon standards and retrofitting existing buildings, the UK can significantly reduce its carbon footprint. These targets will also create new jobs and stimulate economic growth in the building sector.

In comparison with other European countries

The UK's sustainable building and renewable energy targets are among the most ambitious in Europe, and the UK currently ranks 6th in the world for wind and solar production and use. Several other European countries have set even more ambitious targets. For example, Sweden has a target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, while Denmark has a target to generate 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

Who is doing particularly well?

Several countries in Europe are leading the way in sustainable building and renewable energy. Norway, for example, has achieved nearly 100% of its electricity generation from renewable sources, namely hydroelectricity. Denmark and Germany are also making significant progress, with over 60% and 40% of their electricity generated from renewable wind and solar sources, respectively.

From a Mesh point of view, how are we doing? Can we meet these targets?

Mesh, a UK-based sustainability consultancy, is committed to helping its clients meet the UK's sustainable building and renewable energy targets. While the targets are ambitious, Mesh believes that they are achievable with the right approach. Mesh works with clients to identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Mesh also helps clients to implement renewable energy solutions, such as heat pumps, solar panels, batteries and many other low carbon technologies.

What must be done in the building and renewable energy sector to help meet these targets?

To meet the UK's sustainable building and renewable energy targets, significant investment will be required in the building and renewable energy sectors. The government must provide incentives for businesses and individuals to invest in sustainable building and renewable energy solutions. The construction industry must also adopt new technologies and practices to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

In addition, much work needs to be done at grass-roots level to help building design teams to collaborate better, work with powerful and insightful software and encourage as well as educate the next generation of architects and building consultants graduating from college and university.

Only through this long-term commitment can we make lasting and positive change.

How does the work that Mesh do contribute to meeting these targets?

Mesh is making a significant contribution to meeting the UK's sustainable building and renewable energy targets. We work with clients at the earliest possible stages to understand sustainable aspirations, compliance requirements and identify unique project opportunities to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Much of our time is spent at early project stages, understanding the fundamental thermal and wider building performance behaviour to ensure that the developed design is informed and impactful.

We bring experience, software, collaborative thinking and never-before seen insight to designing buildings fit for the future.

In conclusion, the UK's sustainable building and renewable energy targets have been set to ensure the UK plays its part in the global push to reduce, stop and reverse the damage that carbon emissions have had on our world. The UK are doing ‘ok’ at the moment, but it can definitely do better, and Mesh will continue to play a pivotal role in decarbonising the built environment in the UK and beyond.

Renewable energy: How commercial projects can take a sustainable approach to air conditioning

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 10:51:22 GMT

Commercial air conditioning is not uncommon in the UK. From highrise offices to sprawling warehouses, HVAC systems keep workforces cool in the summer and warm in the winter. But this comes at a cost, with spiralling energy prices and inefficient systems racking up bills and pumping out emissions.

We spent some time with Mesh’s Mechanical and Electrical Design Consultant, Dan Grammer-Taylor, to answer some of the most frequently asked questions around making commercial (and industrial) air conditioning more sustainable.

What is the issue with an energy-intensive HVAC technology like air con?

The main issue with air conditioning is its negative impact on the environment and its contribution to climate change. The air cooling process requires a significant amount of energy, which has traditionally been generated by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This process releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Additionally, the energy consumption associated with HVAC systems can be a major contributor to a building's overall energy use and carbon footprint. In many cases, air conditioning systems are oversized, outdated or poorly maintained, which leads to energy waste and inefficiencies.

The discussion around the suitability of air conditioning systems has become increasingly important in recent years as the world faces the growing threat of climate change. To address this issue, there has been a push to develop more sustainable and energy-efficient HVAC technologies, as well as a focus on improved maintenance and operational practices to reduce energy waste.

How has HVAC technology improved in recent years?

Commercial air conditioning technology has improved significantly in recent years, with a focus on increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Some of the key improvements in air conditioning technology include:

Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) Systems: VRF systems are designed to deliver varying levels of cooling to different areas of a building, depending on the demand for cooling. This makes them more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems, which deliver a fixed level of cooling to the entire building.
Energy-efficient Compressors: The compressors used in modern air conditioning systems are designed to be more energy-efficient, with variable speed drives and improved insulation. This results in lower energy consumption and reduces environmental impact.
Smart Controls and Automation: Modern air conditioning systems can be controlled and optimised using smart controls and automation, which can reduce energy consumption by adjusting the cooling output based on occupancy levels, time of day and other factors.
Sustainable Refrigerants: The refrigerants used in air conditioning systems have traditionally been harmful to the environment, contributing to ozone depletion and global warming. However, newer refrigerants such as R-410A and R-32 are more sustainable and have a lower impact on the environment.
Improved Maintenance and Servicing: Regular maintenance and servicing of air conditioning systems can help ensure they operate efficiently and effectively. Improvements in maintenance and servicing practices can help reduce energy waste and extend the lifespan of the equipment.

Overall, these improvements in commercial air conditioning technology have made it possible for buildings to maintain a comfortable indoor environment while using less energy and having a reduced impact on the environment.

What can developers do to take a more sustainable approach to air conditioning?

Developers can take a more sustainable approach to air conditioning by incorporating sustainable design principles and practices into their building projects. Here are some specific steps they can take:

Design for passive cooling: Developers can design buildings to incorporate passive cooling strategies, such as natural ventilation, shading and thermal mass. This can reduce the need for mechanical cooling and result in a more comfortable indoor environment.
Choose energy-efficient systems: Developers can choose energy-efficient air conditioning systems that use less energy to operate and have a lower impact on the environment. This can include systems with high SEER and EER ratings, as well as those that use sustainable refrigerants.
Optimise system sizing and placement: Developers can ensure that air conditioning systems are properly sized for the building and are located in areas that minimise heat gain. This can help reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.
Utilise renewable energy sources: Developers can incorporate renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or geothermal systems, to power air conditioning systems. This can reduce the carbon footprint of the building and lower energy costs.
Use smart controls and automation: Developers can install smart controls and automation systems that optimise the performance of air conditioning systems based on occupancy levels, time of day and other factors. This can reduce energy consumption and improve the overall efficiency of the system.
Implement green building certifications: Developers can seek green building certifications, such as LEED or BREEAM, which prioritise sustainable design and construction practices. These certifications can help ensure that a building is designed and constructed with sustainability in mind and can have a positive impact on the environment and the health of its occupants.

By incorporating these strategies into their building projects, developers can take a more sustainable approach to air conditioning and reduce the environmental impact of their buildings while improving the comfort of their occupants.

Are there any energy-efficient alternatives to air conditioning?

There are several alternatives to traditional air conditioning systems that are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Here are some of the most promising alternatives for commercial air conditioning:

Radiant Cooling: Radiant cooling systems use chilled water or other fluids to cool surfaces in the building, such as ceilings, walls or floors. These surfaces then radiate cool temperatures into the space, providing a comfortable indoor environment. Radiant cooling is often used in conjunction with other passive cooling strategies to reduce the need for mechanical cooling.
Evaporative Cooling: Evaporative cooling systems use water to cool the air, which is then circulated throughout the building. These systems can be more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioning systems, particularly in dry climates. However, they may not be suitable for areas with high humidity.
Geothermal Cooling: Geothermal cooling systems use the stable temperature of the ground to cool the air. They can be more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioning systems, particularly in areas with a consistent temperature below ground. However, they can be expensive to install and may not be suitable for all locations.
Natural Ventilation: Natural ventilation systems use openings in the building, such as windows or vents, to allow fresh air to circulate through the space. They can be more energy-efficient than traditional air conditioning systems, particularly in mild climates. However, they may not be suitable for areas with high levels of outdoor pollution or noise.

While these alternatives may not be suitable for all commercial buildings, they offer promising options for developers and building owners looking to reduce the environmental impact of their cooling systems. By exploring these alternatives and incorporating sustainable design principles, developers can take a more holistic approach to building design and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Is the changing climate building a case for the increased usage of air con?

The changing climate is creating conditions that make air conditioning more necessary in certain regions, particularly in areas with high temperatures and humidity levels. As global temperatures continue to rise, more regions are experiencing heatwaves and prolonged periods of high temperatures that can be dangerous for human health.

In some cases, air conditioning can be an effective way to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on human health and productivity. Air conditioning can provide a comfortable indoor environment that helps prevent heat-related illnesses and allows people to continue working and living their daily lives.

However, it is important to note that air conditioning is not a sustainable solution to the problem of climate change. Traditional air conditioning systems consume significant amounts of energy, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and can exacerbate the urban heat island effect in cities. Additionally, relying on air conditioning to cope with rising temperatures may ultimately make the problem worse by increasing energy demand and contributing to further climate change.

To address the challenge of climate change, it is important to consider a range of strategies, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing energy efficiency, and designing buildings and communities to be more resilient in the face of changing weather patterns. While air conditioning may be a necessary short-term solution in some cases, it is important to consider its environmental impact and explore alternative strategies for cooling buildings and mitigating the impact of extreme heat.

How does commercial air con differ from residential air con?

Commercial air conditioning systems and residential air conditioning systems differ in several ways, including their size, capacity, and complexity. Here are some of the key differences between commercial and residential air conditioning systems:

Size: Commercial buildings are typically larger than residential buildings, which means that commercial air conditioning systems are larger and more complex.
Capacity: Commercial air conditioning systems are designed to cool larger spaces and serve more people than residential systems. They are typically rated in tons, while residential systems are rated in British Thermal Units (BTUs).
Zoning: Commercial air conditioning systems often have multiple zones to accommodate different cooling needs within a building. Residential systems typically have one or two zones.
Ductwork: Commercial air conditioning systems typically use larger and more complex ductwork than residential systems – to distribute cooled air throughout the building.
Control Systems: Commercial air conditioning systems often have more advanced control systems than residential systems, allowing facilities managers to monitor and adjust cooling performance based on the specific needs of the building.
Maintenance: Commercial air conditioning systems require more frequent maintenance than residential systems due to their larger size and higher capacity.

Overall, commercial air conditioning systems are designed to handle larger and more complex cooling needs than residential systems, and they often require more advanced technologies and maintenance practices to operate effectively.

What other factors can help improve the heating and cooling of commercial property?

There are several factors other than air conditioning that can help improve the heating and cooling of commercial properties. Here are some to consider:

Building Orientation: The orientation of a building can impact how much sunlight it receives and how much shade it provides. By orienting a building to maximise natural light and shade, developers can reduce the need for mechanical cooling and heating.
Insulation: Insulation plays a critical role in keeping a building comfortable all year-round. By adding insulation to walls, ceilings and floors, building owners can reduce heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
Glazing: The type and quality of windows and glazing can impact how much heat enters or escapes a building. By choosing energy-efficient glazing and shading devices, building owners can reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter.
Natural Ventilation: Natural ventilation systems use openings in the building, such as windows or vents, to allow fresh air to circulate through the space. By incorporating natural ventilation systems into building design, developers can reduce the need for mechanical cooling and improve indoor air quality.
High-Efficiency HVAC Systems: High-efficiency HVAC systems, such as those that use geothermal or air-source heat pumps, can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional heating and cooling systems.
Renewable Energy: Incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, into building design can help offset energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

By considering these factors in building design and operation, developers and building owners can improve the heating and cooling of commercial properties while also reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

We hope these FAQs have given you deeper insight into the challenge that commercial and industrial sectors face when it comes to HVAC efficiency. Of course, keeping workforces cool and comfortable is the priority, but it’s important to understand the wider affect of air conditioning systems in a country where climate change is becoming increasingly noticeable year on year.

If you’re an architect, builder or planner looking to improve or install sustainable HVAC technology in your building, get in touch with us today to find out more about staying cool whilst keeping the environment in mind.

Renewable energy and sustainable building: Just how effective are air source heat pumps in the UK?

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 08:00:00 GMT

In the past few years we’ve seen a rapid increase in the number of air source heat pumps installed throughout the UK, in commercial and residential buildings. Many people are saying that the heat pump is a worthy replacement for more traditional systems such as gas-fired combi boilers. The primary benefit of an air source heat pump is that it doesn’t rely on fossil fuels to heat water.

Heat pumps work by extracting heat from the outside air and using a process of heat exchange to provide hot water to heat radiators and taps, even if the outside air temperature is below 0°C. But some argue that heat pumps aren’t effective in the UK climate, and present additional challenges such as noise, cost, installation and time to heat.

So, we must ask, how effective are air source heat pumps in the UK? Let’s break this down into some easily understandable deciding factors.

Insulation: The effectiveness of an air source heat pump is closely linked to the insulation of your home. As with traditional boiler-fed systems, if your home is poorly insulated, the heat produced by the heat pump may escape through the walls, roof, and windows, reducing its overall efficiency. With myriad insulation options available to homeowners, it’s important to ensure that your home is set up to retain as much heat as possible.

Climate: Air source heat pumps work best in areas with milder winters. In the UK, they are most effective in the south and west, where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. In colder areas, a bigger heat pump may be required to meet the heating loads on the coldest days of the year.

System size: The size of the heat pump system you install will determine the heating output. If you choose a system that is too small for your home, it may struggle to provide enough heat, especially in colder weather. A system that is too large may be inefficient and cost more to run than is necessary. Therefore, it’s important to seek professional advice before installation, particularly in a country where residential dwellings come in all shapes and sizes.

Reverse Cooling: Air source heat pumps can provide comfort cooling as well as heating. They will require fan coil units (FCU) to distribute the cold air into the required rooms. This can be done by operating the heat pump in reverse mode. Alternatively, if there is a second buffer vessel to store the cold water they can provide heating and cooling simultaneously. This is an important consideration as we see more contrasting weather conditions between winter and summer due to climate change.

Installation: In some cases, it may be necessary to upgrade pipework or increase the size of a property’s radiators (due to heat pumps heating water more slowly than gas-fired boilers). This could increase your installation costs and cause disruption during the installation process. Again, consult a professional to ensure that your existing hardware can suitably accommodate the addition of a heat pump.

Noise: The heat pump itself does emit running noise. Whilst not loud, it’s important to consider where to install it. Patios, side alleys and concrete slabs away from bedrooms are all popular solutions. Terraced homes, flats or older properties may present challenges when it comes to positioning the pump.

Cost: Now, the cost of an ASHP is not particularly variable from country to country, but it’s important to remember that the UK is facing an energy crisis much greater than seen elsewhere in Europe. If we are to continue to see unreasonable energy prices in the domestic market, then an ASHP may be a viable option to gradually bring down your household energy bills, but this will take some time when you consider the cost of installation.

Net zero targets: Arguably, the most important factor of all. If we are to meet our steep net zero targets as a country, we must all play our part in reducing our carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. ASHPs generate significantly fewer carbon emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel heating systems. By switching to an ASHP, homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to the UK's efforts to combat climate change.

To summarise, air source heat pumps can be an effective heating and cooling solution in the UK, especially in milder areas with well-insulated homes. However, it's important to choose the right size and type of system for your needs, and to have it installed and maintained by a qualified professional.

If you’re in the early stages of a domestic building project or are an architect seeing more and more clients specifying air source heat pumps (or ground source heat pumps), get in touch with Mesh today and see the value that an energy consultancy can bring to your project.

Future-proofing listed buildings: restraints and recommendations

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 08:00:10 GMT

Listed buildings ooze character and charm, and it’s often their quirks and historic merits which their owners fall in love with. However, living in them comfortably is not always plain sailing, especially during the winter months. Single glazed windows, nooks and crannies let draughts in, and heating systems are often old and running on fossil fuels which gurgle and crank up to churn out heat which flows out of the building just as quickly as it comes in.

With sustainability and rising energy prices now at the forefront of people’s minds we’re often asked can we make improvements to redress their circumstances? Where can we install insulation? Can we consider moving away from oil or gas as the primary heat source and use an air source or ground source heat pump? The detailed answers are as unique as the buildings themselves, but a common approach can be employed every time to answer these questions.

So, what is the best approach for this kind of project?

Whilst the starting point to approach a Listed Building project is the same as with any other building - consider the fabric first to reduce the heat demand – the main difference is that Listed Buildings will have heritage and historical constraints as to what physical changes are allowed.

All proposed changes will need agreement with the local authority conservation officer. Therefore, the first task is to appoint a local heritage consultant who will have experience of the history of the regional vernacular to offer the most appropriate advice as to what may be permitted.

Secondly, form a collaborative team with your architect, structural engineer, heritage consultant and energy consultant to work towards the best outcome within the design constraints.

Heritage bodies advocate for a holistic approach so where thermal improvements are to be proposed then they will need to be justified (within the heritage impact part of the heritage statement) showing due regard to the whole house approach and its principles. Historic England provide a great deal of guidance which can be viewed at Energy Efficiency and Historic Buildings | Historic England .

Katie McAndrew, Hutton + Rostron

Top consideration s for the fabric:

1

First and foremost, with any fabric improvements you must consider its breathability. How can moisture be absorbed and emitted from the building and kept in balance to prevent rot?

2

You must be realistic about what can be achieved. It’s important to be flexible balancing your own wants and needs to live in the building comfortably with the historical features of the property.

3

The ro of needs to look exactly the same before and after any improvements, so is it possible to remove the roof tiles, insulate the roof and put the tiles back without compromising on the look of the building?

4

Can you replace the existing floor with a sustainable and historically relevant type of construction to add in underfloor heating and put it back? Is there enough depth for the system? It’s not always possible due to the floor structure.

5

Improving the external walls is largely affected by their historical value, condition and the method of construction that will most likely have to be retained. In some cases, you can insulate the walls with a layer of sheep’s wool but it’s not always practical or considered in keeping with the property.

6

Glazing may ha ve historical imperfections and value or warped over time, and as is likely to be considered irreplaceable and so may require refurbishment of the timber frames. However, part of the house can be upgraded to high performance glazing if one or more facades are not deemed to be historically important. If it is not possible to upgrade the windows, then the choices tend to be limited to secondary glazing and/or very heavy curtains to prevent some of the heat loss.

Top considerations for the fabric:

1

Once any fabric improvements have been carefully considered by the heritage consultant and approved by the local authority conservation officers, then a room-by-room heat loss model is required to be able to assess whether a low flow temperature heat pump system will make the house warm in winter. It may be the case that certain rooms will not reach the optimum 20 degrees room temperature all year round. In which case a discussion with your design team will be required to understand how supplementary solutions may be employed

2

Ground source heat pumps don’t generally require planning permission as the pipework is all buried underground in the garden. Air source heat pumps do require planning permission as the historical aspects need to be taken into consideration in the context of aesthetics and conservation areas.

3

There may be significant challenges to overcome when integrating new mechanical and electrical systems with legacy systems within a historical structure. The legacy building services infrastructure may require a complete overhaul to fit with the new heating system so a building condition assessment survey might be required. Consider the disruption and cost of this undertaking.

4

Finally, as custodians of buildings of historical importance, think of any additions such as underfloor heating, a heat pump and added insulation as mere temporary solutions which can be easily removed if necessary to preserve the character of the building.

Case study

Here are the results from a feasibility study for a Grade II listed building project in an area where electricity was the only energy utility available, with improvements to the C15th fabric limited to the ground floor and roof.

Why airflow is crucial to your health and well-being in modern buildings

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 08:00:07 GMT

Airflow is crucial to our health and well-being in modern buildings because it can significantly impact the quality of the air we breathe, as well as our comfort levels.

Modern buildings are often constructed to be airtight and energy-efficient, which can lead to poor indoor air quality if the ventilation system is not fit for purpose.

This can cause a buildup of pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide, and particulate matter, which can have negative effects on our health, such as respiratory issues, allergies, headaches, and fatigue.

Proper airflow is also essential for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and humidity levels. This can be achieved through proper ventilation system design and maintenance, as well as regular monitoring of indoor air quality. Poor airflow can result in hot and stuffy rooms, which can lead to discomfort and reduced productivity, especially in workplaces. On the other hand, excessive airflow can cause drafts and discomfort, especially during the colder months.

In addition, adequate ventilation and airflow are critical for reducing the risk of the transmission of airborne viruses and other respiratory infections. Good airflow can help dilute and remove potentially infectious particles from the air, reducing the likelihood of infection.

How is ‘airflow’ defined in the context of sustainable building?
In the context of sustainable building, "airflow" generally refers to the movement of air through a building's ventilation system, which can impact indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency.

Specifically, airflow in sustainable building design aims to achieve a balance between ventilation and energy efficiency. Proper ventilation is important for maintaining good indoor air quality and removing pollutants and moisture, while energy efficiency is important for reducing the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

Airflow can be controlled through a number of strategies, such as the use of ventilation systems that draw in fresh air from outside and expel stale air, air filters that remove pollutants from the air, and natural ventilation strategies like operable windows and passive cooling techniques. Additionally, the design and placement of vents, ducts, and air diffusers can impact airflow and energy efficiency within a building.

Why is airflow important to a building?

Here are some reasons why airflow is important to a building:

Ventilation: Proper airflow provides ventilation, which is the process of bringing fresh air into a building and removing stale air. Ventilation helps to control indoor air pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide, and other harmful gases.

Temperature control: Proper airflow can help regulate the temperature of a building. In warmer weather, for example, airflow can help bring cooler air into the building, while in colder weather, it can help distribute warm air throughout the building.

Humidity control: Airflow can help control the level of humidity in a building. High humidity can lead to mould growth and other problems, while low humidity can cause discomfort and respiratory issues.

Energy efficiency: Proper airflow can also help improve energy efficiency by reducing the need for heating and cooling systems to regulate the temperature.

Occupant comfort: Good airflow can contribute to occupant comfort by providing fresh air, controlling temperature and humidity levels, and reducing odours and other pollutants.

How does it relate to air leakage and air tightness?
Airflow is important to a building's occupants for several reasons. Here are a few key ones:

Health: Good indoor air quality is essential for good health. Proper airflow can help remove pollutants, such as carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds, from the indoor air, which can improve the health and comfort of the building's occupants.

Comfort: Proper airflow can also help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and humidity level. Proper ventilation can also help reduce drafts and make the indoor environment more pleasant.

Energy efficiency: Good airflow management can also help reduce energy consumption by improving the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems.

Air leakage and air tightness are closely related to airflow in a building. Air leakage is the unintended movement of air into and out of a building through cracks, gaps, and other openings. This can result in uneven airflow, which can lead to discomfort for the occupants, and can also lead to energy waste.

Air tightness, on the other hand, is the measure of a building's ability to prevent air leakage. A building with good air tightness will have a lower rate of air leakage, which means that the indoor air will be better controlled, and the building will be more energy efficient.

Does sustainable technology have a part to play in controlling airflow?
Sustainable technology can play a significant role in controlling airflow in buildings and reducing energy consumption associated with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

One way that this can occur is through the use of smart ventilation systems. These systems use sensors to monitor indoor and outdoor air quality, temperature, and humidity levels to adjust ventilation rates in real-time. This can help to ensure that indoor air quality remains high while minimising the amount of energy used to heat or cool the space.

Another sustainable technology that can help control airflow is the use of passive ventilation systems. These systems rely on natural air movement and thermal buoyancy to regulate temperature and airflow in buildings, rather than relying on mechanical systems. For example, passive solar design features such as shading, natural ventilation, and thermal mass can help to reduce the need for mechanical cooling systems.

Additionally, the use of green roofs and green walls can help to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by buildings, which can help to reduce the need for air conditioning. These features can also help to filter and purify the air, improving indoor air quality and reducing the need for mechanical ventilation.

Sustainable technology can play an important role in controlling airflow and reducing the energy consumption associated with HVAC systems, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly built environment.

How can Mesh help?

Mesh can help you improve the efficiency and sustainability of your ventilation systems, reducing your carbon footprint and potentially saving you money on energy costs over time. Here are a few examples of how we can help.

Assessment and Analysis: Mesh can assess your building's current airflow and ventilation systems to identify areas of inefficiency, which can be improved through the installation of renewable energy solutions. For example, we may be able to identify areas where heat loss occurs and recommend the installation of insulation or more energy-efficient windows to improve ventilation, along with new ventilation systems to work in tandem with the building fabric.

Design and Implementation: If you are building a new structure or looking to upgrade your current ventilation systems, Mesh will be able to help design and implement renewable energy solutions that can improve airflow and ventilation. For example, we may recommend the installation of ground source or air source heat pumps, solar panels, or other renewable energy systems that can power ventilation equipment.

Sustainability Planning: Mesh can help you plan for the long-term sustainability of your ventilation systems, ensuring that they are designed to last and that they can be easily maintained and upgraded as technology advances.

Understand the value that renewable energy consultants can bring to your sustainable build

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT

As energy consultants, we provide ideas for how a company might make their use of energy more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. As the built environment (residential and commercial) is putting more focus on renewables and better ways of building, the role of an energy consultant is changing too.

We now incorporate building physics into our work, utilising simulation modelling and data to understand how a building behaves. This goes some way to helping manage comfortable temperatures in the property throughout the summer and winter months, and in some cases, assess the daylight levels within the building to ensure the user is benefitting from sufficient daylight exposure. All of these building physics elements help to improve the well-being of the occupants whilst simultaneously reducing the energy demand of the building, and ultimately its carbon footprint too.

How do you work with an energy consultant?
An energy consultant will join the process in the early RIBA stages – ideally RIBA 2. At this stage, they will advise on various risks inherent to the design of the building. They will also work with the architect to optimise the design, and improve areas that could decrease comfort, increase energy demand and push up operational costs.

A particular area that we concentrate on at Mesh is passive design analysis. This is where we can deliver real value in helping our clients to mitigate the risk of overheating and is a good example of simulation modelling. The analysis is typically repeated in an iterative process as we ‘design out’ the issues.

We will also work with our clients on the building’s floor plan to ensure there is adequate space to house the electrical and mechanical energy services. This could be anything from batteries to heating manifolds, and even ductwork. If a client has opted for solar, which is often the case, we work with them to optimise and maximise their photovoltaic array in terms of positioning and potential energy storage.

What difficulties might you encounter without a consultant?
There are several hurdles that you’ll encounter during your planning and build process, and perhaps during ongoing maintenance too. Of course, we are a little biased here, but we think it’s imperative that you involve a renewable energy consultant. Not only to ensure that your building is sustainable and high-performing but also to ensure that you have someone in your corner to manage the stringent requirements around planning and compliance, and mechanical and electrical.

Without a renewable energy consultant:

You may struggle to pass your local planning application
You may encounter compliance issues, specifically with ‘Part L’ or ‘Part O’
Your building could be at risk of overheating, which is damaging to the environment and costly
You may find yourself proposing a renewable energy system that is not feasible or suitable
You may miss key opportunities to reduce your long-term running costs
You may not get the full picture of energy systems specifically suitable for your project
Your solar may be inefficient, with energy lost to the grid with little benefit to the occupant

Who is Mesh and how do we work?
Mesh began by offering renewable energy feasibility studies to homeowners – a quickfire way of feasible routes to reduce their energy bills. Over the years, Mesh has grown into a multi-disciplinary consultancy, offering energy consultancy, building performance consultancy and mechanical services design to architects and developers, from residential self-builders to large commercial outfits.

At Mesh, we work as two core teams; the Building Performance team and the MEP team. These teams initially work together to assess a building at an engineering level and then at a building services level. The building physics team works to reduce the size of the services required, and they do this through smart and passive design. The engineering team then comes in to action the feasibility work and brings these ideas to life.

The early bird catches the worm
By contacting a renewable energy consultant early, they can have maximum impact in optimising the design of your building, guaranteeing that your building services are as small as possible (reducing your capital cost) and that your building retains and reuses as much energy as possible (again, reducing costs). All of this is done with what’s widely known as green technology or renewable technology, which works hard to reduce overall carbon emissions now and forever more.

If you’re a house builder, architect or commercial property developer, talk to us today about how Mesh can vastly improve the health, sustainability and performance of your building and its occupants. Let’s build better.

Low energy HVAC: Is residential air conditioning really a sustainable option in the UK?

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 09:48:16 GMT

As the global temperature continues to rise, air conditioning has become a staple in a growing number of households. With the UK being no exception, the demand for air conditioning has increased significantly over the past few years. However, the question arises: is residential air conditioning a sustainable option in the UK?

First, let's examine the energy consumption of air conditioning units. Traditional air conditioning units consume a significant amount of energy, leading to increased carbon emissions and higher energy bills. This not only harms the environment but also strains the homeowner's budget. In the UK, where energy prices continue to rise, this is a major concern for many.

The introduction of low-energy HVAC

To address these issues, low energy HVAC systems have been developed. These systems use cutting-edge refrigerant technology to provide efficient and eco-friendly cooling. These systems use less energy, reducing the carbon footprint, and lowering energy bills, and the best options contain refrigerant with low global warming potential, should leaks occur. Furthermore, they are designed to be more sustainable, with a longer lifespan and lower maintenance requirements.

Is UK air conditioning cost-effective, or even viable?

However, low-energy HVAC systems can still be expensive to install and may not be a viable option for everyone. While these may be cheaper to run than alternatives, the initial investment will be a barrier to entry, and homeowners can expect to spend in the region of £2,250 per room.

If you’re considering, or have already moved away from fossil fuels for heating, heat pumps also pose a viable option for cooling a property. In fact, most air source heat pumps come with the ability to work in reverse as standard. With your ASHP already installed for heating you can expect to pay an additional £1,250 per room to enable cooling, usually via fan coil units. However, the running costs of these systems in cooling mode is often slightly higher than their stand-alone counterparts.

Air conditioning alongside other renewable energy sources

There is often a synergy between a property’s cooling demand and the high points of solar PV generation in the summer. Pairing a cooling installation with a PV array can dramatically reduce energy bills associated with cooling and therefore the cost of ownership. Most domestic arrays experience excess during the summer months which is exported to the grid for a very low Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) rate (sadly, big payouts from the grid are now a thing of the past).

Before mechanical solutions are considered, Mesh would always recommend exploring passive design principles first to reduce the cooling need. These could be as simple as external shading in the form of overhangs, canopies or louvres. More invasive solutions to the fabric such as improving insulation levels and windows will also be effective in most retrofit projects and allow you to save money on your heating bill as well.

In conclusion

While low-energy HVAC systems are a more sustainable option for residential air conditioning in the UK than their less modern counterparts, they may not be the best option for everyone. Ultimately, the decision to install air conditioning should be based on personal needs and financial considerations. It is important for homeowners to weigh the benefits and drawbacks and make an informed decision, while at the same time looking at measures to reduce the need for cooling at all.

Overheating in sustainable buildings: Why you should tackle overheating early in the design process

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:00:10 GMT

What is overheating and why does it matter?

Overheating in buildings refers to the accumulation of heat inside such that users feel too uncomfortable to live or work there.

This can be a subjective perception from the user, and may vary from person to person, similar to the way that we may all set our household thermostats slightly differently. For some people an unbearably hot room will be 23°C while for others it could be 29°C. A comfortable temperature will also depend on the occupants’ activity, a comfortable working temperature may be uncomfortable for physical activity, or for sleep.

From June 2022, new buildings in the UK must prove that they do not overheat. This is inscribed in a new section of the building regulations named Part O, created to protect the health and welfare of the building occupants by reducing the occurrence of high indoor temperatures. In the regulations overheating is defined as not exceeding 28°C in any living area for more than 3% of the time that it is inhabited, plus an additional rule for bedrooms of not exceeding 25°C for 33 hours per year without the assistance of mechanical ventilation or cooling.

Overheating plays an important role in the comfort and environmental performance of a building. Buildings that overheat require mechanical cooling systems to achieve comfortable conditions, which implies an additional energy load. This energy likely comes from carbon intensive sources, or from renewable sources that could be used to feed the grid or to cover essential energy demands.

Moreover, there is embedded carbon associated with the industrial production of cooling systems. For example, even if heat pumps can be run in reverse for cooling, additional equipment is required to have a fully functional cooling system, such as fan coil units and a buffer cylinder for the cold water.

Overheating should be tackled early in the design process as the mitigation strategies involve adjusting the form of the buildings and location of openings. Good passive design should achieve both of the following:

Limiting unwanted solar gains in the summer, while maximising them during winter.
Providing adequate means for removing excess heat from the indoor environment.

Overheating mitigation strategies applied late in the design process can affect the performance of the building in other aspects. A classic mistake would be to have an unshaded glazed area facing South, where the only mitigation solution is opting for glass panes with high solar irradiance reflectance. This will not only imply a high material cost, but will limit the solar gains during winter, which is when they are useful for passive heating.

How Part O regulations interact with other Building Regulations

Interaction with Part B
This approved document, Approved Document O, gives guidance on window openings for removing excess heat from residential buildings. Approved Document B gives guidance on the size of escape windows. Where escape windows are provided to comply with Approved Document B, any extra glazing will impact the risk of overheating.

Interaction with Part F
The Part O document includes guidance on providing means for removing excess heat from residential buildings. Where openings are used, the amount of ventilation for removing excess heat is likely to be higher than the purge ventilation required for Part F. The higher amount of ventilation applies – see Section 1 or Section 2 of this approved document, depending on the method of compliance.

Interaction with Part J
Ventilation fans might cause combustion gases to spill from open-flued appliances and fill the room instead of going up the flue or chimney. This can occur even if the combustion appliance and fan are in separate rooms.
The guidance in Approved Document J should be followed when installing and testing ventilation appliances and combustion appliances must operate safely whether or not fans are running.

Interaction with Part L
Solar gains in winter can reduce the amount of space heating required to be delivered by the heating system. Reducing summer overheating by limiting glazing areas will impact winter solar gains and therefore increase the need for space heating.
Poorly insulated pipework, particularly in community heating schemes, can be a major contributor to overheating. Control of heat losses from pipework is dealt with under Part L of the Building Regulations and the guidance in Approved Document L should be followed.

Interaction with Part K and Part M
Where manual controls are provided, they should be within reasonable reach of the occupants, to comply with Approved Documents K and M.

Interaction with Part Q
The locking systems of windows and doors should also conform to guidance given in Approved Document Q on the security of doors and windows in dwellings.

As overheating relies on a combination of ventilation and protection from solar irradiance, it is hard to determine if a building will overheat from a casual glance at the plans and sections. Architects need to work in conjunction with a sustainable energy consultancy to verify that their designs are passively capable of avoiding overheating.

Dynamic simulation software can provide insight into the expected performance of a building. Showing hour by hour where and for how long a room is overheating. Integrating sustainable energy consultants in the design loop can help the clients save some money (and CO2!!) as well as resulting in a more comfortable building.

How Mesh can help

How to make accurate energy and emissions projections as a net zero building developer

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 10:46:32 GMT

As a net zero building developer, making accurate energy and emissions projections is essential to achieving our goals to reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment, either during the project build or in the first 5 years of its occupied life as part of a carbon management plan to reduce operational carbon emissions. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you make accurate projections:

Collect and analyse data: Gather data on past energy usage, occupancy patterns, and other relevant factors. Analyse the data to identify patterns and trends that can inform your projections. There are a number of established analytical tools available, whether it is cumulative sum analysis of energy consumption to understand energy consumption ‘control’, regression analysis to understand past and future trends in energy management), and annual comparison against normative performance indications such as CIBSE Energy Benchmarks to identify changes in energy demand.

Use a simulation tool: Use a building energy simulation tool to build a computer model of the energy use of the building. These tools take into account various factors such as the historical and future annual weather data, the building's form, orientation and constructions, geographical location, and equipment to predict energy use, as well as occupancy patterns. By using the reference data above it is possible to create a ‘digital twin’ of an existing building to test the impact of energy hierarchy improvements to the building fabric, energy use and generation system, and small power.

Consider the impact of renewable energy sources: If you plan to incorporate renewable heat, factor in improvement in the fabric first for long term gains. If you plan to incorporate renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines, factor in the realistic potential energy production and carbon savings from these sources when making your projections.

Take into account occupant behaviour: Occupant behaviour can have a significant impact on energy use, and this has changed considerably since 2019. Consider how and when occupants are likely to use the building and factor this into your projections, but also whether occupants are likely to open windows because it’s stuffy in the middle of winter - in which case you may have a ventilation challenge. Occupants who complete Building Use Surveys are able to provide a wealth of subjective data about whether a building is comfortable throughout or in particular areas, and if so then why? Afterall, an uncomfortable building is known to have an impact on occupant health, wellbeing and productivity.

Collaborate with experts: Work with experts such as Mesh Energy in energy computer modelling and sustainability to help you make accurate energy projections. They can help you identify potential issues and refine your projections to improve accuracy and complete feasibility studies to assist in making objective decisions about pathways to net zero.

Update projections regularly: As the project progresses and more data becomes available, update your projections regularly to ensure they remain accurate and aligned to your carbon management plan.

By following these steps, you can make more accurate energy and emissions projections as a net zero building developer.

Fabric optimisation: why a fabric-first approach maximises sustainable building performance

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 09:43:18 GMT

In building design, the term ‘fabric’ generally refers to the materials and components used to construct a building, including walls, floors, roofs, windows, doors, and other structural elements. It encompasses the physical components of the building, such as bricks, timber, concrete, and steel, as well as the finishes, such as plaster, paint, wallpaper, and tiles.

The fabric of a building can also include elements that contribute to the building's performance, such as insulation, air barriers, and vapour barriers. The choice of fabric can significantly impact the appearance, durability, energy efficiency, and functionality of a building.

Overall, fabric optimisation is the process of designing and selecting building materials and components to create a building that is both efficient and effective. It involves balancing the cost, performance, and sustainability of materials and components to ensure that the building is functional and affordable.

Why is fabric optimisation important?

Firstly, it can help to reduce the environmental impact of a building by minimising the use of resources and reducing waste. By choosing sustainable, durable, and energy-efficient materials, fabric optimisation can help create buildings with a lower carbon footprint and less harmful to the environment.

Secondly, fabric optimisation can help to improve the performance of a building by reducing energy consumption, improving indoor air quality, and enhancing thermal comfort. By selecting better insulated and more airtight materials, it is possible to reduce the amount of energy required to heat and cool the building, which can lead to significant cost savings over time.

Finally, fabric optimisation can help ensure a building is cost-effective and functional. By selecting materials and components that are affordable, durable, and easy to maintain, buildings can be functional, safe, and comfortable for their occupants.

What do we mean by a ‘fabric-first approach’?

A fabric-first approach to building design involves prioritising the building envelope (walls, roofs, floors, windows, and doors) to create a high-performance, energy-efficient building. This approach considers the building's fabric as the primary means of reducing energy consumption rather than relying on mechanical or electrical systems.

Thinking with a fabric-first mindset has several benefits:

Improved energy efficiency: A high-performance building envelope can significantly reduce a building's energy consumption by minimising heat loss and gain. This can lead to lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Enhanced comfort: A well-designed building envelope can improve thermal comfort by reducing drafts, cold spots, and overheating. This can create a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment for occupants.
Reduced maintenance costs: A building envelope designed and constructed with high-quality materials and workmanship will likely require less maintenance over time. This can lead to lower repair and replacement costs and longer building lifetimes.
Improved durability: A building envelope that is designed and constructed with durable materials and attention to detail is likely to last longer and be more resilient to weather and other environmental factors.
Better return on investment: By prioritising the building envelope, a fabric-first approach can help to achieve a better return on investment for building owners and developers. By reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs and enhancing occupant comfort, a high-performance building envelope can improve the overall value of a building.

How things used to be done

In the past, buildings were constructed with a focus on aesthetics, cost, and function, rather than sustainability. The materials and methods used to construct buildings were often chosen based on their availability, durability, and cost rather than their environmental impact or energy efficiency. As a result, many older buildings are less sustainable than modern buildings, often requiring more energy to operate.

For example, older buildings may have:

Poor insulation: Many older buildings were constructed with minimal insulation, which can result in significant heat loss and gain. This can lead to higher energy bills, lower thermal comfort, and increased carbon emissions.
Single-glazed windows: Older buildings often have single-glazed windows, which are less energy-efficient than modern double or triple-glazed windows. Single-glazed windows can also be less effective at blocking noise and reducing drafts.
Air leaks: Older buildings may have air leaks (or draughts) around windows, doors, and other openings, leading to cold spots and reduced thermal comfort. Air leaks can also increase energy consumption by allowing heated or cooled air to escape.

High embodied energy: Many older buildings were constructed with materials that have a high embodied energy, such as brick, stone, and concrete. These materials require a significant amount of energy to produce and transport, which can contribute to carbon emissions.
Limited natural ventilation: Older buildings may have limited natural ventilation, leading to poor indoor air quality and increased energy consumption for mechanical ventilation.

Overall, older buildings were constructed with a different set of priorities and considerations when compared to modern buildings, and as a result, they often have lower sustainability and energy efficiency. However, many older buildings can be retrofitted with energy-efficient upgrades to improve their sustainability and reduce their environmental impact, although this comes at a cost and can often be disruptive when it comes to implementation.

How can a fabric-first mindset maximise building performance?

Energy efficiency: By prioritising the building envelope, a building can significantly reduce its energy consumption by minimising heat loss and gain. This can lead to lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a smaller environmental footprint.
Thermal comfort: A well-designed building envelope can also improve thermal comfort by reducing draughts, cold spots, and overheating. This can create a more comfortable and healthier indoor environment for occupants.
Indoor air quality: A fabric-first approach can improve indoor air quality by reducing the infiltration of outdoor pollutants and minimising the growth of mould and mildew.
Durability: By using high-quality materials and workmanship, a building envelope is likely to be more durable and resilient to weather and other environmental factors.
Cost-effectiveness: By prioritising the building envelope, a building can achieve a better return on investment for building owners and developers. By reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs and enhancing occupant comfort, a high-performance building envelope can improve the overall value of a building. This can make a fabric-first approach a cost-effective strategy for building design and construction.

How can Mesh help with fabric optimisation?

As an energy consultancy and engineering company that specialises in optimising the energy performance of buildings, we can help you achieve a fabric-first approach in several ways:

Building envelope analysis: We can perform a detailed analysis of a building's envelope to identify areas where improvements can be made to enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Energy modelling: We can create energy models of buildings to simulate their energy performance and identify areas where improvements can be made. This can help to inform decisions around building design, materials, and systems.
Retrofit design: We can provide design and engineering services for retrofitting existing buildings to improve their energy performance. This may include upgrades to the building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems, and renewable energy systems.

Building certification: We can help building owners and developers achieve building certifications, such as LEED, BREEAM, and WELL, which recognise buildings for their sustainability and occupant health and wellness.
Energy management: Mesh Energy can provide energy management services to help building owners and managers monitor and optimise their energy consumption.
This may include energy audits, energy performance benchmarking, and the implementation of energy-saving measures.

To summarise, a consultant such as Mesh Energy can help building owners and developers maximise building performance and see the results of a fabric-first approach – leading to improved energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and environmental sustainability.

Cut your SME’s Energy Bills With These 5 Tips

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 10:44:36 GMT

This week I had the pleasure of speaking at the Guildford Sustainable Business Network on the topic of how to “Cut your SME’s energy bills”. Having not written a blog for far too long and having seriously started to practically reduce the energy usage of our own Farnham offices, I thought it was a great time to scribe my top five energy saving tips for businesses.

In my mind, I have compiled this list based on where we often see the greatest savings, so my first two tips deal with electricity and power before going on to heating, ventilation, and lighting.

It is also worth mentioning that from a practical point of view we have assumed here that your offices cannot be practically transformed by doing building works and better insulating the fabric of the building. As such I won’t mention fabric improvements which are always top on most lists!

Measure and understand what you are using

Before you spend any money and get carried away on energy saving, the best thing in my experience is to measure the buildings electrical and heating fuel energy use. These two uses will no doubt be the lion’s share of your total annual energy bill. Either heating or electrical use can be measured using a variety of smart meters, but particularly electrical loads can now be cheaply and very effectively tracked on mobile apps. We used an Emporia Vue Gen2 system from the U.S. and within a short while was live streaming data to my phone via an app.

Once you know when fuel and electricity is being used you will often spot odd and wasteful usage.

In my office’s case when we installed electrical measuring equipment, I spotted a business in the building was running a heater all weekend when no one was in the building. A new £15 timer saved me the landlord, £200 per year in wasted electricity. Bargain!

Tackle vampire electrical loads

Electrical loads are not all created equal, and we think of kettles and other such devices as the ones we should stop using. In fact, the most energy hungry appliances are those like fridges, monitors left on and other devices like printers, etc left on standby. Because these are on 24/7, even very low levels of background usage all add up to big numbers.

Once you have found these contributing appliances figure out if they are really needed, whether they can be timed and also whether they can be properly turned off when not in use.

Better control (smart thermostats, boiler temperature and TRVs)

Coming back to heating and fuel usage, many improvements can be made to smart control of office heating. Are you sure that the heating for your business is only on during working hours and you have full control for the heating outside of office hours too? In my case we had a basic and semi-smart thermostat that someone at some time could access with their phone. I had no idea what the settings were and the thermostat in the hallway was always fiddled with. It was clear that the daytime, evening and weekend setting likely were not optimised.

I spend £150 on a new Heatmiser Neostat which once installed was connected to my phone in a matter of seconds and I had full control over programming whenever I wanted. I could fully control and optimise on/off times, set back times and temperatures for the evening and review how the building was reacting with historic data available for me to view.

To improve the feeling of thermal comfort in the offices I made sure that all thermostatic radiator valves on radiators were operational. By doing this and with some adjustment over the first week we managed to have the building temperature and energy usage settle down into a comfortable place to work.

As a final step, I incrementally dialled down the radiator flow temperature with (the knob on the front of the boiler) down from 75-80 Celsius down to 65 Celsius. This lower temperature allows less gas to be burnt and combined with the timing and radiator temperature control is very effective in reducing gas usage and bills.

Better summertime ventilation

If you have air conditioning in your building during summer months, it pays to try to turn it off or make sure it is not quite as chilly as it used to be. Air conditioning gobbles electricity and money and with some thinking about ventilation in the building it may be possible to reduce or eliminate the need for this.

Of course, if you are in a built-up area, it may not be possible to open windows but cross ventilation (getting airflow across a room) is massively effective in shifting high temperature air out of the space you are in. Also, opening roof lights can be a huge help in reducing the need for mechanical cooling and costly bills by purging warm air from the top of the room or building using the principles of rising warm air drawing in cooler air from below.

We use this technique a lot in our three-storey building in warmer weather and it generally works a treat.

LED Lighting and controls

Finally, look at the lighting used in the building. If you have taken the advice in step 1 you will know how much lighting is costing you and when it is on. Many people have LED lights in their homes and costs have come down considerably. LED lighting replacing halogen and other forms of ageing incandescent lighting can have an instantaneous and effective cost saving. A 7W LED light replacing a 50W GU10 bulb will literally save you 85% on your electricity usage.

Many grants are available for LED lighting replacement and most people get their money back in 2 years having made the change.

Controls of the lighting in offices or warehouses, like heating, is key. Having movement sensors to turn lights on when there is activity and off when no one is there all help in saving energy. Also reviewing the level of lighting needed for your business office use is a great opportunity to make sure you have what you need in the right areas, and you aren’t being wasteful.

So, give these five things a try and see how you get on. Yes, it will take effort, yes it will take investment and yes it may involve some number crunching but combined you can make big changes to your usage, save valuable money every month and learn a lot along the way.

Good luck!

The intrinsic link between Prefabrication, Architecture and Sustainability

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 07:12:05 GMT

We associate prefabrication with compact steel-made living pods. From the 'Prefabs' to the recycling of containers for building hostels of affordable travelling.

However, prefabrication goes beyond obvious modular construction. It is embedded in how we build our buildings and houses, from a screw to a solar panel. Nowadays, over half of the elements we use in construction are manufactured off-site, a rate with a tendency to rise even more.

Prefabrication is consequently and equally linked to sustainability, actually the link between these two is stronger than with Architecture.

A great example is the way we produce insulation material. If we want to achieve the U-values required for any new-built, we need to source insulation material from industrialised manufacturers. This applies for organic and recycled materials as well. The main advantage of prefabrication, beyond economies of scale, is the certainty of performance. We need to know how 'green' things really are.

(Stow-Away Hotel by Doone Silver Kerr - pictured)

This links get even stronger when we talk about renewables, like solar panels, heat pumps or batteries.

As much as the connection between prefabrication (industrialisation) and sustainability get stronger, the bridge between them gets shorter, pushing Architecture to the side. The risk of it, is to start conceiving sustainable construction with out the mediatic intervention of architects and designers, because at the end of the day, architectural principles, such as passive design need to stand at the top of the hierarchy to achieve real sustainable urban environment.

[Mesh hierarchy inverted pyramid for achieving energy-efficient buildings]

The ‘ Reasons Off-site ’ is an immaterial exhibition curated by Summary Architecture of Porto, which has been touring across Europe and is now exhibited at the 'Casa de Arquitectura' in Matosinhos, The project presents a collection of building systems of significance in the historical evolution of modular and prefabricated architecture.

I have worked in collaboration with SUMMARY as part of my ambition of highlighting the importance of prefabrication in Architecture beyond aspects of economics, but as a key solution for achieving social and environmental needs, as much as a tool for creating architectural pieces.

I'm sharing here a short text I wrote that is part of the touring exhibition of the Reasons Off-site.

The conflict of prefabrication

Konrad Wachsmann and Walter Gropius over the assembly of a Packaged house (from The Dream of the Factory‑made House by Gilbert Herbert)

The conflict of prefabrication is against conventional construction. It is an eternal brawl where it is difficult to see when one could finally defeat his perpetual rival. It is a conflict of economics, place, logistics, capabilities, aspirations, aesthetics, semantics and semiotics; but mainly, it is a conflict of ‘process’. For both, the objective is the same, to build. It is the path that is unsettled. The conflict begins by doing things one way or the other.

Traditionally, designers envision geometrical forms first and then figure out ways to conceive them. It is like walking the construction path backwards to the point where there is no building at all. It is a process that requires going back and forth until the optimal solution is found.

Now demolished Kisho Kurokawa Nakagin capsule tower in decay (Creative Commons)

In contrast, the prefabrication perspective challenges this anfractuous practice by looking for a straightforward solution based on logic rather than trial and error. A solution not for a single building, but for all to come.

This abstract thinking has been embraced by determined optimistic geniuses, headed in theory and practice by Walter Gropius. Undoubtedly, prefabrication has won its place in the Architectural narrative thanks to elemental figures, like Le Corbusier, Buckminster Fuller, Jean Prouvé, Kisho Kurokawa, Frank Lloyd Wright and Michael Hopkins. None of them escaped the challenges and riddles that the still fully unexplored path of prefabrication holds.

The last hundred years have been filled with fascinating examples of prefabricated buildings all around the globe. However, half a century away from their golden era some of these buildings are considered too old to be kept in optimal conditions, too new to be listed as historic landmarks, or too common to be considered Architecture. The Reasons Offsite is giving a well-deserved space to this niche, giving us the opportunity to explore a selection of key buildings in a very intimate manner.

Today, over half of the construction elements are produced off-site with levels of technological sophistication never seen before. Once again, prefabrication is promised as the solution to tackle economic, social and environmental problems associated with construction, turning factories and warehouses into architectural workshops. Therefore, now more than ever it is important to look back and learn from those who have explored this path before, and let their work guide our design towards a brighter Architecture.

Dismantle of the Patera building prototype (Photo provided by Nigel Dale)

Eco living off-grid pod designed by Sam Booth placed in place in the Scottish landscape (photo by Pablo Jimenez-Moreno).

Flushed away: what to do about water

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 12:52:45 GMT

With around a quarter of the population of the world living in water scarce countries, another quarter using a contaminated drinking water source, and the demand only growing; now is the time for action on water scarcity.

This isn’t just a problem for those people though; the UK alone is expected to be in a water demand deficit of up to 16% by the 2050’s, increasing to 29% in the 2080’s.

In the last 14 years, the water scarcity area in England has almost tripled, from South and East of Gloucester, to South and East of Manchester.

Beyond drinking water scarcity, a lack of care for our waterways and oceans has led to rising water temperatures, and subsequently rising sea levels, which pose a significant threat to our physical safety, and potentially life as we know it.

But all is not lost, and it’s not too late for action.

As with most elements of the climate crisis, there are several tiers of action that need to be taken, from individual action and attitude change, to leadership and changes in legislature.

So what does this mean for building and development?

Given that all water entering a building at present is perfectly good drinking water, in building, the focus needs to be on reusing that water, and considering alternatives for space heating, fixtures, and fittings.

Right now, we’re flushing drinking water. We’re washing our cars with hundreds of litres of drinking water.

Rainwater Harvesting

Even a water butt, could make a difference, though there are bigger and better options, such as a buried package plant, available.

Grey Water Harvesting

Grey water is water coming from sinks, basins, laundry, etc. - any source without faecal contamination.

This water can safely be used to flush toilets, clean cars and floors, and even water the garden, if done mindfully.

Black Water Harvesting

As you may have guessed, black water is collected from WC’s, and does contain faecal contamination.

This water can safely be harvested and used, generally for garden irrigation, but a rigorous treatment process is necessary.

Alternative Heating Solutions

We’re already familiar with taking heat from the ground, but what about taking heat from water? This is equally effective, saves space, and can increase and support biodiversity.

Alternative Fittings and Fixtures

Moving away from baths, alone, can save huge amounts of water. Taps and shower heads can also be replaced with slower flowing alternatives.

Though the situation is not good, when it comes to water, there are things we can do - the time to do them is now.

‘Getting over’ our fear of heights and raising money for Disability Challengers

Thu, 14 Jul 2022 13:24:32 GMT

Raising the bar. Climbing to new heights. Rising to the top. So many idioms in work and life are focused on getting bigger, higher or taller. It works the other way too: being down to earth, or grounded. We’re a little bit of both – we have lofty ambitions, but we are humble too. After all, whatever goes up must come down. So what better way to demonstrate this by facing our collective fear of heights, and abseiling down Portsmouth’s iconic Spinnaker Tower.

On Saturday 24th September, Doug, Jen, Pablo, Rhiannon and Scott will be ascending the local landmark, climbing into a harness, and lowering themselves 100 metres back down to ground level, no doubt with closed eyes and sweaty palms.

We are doing this to raise money for Disability Challengers , a registered charity. Challengers, who have a care facility here in Farnham, are an incredibly valuable organisation to many families who are looking to provide a safe, caring and educational environment for their children.

“We believe that play is vital for every child’s happiness and development. It’s important for cognitive, physical, social, and mental wellbeing, and helps children to build confidence, self-esteem, creativity and to learn how to interact with others.”

Challengers

As a team, we’re not thrilled by the prospect of this almighty feat, despite the amazing views. Rhiannon speaks for all of us when she says “I am absolutely terrified if I’m honest. But I think it will be an amazing feeling once I’ve completed it, and it will challenge me.” Scott will be glad to be in good company — “I am a sucker for an experience. I’m excited to test myself and having my fellow Meshlings around me fill me with confidence!”

This mad venture is part of our wider efforts to support our local community. It’s been difficult to take part in the physical side of fundraising over the last few years but we are throwing ourselves in headfirst (not literally) and this will be the first of many exciting events where we can not only raise much-needed funds for local charities, but come together as a team and have fun.

Please help us in ‘getting over it’ by contributing to our fundraising efforts via JustGiving . You can give any amount, and everything and anything is greatly appreciated. If you can’t contribute, sharing is caring too!

Let’s make a difference by doing something different.

When is it ok not to care about carbon emissions?

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 14:03:46 GMT

Probably the best place to start on this one is to clarify some of the terminologies we use:

Embodied carbon: The carbon that is "embedded" into the construction of the building and includes all the manufacturing and transportation of the materials as well as the carbon "locked-in" to the materials themselves
Operational carbon: The carbon associated with running the building. So the heating fuel, be that gas oil or electricity and the electricity for small power.
Lifecycle carbon: Adds these two together and methodologies generally assume 60-years of operation

I think we can all agree that saving carbon is good (hopefully!!) but the dichotomy is that generally speaking, the best insulations, by which I mean those with the best thermal efficiencies at the slimmest thicknesses, have the highest embodied carbon emissions. A standard PIR for example has about 170kg CO ₂ /m ³ vs 70kg CO ₂ /m ³ for a wood fibre.

You would however need roughly double the thickness to get the same level of thermal efficiency or heat retention from the wood fibre and that would still be a slight win from a carbon point of view (because now we're comparing 170kg for the PIR against 140kg for the wood fibre). While on paper this seems like a no brainer, practically the difference between 100mm and 200mm can be significant; particularly when considering external walls.

A homeowner can decide to insulate internally or externally:

Internally and that's a fairly intrusive loss of floor space
Externally the Architect will need to think carefully about window reveals, roof overhangs and gable ends & there will be planning implications of increasing the property size
It may be that it's simply not possible to reach that thickness
They may ultimately be tempted to just do the best possible thickness with the more sustainable material

In my opinion that would be a mistake and here's why…

If you take a typical 100m ² three bed 1900s detached property and insulate it to current Building Regulations (SAP notional dwelling) for new builds you'll reduce the space heating requirement by around 85%. Which with a gas boiler is about 6 tonnes of CO ₂ annually.

You could reach that saving using either 100mm PIR or 200mm wood fibre, to all thermal elements (I am using a pinch of poetic license here these are a wide variety of practical considerations that this post glosses to prevent it from becoming a monster!) the difference in Embodied Carbon terms is about half a tonne.

If you only have space for 100mm you could reach roughly 1990s standards with 100mm wood fibre, or use only approx. 50mm PIR

Here is the operational and embodied carbon compared…

The grey columns represent the embodied carbon to reach current Building Regs (SAP Notional Dwelling). You're "spending" 3-4 times the carbon to hit that standard as you would save annually depending on the insulation selected.

The brown shows the embodied carbon to reach 1990s standards, here you're spending roughly a year's emissions on the improvements to the property.

Those proportions change when you heat with an ASHP - which we can see significantly reduces the carbon emissions regardless of the build standard….

But when we consider the Lifetime and the 60 year impact of that operational carbon the embodied carbon pails into insignificance...

There is significantly more to be gained from the operational savings and, I believe, for retrofit, this is what we should be focusing on.

Now I don't want people to walk away from this thinking that Mesh Energy said that embodied carbon isn't something that we should be focusing on! IT IS when we're building new buildings. The materials used with the structure and foundations have significant embodied carbon associated with them, whereas for retrofit they already exist, so I haven't accounted for them here.

And when we’ve built with a fabric first approach and we're exceeding the current minimum new build standards, then a much higher proportion of lifecycle carbon is made up by the embodied carbon.

7 Tips I wish I knew sooner on Revit MEP

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 08:15:37 GMT

Here are some helpful tips to help improve the efficiency of anyone using Revit MEP.

I could have saved a whole lot of time if someone told me about these when I first started on Revit!

Use worksets to help manage your model

When producing drawings on a project that has multiple services its super helpful to be able to be able to filter them on or off depending what you are working on. The best way to organise your services is to categorise them into worksets e.g. Levels & Grids, Internal Architecture, External Architecture, Structure and MEP Services.

Stop Opening Revit Families!

It's so common to accidentally double click something and open the family editor view. This can be resolved by going into File, Options, User Interface then navigate to the Double Click Options ‘Customise’ Button. Then on the ‘Element Type’ where you see ‘Family’, go along side it to ‘Double Click Options’ and change it to ‘Edit Type’ or ‘Do Nothing’.

Keyboard Shortcuts, STOP CLICKING BUTTONS!!

This is something that is so common amongst beginners in Revit. There are commands that get used repeatedly when modelling and instead of clicking the relevant button to activate the command each time, you can use keyboard shortcuts. If there isn’t a keyboard shortcut for a command you want or if the shortcut you want is being used for another command, these can all be modified in the ‘Keyboard Shortcuts’ section in the ‘User Interface’ tab in the options menu to suit you best.

Filter your selections

The filter button can be your best friend when trying to select something buried amongst lots of other items in a project. Using the filter button you can select everything in an area then filter out the bits you don’t need so you don’t go moving or deleting things you didn’t mean to select.

Save time, press space!

When placing a new component into a Revit model a lot of beginners will find what they want, place it where they want it. Then use the rotate command to put it into the position they require. You can skip a step here just by pressing the space bar before you place the component to rotate it in increments of 90 degrees. If you want to rotate it so it is adjacent to a particular angle, just hover your mouse over the line you want it to rotate too and press space then it will match that angle.

All about Equality

Another tip when placing multiple components is to keep them spaced out evenly. This can be achieved easily by dimensioning between the components you want to space out then clicking the ‘EQ’ button above the dimension and Revit will automatically space them out based on their current positions. These components will always stay an equal measurement apart from now on unless you delete the dimension and select for them to do so.

The best way to copy stuff from views

When copying things from views, a lot of the time you want it to go in the exact same place as it was on the previous view. Revit has a clever way of being able to paste stuff. You can select all the views in the project you want to copy something too, for instance if you have a component legend that needs to go on all of your ventilation drawings. The best practice to copy from the original view then on the paste button there is a drop down that will let you select ‘Aligned to Selected Views’. You can now select all the views you want to copy too, and it will paste the copied items into all those views in the exact same place, saving tonnes of time!

Mesh Energy: Our B Corp Journey - Part 2

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 12:28:58 GMT

In our first blog on the topic of B Corporation we covered what the certification is, why we chose it, and what was involved in the accreditation process. In this second part we will run through the various sections and how we scored, and what we can do to improve.

How did we score?

There are five main areas that make up a company’s overall score, with a total of 200 points up for grabs. Our total score was 98.7 points and looking at published data most companies seem to sit between the 80–120-point range.

Not a bad effort for a small team, but where were points scored? The main areas of assessment are Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers.

Governance (Score 18.5)

We scored strongly on things like having a formal public mission statement that we actively share with the team and wider community, as well as the fact we track key performance indicators (KPI) like net promotor scores from customers. The fact our team leads review the company’s financial performance on a monthly basis helped boost our score due to the internal transparency this represents.

Workers (Score 35.5)

Strengths in this area came in the form of salary scales, bonuses in non-profitable periods, and supplementary private health benefits for all staff regardless of status. High annual percentages of training and continual learning scored favourably with employee satisfaction and engagement (understood by quarterly feedback) also getting us top marks.

Community (Score 18.8)

Significant contributors to this section included a low ratio between the highest and lowest paid in the business, as well as the proportion of female managers in the team. Net growth rate, geographically-local ownership, and regular donations to charities (as part of our 1% gross revenue pledge) all help too.

Environment (Score 24.4)

The minimal carbon impact of the business/£M as well as our efforts to carbon offset and make the business carbon negative/climate positive were key to our score. In addition, the way in which we engage and educate our stakeholders, and measure the long-term impact of our services, were both contributors.

Customers (Score 3.2)

The primary driver behind the score for this section was our demonstrable desire to protect our clients and ensure they see the value in working with us. This was reflected in our offering of guarantees, PI insurance, customer feedback questionnaires and our solid GDPR and privacy policies.

When is the next assessment date, and what exactly do we want to improve?

Based on what we have been told by B Corp, our next assessment date is in 3 years’ time, which gives us time to make improvements in a number of areas. Based on our scoring feedback, there are still various areas that can be improved on or begun. The five areas we have chosen to focus our energies on in the next 3 years include:

Salaries

As we see a rapidly changing economic environment and the cost of living is rising, I would like all team members to feel as if Mesh was responding to this and softening the blow. One less thing to worry about – right?!

Employee engagement

We are very lucky to be in a fast-growing sector and I have the everyday joy of working with dedicated team members. Employee ownership opportunities and feeling invested in the future success of Mesh is never far from my mind, so a positive change will be made soon in this area.

Giving

We can always give more to those less fortunate than ourselves and charitable giving and community service will be ramped up year on year. Both local initiatives such as Challengers (supporting disadvantaged teenagers and those with special needs) and national charities such as MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association) will be our chosen beneficiaries.

Energy Monitoring

This is such a simple thing to do but we’re not currently doing it. With some cost effective and accessible mobile monitoring, we can record, monitor, and report energy usage in a more enriched way over the coming years. Once we know where our energy usage is highest, we can also make strategic efforts to reduce it.

Diversity and inclusion

As the Mesh team grows and our numbers increase, we also need to increase the number of our staff, management team, and partners, who come from under-represented backgrounds. Our remote and flexible working culture means we have access to a network that extends well beyond the South-East, and we’re keen to build a team of differing approaches, opinions, and ideas.

So, still lots of room for improvement but not a bad start on our B Corp journey. Like so many things in life, with some focus and continual effort, incredible things can happen, and real progress can be made sooner than you may imagine. Here’s to the future of Mesh!

Mesh Energy: Our B Corp Journey - Part 1

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 14:19:35 GMT

Welcome to the first in a series of posts about our journey to becoming a Certified B Corporation which we'll be publishing over the coming weeks.

Also - hi! We know we've been away from our blog for a while. We've been busy focusing on other areas of the business, such as growing Meshwork , but it's good to be back and we're excited about sharing loads more great educational and inspiring content with you. If you have any questions about becoming a B Corp or anything else - please don't hesitate to reach out!

What is B Corp Certification?

B Corp Certification is a designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors ranging from employee benefits and charitable giving right through to supply chain practices.

In order to achieve certification, a company must: demonstrate high social and environmental performance; make a legal commitment by changing their corporate governance structure to be accountable to all stakeholders, not just shareholders; and exhibit transparency by allowing information about their performance measured against B Lab’s standards to be publicly available on their B Corp profile on B Lab’s website .

Certification is acquired through a points-based assessment and the pass mark for certification is 80 points.

Why did we decide to go for our B Corp Certification?

Originally, we started out by looking at British ISO Standards to formalise our business processes and sustainability. However, as a service provider we didn’t feel like we had an affinity with the accreditation process.

Around the same time, our marketing partners Avery & Brown mentioned a more holistic approach to us - B Corporation accreditation. My colleague Rhiannon James and I reviewed this further and thought it sat really well with the overall ethos of Mesh. So we went for it!

The process! What did we do, how long did it take, and how much did it cost?

We started the process in November 2020 and it took us 12 months from the time we showed initial interest and lodged our application to when we were initially certified in November 2021.

The first stage was going through a questionnaire across a diverse range of business areas. This stage is completely free to answer and submit. However, once complete and submitted it all went quiet! It took eight months for B Corp UK to pick the application up and come back to us in September 2021 to properly start the review process. This then only took a couple of months.

To make our lives easier when the application was looked at in September, we had already dug out all of the documentation requested to prove our answers. This no doubt made the final review process as painless as possible. Example documents included energy bills, client and staff engagement surveys, modified articles of association, company accounts, evidence of charitable work and donations, etc. Top tip - getting all of this in order in good time will really help you out!

As far as costs go… final certification was £1,000 +VAT. Review and reaccreditation happens every three years.

So, Mesh is a B Corp. What does it mean to us and how did we score?

Personally, I found that the deeper the team and I delved into the accreditation process, the more we realised we had made the right decision. As a team-focused (and subsequently customer-focused) service-based business, the recognition of transparency, employee engagement, diversity, community engagement and customer stewardship is a potent mix. As cynical as we can all get about paying for accreditations (and the abuse of them), the B Corp framework and how we have scored against it will very much be used to chart our company’s progress over the coming years.

And what was our score? As I said above, the minimum threshold to qualify for B Corporation status is 80 points and we came well in at over 98. The maximum available points is 140, so we have some way to go. But for a first effort and for a relatively small business we are really chuffed to have punched well above our weight.

Onwards and upwards!

My next B Corp post will take a more detailed look at the scoring methodology. Keep an eye out for it!

Sweating it out: the overheating headache

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 11:15:35 GMT

Like it or not, our climate is warming and becoming more unpredictable. Weather is becoming more extreme, and winters are warmer than they have ever been. Combined with the rapid pace of materials development, new construction techniques, and our increasingly obsessive behaviour concerning building energy losses; there is a big issue. It is calculated that over 4.5 million buildings a year suffer from overheating, with the vast majority of those being newly constructed.

In fact, the problem has become so much of an issue that the regulation of building overheating in the 2021 Building Regulations under a new section - Part S - is also expected to come into force in Q1 2022 to ensure that sufficient due diligence is undertaken for new buildings.

Paradoxically, as we advance and focus on highly insulated buildings with managed ventilation and less natural air infiltration, we make the very buildings we hope to be fit for purpose and progressive, become uninhabitable and uncomfortable. In addition, in trying to reduce build costs and improve the speed of construction, the very materials and techniques that make this possible go against some fundamentals of building physics which have for centuries allowed buildings to remain comfortably cool throughout the year.

The real risk to developers of ignoring the threat or possibility of overheating is that once a project is completed, to resolve overheating issues costs considerable money and time to put even partially right. As an afterthought, this can not only be expensive but ugly and will invariably add to the long-term running and maintenance costs of the build.

The good news is that this risk can be mitigated by some increased understanding of what causes it and basic analysis at the conceptual design and pre-planning stages.

Top 3 Causes of Overheating

There are three main causes of overheating in buildings. We will quickly cover these as well as how to reduce their impact.

1. Low thermal mass

The density of the materials used in a structure strongly affects daytime overheating and the long-term retention of heat or cool in the structure. Lightweight structures such as SIPS and timber-framed buildings respond far quicker to high exterior temperatures. Higher density structures such as masonry and concrete respond far more slowly and peak daily internal temperatures remain lower on even the hottest days of the year.

2. Large areas of glazing

High proportions of glazing above 35% of the total wall area on east, south or west building elevations can be a significant cause of detrimental solar gains in spring, summer, and autumn. Where increased levels of glazing are desired, solar shading should be investigated and engineered to ensure fully functional and appropriate use for the building type.

3. Poor natural ventilation

The poor ventilation of spaces, particularly at night-time, in domestic dwellings is a great cause of overheating in homes. More generally, a lack of air movement or cross-ventilation in buildings can quickly become a nuisance and lead to high levels of discomfort. Single aspect buildings such as flats are a particular example, and the use of purge ventilation should be considered at the earliest stages of design to save costs later!

The way forward

One of the most effective ways to better understand the potential overheating risks of your development as designed is to use dynamic thermal and ventilation modelling from as early as possible in the building’s design process. Costs vary based on the building size and complexity, but for as little as £1,000 +VAT you can have a detailed first pass of the design and quickly identify room-by-room where any issues may lay. Once digitally modelled, as the design develops, an intelligent and focused approach can be taken providing feedback to the design team as to appropriate changes with a high level of confidence in performance once built.

How Mesh can help

Solar thermal: Myth busting with Mesh Energy

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 14:49:03 GMT

This week we're back busting some common renewable energy technology myths! With summer rapidly approaching, we've decided to take a look at solar thermal.

If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, cut your energy bills and have hot water on demand, could solar thermal be the renewable technology for you? Here are some of the myths you may have heard about solar thermal; busted and clarified so you can make the right decision for your project and individual requirements.

Here we go... Mesh Myth Busters to the rescue again!

Myth 1: Solar thermal can provide 100% of my hot water

Whilst this is not fact, it is not entirely a fictional statement either! Solar thermal can indeed contribute to 100% of a household’s hot water requirement during the summer months with reduced contribution during spring and autumn. In fact, if you are lucky enough to own a swimming pool you can put summertime excess heat into your pool saving even more money. During winter, solar thermal will contribute almost nothing to your hot water supply.

On average, over the course of a year, solar thermal can provide between 50-60% of a household’s annual demand for hot water if correctly sized and should be used as a complementary heating source in most cases.

Myth 2: Solar thermal panels only work on sunny days

This one is completely untrue. Solar thermal systems are super-efficient at converting sunlight to thermal energy and whilst there is no doubt that clear sunny days are the most productive, even bright cloudy days can produce surprising amounts of hot water.

Myth 3: Solar thermal systems should be replaced by solar PV systems for maximum gain

It is true that solar PV systems are often put on available roof spaces due to the wide use of electricity in the home and the perceived limited single use of solar thermal. If it is electricity that is more important to you, then sure - go for solar PV. But, if you have a pool or large hot water demands in the home or commercial building then nothing beats the efficiency of a well-installed and efficiently operating solar thermal system.

Solar thermal systems are about 90% efficient in turning the sun's energy into heat, whereas solar PV is at best 20% efficient. Consider carefully the specific application before writing this technology off.

Myth 4: The bigger the installation the better

No, this isn't exactly the case. Solar thermal installations are “tuned” to match the hot water storage capacity of the home’s hot water tank in order to stop stagnation during summer months. Stagnation is a solar thermal installation killer and so it is avoided through correct design of the collector panels (heat source) and the hot water tank (hot water sink) wherever possible.

Myth 5: It's OK to 'fit and forget'

Solar thermal installations are fairly simple and only really have one moving part (the circulation pump). Nonetheless, the rigours of the extreme temperatures the solar fluid goes through in a season does justify an annual maintenance regime to check the fluid quality and to make sure the solar pump is not suffering!

We have seen many solar thermal systems that are defunct due to poor maintenance and because they are only a supplementary system to your boiler, if they are not working properly it is almost impossible to tell to the untrained eye.

Unfortunately a solar installation is only as good as the fluid and the efficiency of the moving parts, so it’s well worth keeping an eye on some simple installation details to avoid rising energy costs.

Myth 6: Solar thermal systems are simple enough for any plumber to install

The installation of solar panels is fairly simple. What's more, with panels being sold at many building and plumbing merchants, it’s tempting to get your resident plumber to fit the system. It’s always best practice and safest to get a microgeneration certification scheme (MCS) qualified product and installer to fit it. Solar thermal systems can reach temperatures in excess of 150ºC in the summer and can be very dangerous if fitted incorrectly. Why risk it?

And there you have it. Some more renewable tech myths busted for you!

We hope this post has helped to bust some common myths and that you now have more confidence in your decision making for your purchase of solar thermal. Good luck!

If you still have any questions about solar thermal,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Solar PV Panels: Myth busting with Mesh Energy

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:41:19 GMT

Solar photovoltaic panels are now widely recognised as playing a part in decarbonising the UK, having adorned over 950,000 UK roofs to date.

Solar PV in the UK has been on a bit of a rollercoaster for the last 15 years, but the economic model for the domestic market has slowly turned back around in favour of the consumer. But, for many, the financial benefits and practical facts concerning solar PV are still not fully understood.

So, Mesh Myth Busters to the rescue again!

Myth 1: It will take me 20 years to get my money back

This was true back in 2007, but now most people installing PV on their homes today enjoy a 7-10% return on the money they have invested, equating to 10-14 year payback. With a battery installed, for some users this can be reduced further by storing daytime electricity and using it at night. There is currently no government subsidy and careful planning should be done to make sure that excess solar PV is not installed and money/resources wasted.

Myth 2: Solar panels are ugly and unsightly

Whilst on-roof systems can be classed as a bit obtrusive, there are a number of solutions to combat the 'eyesore'. The simplest and most cost-effective solution is to buy dark coloured panels with black anodised frames. For some, this softens the look enough to make it acceptable at little extra cost.

If you have a little more money to spend, roof integrated panels can be installed; both saving on roof tiles and not protruding from the roof. These systems are best camouflaged on slate roofs or dark tile roofs due to the blue/black colour of the PV crystals.

For those with deep pockets, solar tiles which can be easily matched to slate roofs are the deluxe solution.

Myth 3: I need more roof space

Many people are unaware that panels can be mounted on the ground or on outbuildings. All manner of creative solutions have been implemented across the country to place panels away from the main home and yet still generate power and a healthy income.

If you have an area of ground at the end of your garden hidden from view and not shaded by trees during the day, there is a possibility you can place a ground array there. For some, mounting systems on the ground allows them to benefit both from a due south facing array, and an optimised angle of tilt toward the sun. This option negates the constraints imposed by the pitch of your roof.

Myth 4: Solar panels can only be installed on a south-facing roof

Very few people have a due south-facing roof and this is really not an issue. If your roof faces 45 degrees from due south (SE or SW) you only lose around 4% on generation. In fact, even if the roof faces due east or due west you still only lose around 10-12% of maximum capacity. As long as the panels are not put on a Northerly facing aspect of the home you can still generate significant sums of energy throughout the year.

Myth 5: Solar panels don't work in the UK - it's too cloudy

This is a very common question for most installation companies but, again, it is another complete myth. Solar panels rely on ambient brightness and do not need direct sunlight and clear blue skies to operate efficiently. Many days in the UK are cloudy but bright and, as a result, yields remain high all year round. Even my solar array at home produces energy on all but a handful of days a year. Often, the only days it doesn’t is when snow is covering them!

Myth 6: You make more money returning electricity to the grid

Many people think that money is made from solar panels by selling energy back to the grid. The reality is that there is no way, in a standard installation, to measure returned energy to the grid; let alone get paid for individual home export readings.

Now that the feed-in tariff is a distant memory, small amounts of money can be made using the Standard Export Guarantee (SEG) when electricity companies pay you a few pennies for every Kilowatt hour exported.

Using electricity at source is where the real returns are made at present. Electricity produced from the solar PV panels will naturally be used by appliances in the home before going to the grid, hence reducing your imported electricity bill. Electricity used at source in this way saves you 13p-15p per Kilowatt hour and is way more effective than selling back to you electricity company.

So, there you have it! We hope this post has helped to bust some common myths and that you now have more confidence in your decision making for your purchase of some solar PV panels. Good luck!

If you still have any questions about solar PV,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Gas boilers are on the way out! What next?

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 08:19:05 GMT

Various announcements and pledges have been made to meet the UK’s 2050 Net Zero Carbon target and most recently the UK Government have announced that new homes built in 2021 (under new Part L 2021 Building Regulations) and beyond will have to reduce carbon emissions by 31% as part of its Future Homes Standard roadmap.

The wider plan is to ban all mains gas boilers in new developments from as early as 2023 and a total outright ban on mains gas boilers by 2033.

For developments on the mains gas network this could pose a problem and at the very least should get you thinking about what is ahead and viable, sustainable and lower carbon alternatives. As a critical part of the UK’s renewable heat portfolio, air source heat pumps are well placed to help replace fossil fuel boilers, reduce carbon emissions and fuel bill costs. To date there are about 250,000 air source heat pumps installed in the UK and this is rapidly increasing every year with predictions of 4 Million air source heat pumps by the of this decade.

How do air source heat pumps work?

Air source heat pumps look almost identical to an air conditioning unit and use an external fan unit to draw air across an evaporator unit (which looks very much like a car radiator with hundreds of aluminium fins). The air exits at the back of the unit cooler than it entered. Because of varying seasonal air temperatures these heat pumps are less efficient than their ground source heat pump cousins.

As the air passes through the outdoor fan unit (propelled by a fan) refrigerant pipes strip heat from the ambient air down to temperatures of -20 Celsius. A compressor circuit is able to focus the energy from the environment using electricity to provide amazing levels of efficiency and provide 100% of the building’s heating and hot water needs.

M odern, quality air source heat pumps if well designed can be on average 400% efficient! Essentially for one unit of electricity they put four units of heat into the building. Incredible.

Air source heat pumps: your flexible friend

There are many different variants of air source heat pump technology to fit all kinds of development shapes and sizes. Two main variants dominate the marketplace.

Split systems: As the name suggests there are two parts; a wall hung unit indoors similar in size to a combi boiler and the outdoor unit. The outdoor can be positioned away from the building (up to 100m) if there are concerns about noise of aesthetics. These lower flow temperature systems are perfect when used with underfloor heating or low flow temperature radiators.

Monobloc systems: With identical heating capabilities to the low temperature split system, monobloc units, as the name suggests is all contained in one single outdoor fan unit. Perfect for homes or flats with minimal available indoor space, the units are best placed near the building and are really quick and easy to install. These units produce hot water straight out of the outdoor units necessitating the need for proximity to the building otherwise good money has to be spent on highly insulated pipe to transport the valuable hot water to the home from afar.

I n both cases there is no such thing as a ‘combi’ air source heat pump so space for hot water storage will always be required.

Air source heat pumps: compliance and carbon reduction benefits

The great thing about air source heat pumps is that due to their efficient use of electricity there are big gains for SAP and SBEM energy calculations and you can make significant inroads to carbon reduction for planning condition purposes. In most cases a heat pump in a domestic premise with underfloor heating will record a 30% reduction in carbon emissions for the building energy rating compared to a gas boiler.

Air source heat pumps: running cost reductions

Costs of air source systems correctly designed and installed are for existing buildings a similar cost to mains gas fuel but for new developments savings of around 10% can be made compared to gas heating. Running costs are directly proportional to the level to which the building is insulated and the efficiency of the radiator or underfloor heating system you are installing. Air source heat pump systems for existing buildings do need careful consideration due to the lower operational flow temperatures but with some considered design can be successful without going overboard with building insulation levels.

Air source heat pumps: Government grants and subsidies

The government is also strongly supporting the installation of air source heat pumps and as a developer you can benefit most if you are holding onto the asset once developed and will essentially act as the property landlord. Under the current domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme you can claim as much as £10,000 of subsidy per unit and commercially significantly more. More info can be found at Ofgem’s website .

Consumer and investor pressure is building for developers to find more sustainable solutions to reducing carbon emissions in the built environment. Air source heat pumps can in part, fill that need, be easily installed, meet compliance requirements and attract free government subsidy.

So, this spring / summer, why not consider the costs and implications of air source heating as a gas alternative on your next development? You may be more than pleasantly surprised!

If you have any questions about renewable heating systems or anything else to do with your low-energy building project, please don't hesitate
to contact the Mesh team today .

We're on mains gas. Should we bother with a renewable heating system?

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 10:47:18 GMT

With a massive 83% of UK homes (21 million) on mains gas and an increase in the uptake of renewable technologies such as air source heat pumps, more and more people are asking whether there is any advantage to switching.

This week, we hope to clarify some of the key advantages and things to be aware of so you can make your mind up.

Increase in property value and desirability

There is no doubt that properties with sustainable credentials are becoming more desirable. If you are trying to rent or sell your home, the fact that it has a low-cost heating system installed will be of interest to more and more buyers and particularly first-time renters/buyers.

The installation of an air source heat pump could considerably improve your building's EPC rating. On average, UK house prices increase their resale value by 6% which was discovered by a comprehensive Government survey in 2011 .

Available subsidies

The real benefit at present for heat pump systems, unlike fossil fuel gas systems, is that they attract the domestic renewable heat incentive (RHI); a 7-year tax-free government subsidy. This has been extended to March 2022 but the technology will continue to be supported beyond that as the UK tries to encourage homeowners to be more green and meet its overall decarbonisation targets.

An average 3-bed semi with an air source heat pump installed could see around £900-£1,000 paid annually to help transition to low-carbon heating. Even assuming no running cost savings, this subsidy could help pay in full for the extra capital outlay within 7-10 years.

Annual running cost savings

If you are serious about upgrading the insulation in your home or building a brand new home, you can make running cost savings with an air source heat pump of around 10%. For air source heat pumps that replace gas boilers in existing buildings with average levels of insulation and relatively modern and large radiators, you will likely see little reduction in running costs.

Either way, if it costs the same or cheaper to save the planet as opposed to burning fossil fuel, that’s not a bad replacement is it?!

Heating and hot water modifications

One of the less-trivial aspects of switching to an air source heat pump system is that of the likely requirement to change radiators, or add an underfloor heating system, to ensure that the lower flow temperature in the renewable system will sufficiently heat the home. This is really critical as a poorly insulated home will require the heat pump to use more electricity to run and could increase your running costs considerably.

Radiators can either be changed to larger or more efficient products or a new wet low-temperature underfloor heating system installed if appropriate. Many wrongly conclude that an existing underfloor heating system for a boiler is the same for a heat pump and does not need to be changed. In fact, this is false in the vast majority of cases. The pipe spacing will likely be too wide leading to cold rooms in the winter if connected to a heat pump system.

A nifty trick here is to turn your gas boiler heating flow temperature thermostat down to 50 Celsius and see how your house performs. This way you can try an air source heat pump 'for free' without the risk and expense.

The hot water cylinder in the home will also have to be changed to a specialist product to cope with the lower flow temperatures from the heat pump too. These tanks will often have twice the internal coil than gas boiler systems.

Installation costs

It is well understood that the cost of installing heat pump technology is indeed more expensive than a standard replacement gas boiler and indeed with the above home modifications this all adds to the total cost of change. Whereas it might cost around £2,500 to replace a boiler it may cost nearer £9,000 to install an air source heat pump and new hot water cylinder. This doesn’t include any costs with building insulation or changing any small or inefficient radiators in the home.

Hopefully you are committed to doing better insulation anyway as part of the wider strategy to reduce your home energy loss.

T he lower the flow temperature of the heating system the more efficient a heat pump becomes and indeed the lower the hot water storage temperature the less electric immersion has to be used to reach the required peak hot water temperature.

So, as you can see, there are a number of pros and cons for air source heat pump conversion when on mains gas fuel. But, done correctly and if you can source some up-front capital, a renewable heating system may be just the right solution for you. We hope this post helps you in your decision making.

If you have any questions about renewable heating systems, please
don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Air source heat pumps: 6 myths busted!

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 15:37:43 GMT

With the recent announcement that carbon reductions will be regulated in new homes within the next 12 months, and the target of 600,000 heat pumps being installed per year by 2028 being announced by the UK Prime Minister, there is much work to do! Air source heat pumps are a viable and cost-effective alternative to fossil fuel boilers and will become increasingly used to heat homes and buildings going forward through the 2020s and beyond.

Air source heat pumps are often misunderstood or vetoed early on in a heating strategy discussion on the basis of mythical information. Our aim this week is to tackle these popular myths head on and dispel the commonly misunderstood features of this important technology.

Myth 1: Air source heat pumps are noisy

This myth heads up our list as it is one of the most common misconceptions in our experience. Most people visualise a modern day heat pump producing the same kind of racket that comes from one of those ageing air conditioning units you see hanging off the wall down the side of your local fish and chip shop!

Nothing could be further from the truth. The latest range of outdoor fan units are superbly acoustically engineered machines, aimed at making the units whisper quiet.

Whilst it is difficult to quantify the noise, most units become virtually inaudible at about 5m away from the unit and will not even be heard by the closest of neighbours.

Myth 2: Air source heat pumps are expensive

It is true the heat pumps are more expensive than your run-of-the-mill mains gas boiler, but there is considerably more engineering that goes into recovering ⅔ of the energy from the air for free than burning fossil fuels with a flame.

The actual costs of air source heat pumps may surprise you. If you compare the parts needed for the unit and the uplift for additional installer competence, the price of the heat pump units for a mid-range home can be around £7,000-£10,000 compared to a gas boiler costing £3,000.

What most don’t appreciate is that the government is offering up to £10,000 tax-free subsidies under the domestic RHI and Green Homes Grant Schemes to support the additional capital expenditure too. Food for thought.

Myth 3: Air source heat pumps are not effective in cold weather

The fact that air source heat pumps have to turn freezing cold air during the winter months into meaningful home warmth seems dreadfully inefficient for air source technology. Whilst air source heat pumps definitely have to work harder at colder temperatures the truth is a little more palatable.

Many pictures and stories of ice-encased outdoor units have been posted on the internet and are a result of poor design and installation, not baseline technology inefficiency.

Air source heat pumps are actually capable of working down to -20 degrees Celsius; for most, this is more than ample. A properly sized outdoor unit and designed underfloor emitter system operating in the depths of winter will still be cheaper than burning oil and cheaper than mains gas depending on the application.

Myth 4: Air source heat pumps need to be situated close to the home

The aesthetic appearance of the outdoor fan unit for air source solutions can cause a bit of concern for some homeowners who are not keen on having a big box sat on their patio, manicured lawn, or worse, bolted to their home.

The good news is that air source heat pumps are extremely versatile and come in all sorts of configurations; one of which is a “split” system. This essentially means that the outdoor unit can be placed up to 60m away from the indoor unit in the house. For most this is enough to hide it away behind a shed, or even into the darkest and most forgotten corners of their garden: out of sight and mind.

Myth 5: Air source heat pumps cannot produce hot enough water

It is understood from extensive research that most people are comfortable having showers and baths at no more than 44 Celsius. Given that most standard heat pumps will achieve 55 Celsius without immersion backup this myth, again, is simply untrue. Whilst heat pumps indeed become more inefficient at higher temperatures, they are suited to almost all hot water applications.

Critically, the right design of a hot water cylinder which is ‘heat pump ready’ is essential.

Myth 6: Air source heat pumps don't work with radiators

Heat pumps in general work far more efficiently at lower temperatures in the range of 35-45 Celsius compared to 60-70 Celsius for traditional fossil fuel boilers. Any plumber will understand that if the flow temperature is lower the radiator area needs to be increased, for the same output of heat into the room.

If you don’t have any more wall space for bigger radiators there are low flow temperature radiators available that allow you to keep the same radiator “wall print” but with the same thermal output. Companies like Jaga are leading the way in energy efficient radiators.

Hopefully, this post has cleared things up a bit for you and helps you to make a more informed decision about whether air source heat pump technology is right for you. If you want to do some further reading or digesting of content, do feel free to check out some of our other blogs and webinars we have for you.

If you have any questions about air source heat pumps, please
don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Thinking about installing a heat pump? Don’t forget this critical service!

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 15:21:55 GMT

With all this talk of sustainability and energy efficient buildings, you may have made the decision to incorporate heat pump technology into your home, office or commercial project. If so, that's great news and you will be joining more and more people in doing so. It is estimated that 600,000 heat pumps will be installed per year in the UK alone by 2028.

Great stuff! But have you ever stopped to fully consider what is powering this fancy low-carbon technology. Well some will roll their eyes and be muttering under their breath “Electricity, you idiot!” and indeed they would be right. But it leads me onto my next more thought provoking one… How much do they use and have you got capacity?

At this point, people start scratching their heads and Googling relevant search queries, or scrabbling around for product data-sheets. So, in this week’s blog we will endeavour to explain in more detail some of these answers and how to plan for a more smooth heat pump installation.

Heat pumps: have you got capacity?

At the end of the day, heat pumps are electrical devices and depending on the time of year, how hard they have to work and whether they are air or ground source heat pumps with differing efficiencies, electricity usage can fluctuate. The key point here is that it varies and, as heat pump systems get bigger, they require more electrical power than you may think; this must be considered in full early during the project planning phase.

Heat pumps have a key component, the compressor, which is the main user of electricity and invariably there are other control boards and immersion heaters that help the system at certain times too. Most ground source heat pumps always run at full capacity (although there are now variants that are inverter driven) and tend to start with an electrical spike and then settle down into a steady running current. Air source heat pump compressors start at about 1/3 of their total capacity and then steadily increase in load as more work is required of them.

Depending on the size of the building being heated this can add quite a load to the consumer unit. Taking an average 200 square metre floor area home built to decent energy efficient standards, the likely heat pump size might be 9-10kW. This results in a 3kW load on the building electrics as well as likely 3kW immersion heater for the hot water.

Budget blown?

Many buildings now are also thinking of putting in electric vehicle charge points, typically 7kW in size which will charge a fully electric car in about 6 hours.

When you consider all of these items in a home they soon add up!

Electric cooking = 32A
Electric vehicle charging (7kW) = 32A
Heat pump and immersion (6kW) = 26A
Lights and power (all floors) = 40A

The point is that most homes have single phase electricity and between 80-100A of load capacity for the entire home. So for existing houses with around 200sqm in floor area a heat pump would require about 25% of the available power to the home during winter.

For larger, particularly rural homes they have exactly the same power available but need much larger heating systems. Combine with that the other electrical demands on the home such as electric AGAs, electric vehicle charging, electric showers, immersion heaters, electric hobs and ovens you can quickly find yourself in a sticky situation.

Indeed for many houses over 300sqm it makes sense to investigate 3-phase electricity for two reasons:

A 3-phase supply will provide approximately three times the power of a similar single phase supply giving you much more available capacity.
Heat pumps above a certain size are no longer manufactured to run on single phase electricity due to efficiency. As a result instead of installing multiple smaller units it becomes more cost effective to install one 3-phase unit.

For the uninitiated, upgrading your electricity supply may not seem such a big deal and the on-site electrician can sort out during construction. Right? WRONG!

This single assumption has caused a great deal of surprise, frustration and budgetary surprises on past projects. Costs of upgrading power supplies to buildings can be eye watering in some cases. We have seen prices from £1,000 to £250,000 to upgrade electricity supplies to buildings.

The solution to get clarity on what this figure might be and whether it compromises your energy strategy, is to work out with your electrician what you will be using for the remainder of the home and discover what the remaining capacity of the power supply to the home is. From this point you can discover whether a heat pump will work on this remainder.

A simple request to the District Network Operator (DNO) can reveal what it will cost to upgrade. Prices often come back in a few weeks once requested.

This element of sustainable construction is a greater risk than many other considerations and can be a budgetary ‘show-stopper’. Understand the costs early in your project and work with your design team to engineer a solution if too high.

If you have any questions about heat pump installation, please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Underfloor Heating: Expert answers to some of the most frequently asked questions

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 14:23:56 GMT

Underfloor heating is fast becoming ubiquitous for new build homes and for existing building refurbishments as a space saving and highly comfortable way of heating rooms.

In this post we will be focusing on wet underfloor heating systems and particularly overlay and screeded systems. Electric mat underfloor systems will be covered and discussed in subsequent blogs in this series.

How deep does an underfloor heating system need to be?

Overlay systems, because of their low profile, are ideally suited for situations where the floor level cannot be reduced; particularly an issue in existing solid floor areas. However, even an overlay system will likely require threshold and door modifications around the home. The thinnest profile overlay system will require 15mm of depth to incorporate the pipes and get you to the bottom of your floor finish.

Screed systems (liquid and sand/cement) can range depending on the floor level installed range from 25mm to 75mm in thickness. For retrofit properties where the floor level cannot be altered, screed systems often are a non-starter unless suspended timber floors are present on the ground floor. Where you have a suspended floor this does give you more options between the joists.

How much insulation is required for underfloor heating systems?

Overlay systems, because of their requirement to be low profile, have a reduced ability to provide resistance to heat penetrating the floor beneath resulting in precious energy being lost to the floor below. Some installations go in with no insulation but a minimum of 25mm would make a huge performance difference to heat loss.

Conversely, with greater floor depth the installer of a screed system in a new construction has the luxury of installing very high levels of insulation to stop heat being wasted. Insulation levels on the ground floor of homes can reach 100-125mm. Beyond that, the benefits of thicker insulation diminish rapidly.

What are the thermal mass benefits of underfloor heating systems?

All manner of pre-cut thermal board solutions are available for overlay underfloor systems to use. These are often high density and very expensive to purchase, but they are thin! Whilst these boards that the overlay system pipes are clipped into have some thermal mass, their ability to retain heat once the underfloor heating is switched off will be markedly reduced compared to a thicker and more massive liquid or sand/cement screed solution. Simple intuition, let alone physics, tells us that by installing a large quantity of screed around the underfloor heating pipes this mass will hold heat better and reduce unwanted floor temperature fluctuations.

A balance between practical thermal mass benefits and floor construction thickness need to be analysed during the design phase to find the right answer for your application.

How much pipe is required for underfloor heating systems?

For efficient low temperature underfloor heating systems, pipe spacing is proportional to ultimate efficiency. The ability to minimise pipe spacing and change pipe detail near key building openings is common sense and will provide more thermal output from a square metre of floor area for a given flow temperature. 100-150mm pipe spacings are the norm for heat pumps and 200-250mm pipe spacings for gas boilers can result in a generous heat output of 100W/m2 for a tiled floor.

Screed systems allow almost infinite design flexibility but with pre-machined boards this is simply not possible and heat pumps especially have to work hard to operate successfully with overlay systems. So called ‘egg-box’ overlay system boards do allow much more flexibility and for the installer to route pipes more flexibility as the project dictates.

How hot does the water for underfloor heating systems need to be?

The small bore pipes used by overlay systems (nominally 10-12mm) require water at 45-55ºC to create suitable levels of heating during winter. Alternatively, screed systems can run at much lower temperatures 30-40ºC and their larger pipe diameters (nominally 15-16mm) allow slower water flow to enable better heat transfer to the room. Lower temperatures for any heating system, but particularly heat pumps, will result in lower running costs too.

How much do the different types of underfloor heating systems cost?

The all-in costs for the two different systems are pretty stark. Including materials (not insulation of floor finishes), labour and VAT, screed underfloor heating prices come out around £40/sqm. In comparison, overlay systems cost around £70/sqm installed.

When all is said and done, every building, budget and perceived customer benefit is totally unique. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages but the good news is that there are lots of products to choose from and there will be a solution to fit your project and budget.

Either way, as always, I hope you are a little more informed than you were before and can proceed with more confidence to whatever the final solution may be. For further reading on this subject, check out our other blog post: Underfloor Heating: 7 Myths Busted!

If you have any questions about underfloor heating systems, please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Ground Source Heat Pumps: The 'Fab Four' ground collector choices explained

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 16:41:51 GMT

Ground source heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular. Whilst more expensive than traditional fossil fuel heating systems and their air source heat pump relatives, you can achieve some of the lowest running costs possible using this tried and tested technology. Extracting energy from the ground requires little maintenance once installed, but installation is a disruptive process.

To truly understand if there is a solution suitable for you - and before you dismiss this renewable technology because of the inevitable upheaval created - read this post to better understand the various methods and systems that can be used. There are a variety of ways to harvest energy from the ground in order to feed a ground source heat pump system with valuable natural energy. In this post, we cover the spectrum of options.

Horizontal Collectors

The most traditional of collector types, the horizontal collector consists of continuous lengths of plastic pipe between (25mm – 40mm diameter) being laid out in the bottom of an excavated hole or trench separated by a fixed distance. Imagine a large outdoor underfloor heating system buried in your garden! The pipes are often made from medium density or high density polyethylene plastic, laid around 1.2-1.5m below ground level and will last 50-100 years. Depending on the ground conditions and heat pump size the amount of buried pipe will vary.

As a rule of thumb, and assuming a loam soil, ground loops may occupy an area twice the size of the total floor area of the home to gather energy for the home all year round.

Slinkies are also used and fit into the horizontal collector group. They are made from a similar material to standard horizontal collectors and are often 20mm-25mm in diameter. Unlike standard collectors they come in a continuous coil that is placed in a 1.2m-1.5m deep trench, stretched out and then laid down (a bit like a flat slinky) and pinned in place. Instead of having equally spaced pipework there are many intersections in a single loop and for this reason are not preferred by some installers due to likelihood of premature ground freezing during winter.

The main advantages of slinkies are that they are quicker and easier to install than standard collectors. They also reduce ground works and take up less land space.

Either type of collector loops gather in a sunken plastic or masonry inspection chamber in which they are connected to a main flow and return manifold. This allows low grade heat to be gathered from a large area and yet only two pipes return from the manifold location to the plant room location where the heat pump is located.

Boreholes

For those with limited land available, a borehole solution could be beneficial. Boreholes use specialist drilling equipment to bore vertically down to depths of 200m in some cases. Into the 150mm diameter hole created by the drilling rig a loop of pipe is inserted and backfilled with a bentonite clay material that helps conduct heat from the surrounding earth to the pipework. Individual borehole ‘tails’ are connected up to a larger flow and return pipe system and then brought back to the plant room.

Energy in boreholes is absorbed from the surrounding ground but predominantly from water flowing through the various ground and rock strata (varying through the full borehole length) providing excellent year round performance.

Because the boreholes go down vertically and only need to be spaced apart by around 6m they consume very little space in order to harvest enough energy to heat the home. Boreholes can also be very effective for heating and cooling buildings using heat pump technology.

Energy piles / 'short' boreholes

To clear up any confusion here energy piles are sometimes discussed when talking about combining structural building piles and boreholes as described in the previous section. We are not talking about those.

The third solution here is a technological hybrid between horizontal collectors and boreholes in the form of the Helix Probe from Rehau. This system is very unique and uses pre-packaged pipe coils with a total coil diameter of around 500mm. An array of holes is drilled using an auger to only about 3m deep and the coils inserted and backfilled with earth. The tails are connected together and brought back to a manifold similar to that used by horizontal collectors. This system needs approximately 25-33% of the ground area required for horizontal collectors.

Energy Blades

The final solution worth mentioning is a panel system that can be used in water channels, ponds, lakes, mill races etc. Whilst technically a water source heat pump collection method it has been growing in popularity due to its compact form. Imagine a vertical stainless steel radiator (3m long by 500mm tall) that is connected to three others in a group 800mm wide. This installation can provide over 20kW of thermal energy in fast flowing water. Compared to the traditional horizontal collectors mentioned earlier in the blog that take massive areas to gather similar energy, this collector has its place in the product mix for sure.

As always you have a choice and there is bound to be a ground source heat pump collector solution for you if you would like to go down this route.

If you have any questions about ground source heat pumps, please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge: How can we achieve the core health and wellbeing targets on temperature, daylight and indoor air quality?

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 11:32:35 GMT

After having written an initial blog on what the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge is all about , we decided it was time to dig a little deeper and focus on the individual areas of the challenge.

This is the last of four blogs on the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge focused on health and wellbeing: covering targets for overheating, daylighting and indoor air quality through more intelligent building design.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’ . ‘Well being’ refers to a positive rather than neutral state, framing health as a positive aspiration. In this context, occupant health and well being has been rightly identified as a key building performance attribute by the RIBA Climate Challenge and really rounds out the holistic nature of the framework.

Unlike the other RIBA 2030 Climate challenge targets, there are numerous elements that form the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ target and these are singular values rather than becoming tighter as the decade progresses.

RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge target metrics for all buildings

Overheating

With considerably more focus on building temperatures in all seasons becoming excessively high for occupants, it is great to see these as the headline target for health and wellbeing. Paradoxically, as we better insulate buildings, improve air tightness levels in buildings and build with more glass, ventilation design can suffer and temperatures can quickly become unmanageable. To achieve levels of 25-28C for a maximum of 1% of a building's occupancy is a tough target. The current pass threshold for TM52 (the European overheating standard) is <3% and whilst the RIBA target is eminently achievable, it will require detailed and professional thermal modelling to de-risk the design and allow design teams to confidently progress going forward.

Success in designing for overheating is intimately related to ventilation design within the building.

Ventilation (CO2 levels and air quality)

Extensive work undertaken by the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has proven that CO2 levels within a building is directly proportional to the effective ventilation of the rooms forming said building. 900 ppm (parts per million) is a standard value and not overly strenuous as far as ventilation design is concerned either. Practically, if you design the building to meet current Part F Building Regulations you will meet this criteria.

Due to the nature of air and increasing complexity of building design to design effective ventilation and ensure that overheating is managed, building physics modelling is the ONLY way to ensure the subtleties of the results are fully explored and risks mitigated. We are well beyond guessing and having full confidence that once built the building will be fully optimised.

To reduce the performance gap, system commissioning and post occupancy evaluation (POE) will ensure the building is performing the way it was intended.

Daylighting

Natural daylight into a building in all seasons is critical to boosting levels of mental health and productivity. Building orientation, levels of fenestration and maximising views all can have an effect on the amount of daylight captured, but like other aspects of building design going to extremes can lead to excess heat loss, increased overheating and higher building costs.

The RIBA targets for daylighting (>2% av. daylight factor and 0.4 uniformity), similar to ventilation are not overly strenuous and the CIBSE LG10 best practice guide will allow most designs to pass. If anything, the daylight factor is becoming quite a simplistic method of calculating real light levels but other useful methods such as daylight illuminance and daylight autonomy methods are outputs from most modelling packages now.

As you will be increasingly aware, with an accurate building physics modelling the subtle interplay between daylighting, ventilation and overheating can be navigated more robustly whilst making the most of the site, views and natural energy.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Formaldehyde

This element of occupant health is a new one for many and reflects the focus on trying to further improve indoor air quality, reduce man-made materials and eliminate chemicals that can contribute to adverse respiratory, allergic or our immune system reactions.

Targets for VOC and formaldehyde, 0.3g/m3 and 0.1g/m3 respectively, can be initially assessed by looking at manufacturer’s product data sheets and measured using sensory equipment once construction is completed. Whilst the practical measurement of these emissions in a building is unlikely to be an overnight transformation it can focus the designer’s and client’s mind on more responsible material procurement and purchasing; particularly for paints and finishes used in the building where contact with occupants can be direct.

And that’s a wrap. Another whistle-stop tour of the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge quadrant, but hopefully there is some food for thought in the above. Increased levels of consideration and early-stage building physics analysis as well as more considered materials selection is the key to this important element of the challenge.

If you have any questions about the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge: How can we reduce potable water use by at least 40%?

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 09:54:29 GMT

After having written an initial blog on what the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge is all about , we decided it was time to dig a little deeper and focus on the individual areas of the challenge.

This is the third of four blogs on the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge focused on water efficiency and how to best reach the significant reductions in potable water usage through more intelligent building design. Water has been rightly identified as a precious resource by the RIBA Climate Challenge and, as you will see, meeting the 2030 targets is far from straightforward.

Current building regulations targets are equivalent to 125 l/p/d (litres per person per day) of potable water usage for domestic premises and for >16 l/p/d for commercial premises. The 2030 targets are <75 l/p/d and <10 l/p/d respectively which, roughly speaking, is a 40% reduction in potable water use by the end of the decade.

Potable water - contrary to the standard definition of ‘water that is safe to drink or for food preparation’ - in this context means water used for toilet flushing, bathing, showering, dish washing/food preparation and clothes washing.

Understand your water-using appliances

For domestic calculations of water usage, the Building Regulations Part G water calculator can be used to determine the usage per person per day. Commercially, the BREEAM water calculator can be used for the most accurate predictions.

In order, the biggest users of water in buildings are:

Baths with showers = circa 185 litres capacity
Showers = circa 10 litres/minute
Washing machines = circa 8 litres/kg dry load
Bathroom, kitchen and utility room sink taps = circa 6-8 litres/minute
Dual flush toilets = 6-4 litres per flush

The PART G and BREEAM water calculators use various factors and adjustments based on the combination of appliances installed to more accurately reflect the expected usage per person per day. Nonetheless, it is interesting to see these different types of water using fixtures listed out to remind us the relative usage.

Standing head and shoulders above all other water using fixtures are baths, which use a colossal amount of water. Modern living generally lends itself to more showers being installed and used in daily life, but baths are still installed in almost all UK homes. Appliances in isolation mean little, so for the purposes of this blog we have put together a few scenarios to bring all this to life.

No more baths?

We have put together an example potable water strategy table moving through the future RIBA targets to show what appliances (and their efficiencies) may have to look like to meet the suggested targets. We have considered the following changes to building and appliance design as progress is made through the 2020s...

More efficient bathroom fixtures and fittings
Changing traditional bathrooms to wet rooms without baths for future adaptability
More efficient kitchen fixtures and fittings over time

What is clear is that with a bit of work with toilet specification it is easy to hit RIBA potable water usage targets up to 2025 by more carefully specifying efficient sinks, toilets and showers that are on the market today. But beyond that point the water used by traditional baths comes to a head. Based on current calculation methodologies, baths in homes of the near future will not be suitable. Design of traditional ‘bathrooms’ will have to be radically altered to eliminate baths without compromising the function of the room. Who knows; there may be room there for some decent low water usage bath product innovation!

It may seem crazy that these kinds of fundamental design changes are needed, but they are and it is worth considering that change really is needed to protect precious energy and water resources in the built environment. If considered today, these issues can be discussed and elegantly designed for.

So, hopefully there is some food for thought is this week’s blog. As always, by taking a logical and smart approach to tackling water usage in your building design, you will find that meeting the RIBA 2030 targets for potable water can be met. It does require early-stage planning and careful balancing with client lifestyle requirements, but is within all of our grasps.

If you have any questions about the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge: How can we reduce embodied carbon by at least 50-70%?

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 10:49:17 GMT

After having written an initial blog on what the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge is all about , we decided it was time to dig a little deeper and focus on the individual areas of the challenge.

This is the second of four blogs on the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge focused on embodied carbon and how to best reach the significant reductions in carbon emissions through more intelligent building design and materials use.

Current building regulations targets are equivalent to 1,000kgCO2e/m2 of embodied carbon for domestic premises and 1,100kgCO2e/m2 for commercial premises. The 2030 targets are <300kgCO2e/m2 and <500kgCO2e/m2 respectively which, roughly speaking, is a 55-70% reduction in operational energy use by the end of the decade.

To best understand how to reduce carbon, you have to first appreciate how carbon accounts for the whole life cycle of a material or set of materials to start to tackle the levels of a building's embodied carbon in a meaningful way.

Work done by London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI), using the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Whole Life Carbon Assessment framework gives a window into where carbon lies for a particular building with consideration of all embodied carbon and carbon emissions over the building's lifetime. The table below highlights the distribution for a residential building.

As you break down the individual materials that contribute to the whole building, you will find that they follow a similar pattern; large amounts of carbon in the manufacture, processing and transport of the material to the building site.

It is truly staggering to think that by the time the building is first occupied that over 50-55% of the total lifetime carbon impact is already in the building!

Fundamentally, there are four key things to consider to meaningfully reduce embodied carbon in a building:

Repurpose or reuse existing buildings
Reuse, re-manufacture and recycle building materials
Build with low carbon, natural (less processed) materials
Offset emissions (renewable technology or woodland planting)

1. Repurpose or reuse existing buildings

Maybe the most obvious (to some) would be to use the existing building stock that we already have to re-purpose, rather than razing to the ground and starting from scratch. A lot of discussion has been had recently about how ‘eco’ buildings really are if they use a huge amount of carbon in their construction, despite how highly insulated and traditionally energy efficient they might be. As per the diagram above, if large proportions of the building structure can be retained almost 50% of the embodied carbon can be saved compared to a new building.

2. Reuse, Re-manufacture and recycle building materials

The next best option if the form of the building really has to change is to use the existing materials on site and reuse or recycle. A classic example of this is the demolition of concrete structures, on-site crushing and using the demolition material for hardcore for new foundations or floors. With a bit of thought and planning this reusing of materials can not only dramatically reduce embodied carbon but save costs of disposal and transport to site.

3. Build with low carbon, natural (less processed) materials

If the previous two ways to reduce carbon have been exhausted the next best option is to source materials that are lower carbon and more natural. Less processed artificial materials by their very nature have had less energy used in their production and so have less of a carbon impact. Using cellulose or sheeps wool instead of glass fibre and PIR is a classic example, but also using some natural wood products in moderation can help dramatically reduce carbon compared to more traditional masonry and concrete construction methods. As a first step, understand the relative embodied carbon impact of materials familiar to you.

4. Offset emissions (renewable technology or woodland planting)

Finally and as a last resort, particularly for commercial developments you can resort to offsetting embodied carbon emissions by investing in off-site renewable technology; such as offshore wind and woodland planting. There are a growing number of legitimate and recognised companies that support Gold Standard and global projects which can be invested in and offset a project’s embodied carbon.

So that’s the theory, but luckily to put some of this into practice there is a growing range of free tools . These can help you at the beginning stages of your design project to get you headed in the right direction and give you instant feedback:

Mesh Embodied Carbon Calculator (Excel)
FCBS Carbon Tool (Excel)
Hawkins Brown HBert (REVIT application)
Building Transparency (Online tool)

So, there you go. By taking a logical and smart approach to tackling material selection strategy you will find that meeting the RIBA 2030 targets for embodied carbon can be surprisingly straight forward. It does require early-stage planning and careful balancing with budget and some other key project goals can be achieved, but is within all of our grasps.

If you have any questions about the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge: How can we reduce operational energy demand by at least 75%?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 10:59:20 GMT

After having written an initial blog on what the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge is all about , we decided it was time to dig a little deeper and focus on the individual areas of the challenge.

This is the first of four blogs on the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge focused on operational energy and how to best reach the significant reductions in carbon emissions through more intelligent building design.

Current building regulations targets are equivalent to 146kWh/m2/y of energy use for domestic premises and 225kWh/m2/y for commercial premises. The 2030 targets are <35 and <55kWh/m2/y respectively which roughly speaking is a 75% reduction in operational energy use by the end of the decade.

These reductions cover both ‘regulated’ and ‘unregulated’ loads which can be loosely broken down as follows:

Regulated loads:

Space heating
Hot water
Ventilation
Cooling
Fans and pumps
Lighting

Unregulated loads:

Computers
Server Rooms
Appliances

When trying to reduce operational energy for RIBA 2030 or otherwise, we suggest using good old common sense and the Mesh Energy Hierarchy . As you work from the top down you give your project the best chance of becoming low energy for the least hassle and capital invested. That’s because all parts of a building’s design and function are not created equal.

By far and away the largest contributors to the overall operational energy usage of a building is the space heating/cooling, ventilation and hot water loads. In most buildings these combined key regulated loads make up 70-80% of the annual operational energy usage.

This blog assumes you are fairly restricted with building size, shape and form due to the site, location and work done so far. If you haven’t got that far and you are in the very early stages of conceptual building design then you can use a more compact building shape, use natural positioning and orientation to reduce unnecessary seasonal heating, cooling and ventilation for the building.

Fabric Element Design

The next logical step to reduce operational energy demand and heating is improving the building fabric as far as is practically possible. To help you, we have, based on extensive design experience, suggested some target U-values in the table below for key thermal elements to get you close. Fundamentally the walls, floors and roof need to be 25-45% than they are today to get even close to the RIBA 2030 target. The more time and effort you spend on this element of the design will pay dividends for the life of the building and long-term running cost reductions.

Airtightness & Ventilation

The ‘leakiness’ and controlled ventilation of a building also plays a big part in energy efficiency. Increasingly you will have to build to a tighter and smaller infiltration rate to meet stringent RIBA 2030 targets and provide mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems. It is estimated that compared to a standard naturally ventilated building that MVHR systems on average reduce heating related energy usage by approximately 20%.

To achieve the RIBA 2030 target we estimate that a building airtightness design level has to be below 1 m3/m2h.

Renewable Technology

Once you have building form, external fabric design and airtightness sorted you have likely made some serious progress to making long-lasting passive energy improvements to the building that should outlast the occupants. Beyond these design elements you can turn your attention to the technologies that will power, provide heating and hot water in a sustainable way. Realistically, you will not get anywhere considering fossil fuel technologies and will have to look at renewable heat pump technologies as well as solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in some instances. Installing solar PV in large quantities will just about allow some to put in a high efficiency gas boiler.

It is likely that in order to meet the RIBA 2030 targets, air or ground source heat pump technology and a small contribution from solar PV will be required.

Low-Energy Appliances & Lighting

As a cherry on the cake when you get to considering appliances and lighting (particularly for a commercial project) there is still a significant operational energy saving contribution that can be made by using LED lights and smart technology to monitor and manage usage at appropriate times. Commercially, it is suggested that lighting power density of 4.5W/m2 during office hours is where you need to be to meet the RIBA 2030 targets.

So, there you go. By taking a logical and smart approach to tackling building design and technology strategy you will find that meeting the RIBA 2030 targets for operational energy can be surprisingly straight forward. It does require early-stage planning and careful balancing with budget and some other key project goals can be achieved.

If you have any questions about the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Will your lights go out? 5 reasons domestic battery storage may suit you

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 15:57:57 GMT

After our recent post “Home battery storage: should you take the plunge?” gave an overview of this increasingly popular technology, we are following up this week with specific reasons you may find could help you in your particular current or future home scenario.

The recent trend for winter in the UK has been perilously tight power usage (within 1-2%) of full electricity generating capacity, and you would imagine with more people staying at home this winter the issue will be particularly tight for Christmas 2020. It makes you wonder: "What would I do if the power did temporarily go out due to the grid not being able to cope?" Doesn’t it?

What would you do to keep the lights on in your home and would you invest in technology to reduce or eliminate the risk?

Eliminate the risk

One of the ways this unfortunate event could be tackled is by using a battery backup system and this week we help to explain some basics about the technology and list five top ways these systems could benefit you through power cuts and beyond.

Modern battery systems are popularly made from Lithium-Ion, providing higher energy density than more traditional Lead acid batteries, and store excess electricity allowing controlled discharge during times when electricity is required but the source is no longer available.

The batteries are just half the story and whilst they continue to become cheaper to buy it is the system controllers which manage how energy is sent and extracted from the battery that complete the picture. These controllers allow batteries to safely interact with the other electricity supplies and electrical circuits in a modern home ensuring the battery power is efficiently managed. Visualisation of what the battery is doing at any point in time is also improving through a range of clever smartphone applications.

So what could you use home battery backup systems for and how could they benefit your home?

Our Top 5 Domestic Battery Uses

1. Keeping the lights on during power cuts

Domestic battery and control systems can help to give you protection against power outages. For power cuts a battery system would allow you to keep the light, fridge, internet, tv and a whole other raft of appliance still going for a good while after the mains electricity has gone off. Depending on the size of the battery installed depends on how long you can keep these critical appliances working for. You can program the batteries to store a minimum amount to always make sure you are covered.

T hese mains backup battery systems aim to act as an ‘uninterruptible’ backup and as such the appliances within the home will see a continuous flow of electricity as the battery system takes over.

2. Night time use of your free solar electricity to reduce waste

If you have a solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed you can use electricity your system has generated for free at night. What if you could use the free excess electricity created during the day? Batteries can do exactly that and store excess free electricity and make sure you are not wasting it by sending it back onto the mains grid.

3. Optimising time-based energy tariffs to save money

For some it may make sense to store low price electricity and use it when electricity rates are high during other parts of the day. It must be said this works particularly well on the Continent but less so in the UK, however the idea still stands. Why not store electricity when it’s cheap and then use the stored energy when you are on a higher tariff? There are a range of new smart variable energy tariffs coming onto the market which can help here.

4. Charging your electric car as cheaply as possible

If you have an electric vehicle it is likely it is sat at home for a large proportion of the day and night when not in use. This means that you don’t have to charge it straight away and could wait, in the summer, until there is an excess of free solar electricity or more generally, at night when your home battery has spare capacity and your home is ‘asleep’. Mobile apps and interfaces with home battery systems can help you to drive down the cost rather than just charging from the grid immediately once you get home.

5. Maximise solar panel returns and minimise imported electricity

The holy grail for some is to stop importing energy from the grid at all. For most of us mere mortals it is a pipe dream to do this entirely, but with a home battery system and solar PV panels you can buffer energy and power your home life much more effectively and reduce the net import of energy through the year. The key here is flexibility and by better control and the additional resource the battery gives you you can meet spikes in daily demand and stay off grid for longer. The more you can use the electricity generated by your solar panels, keep it on site and use it the more economical the solution and the faster the return is in your investment.

So, as you can see, there are some pretty handy ways to use home battery storage systems. There is an increasing list of product choices available and we will cover this area in more detail in subsequent blogs.

As always, we wish you lots of luck with your new low-energy home project or refurb!

If you still have any questions about home battery storage, please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Low flow temperature radiators: The next best thing? Mesh Energy explains

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 09:04:10 GMT

My post last week busted a load of common myths about underfloor heating systems. This week, I thought I would run through the next best option for buildings that simply can’t install such a system but want low running costs.

So, this week we’re looking at Low Flow Temperature Radiators. Let's dive in!

What if underfloor heating is not a viable option for your project?

If underfloor heating is not appropriate in your project, then you’ll be considering alternatives. This is especially true in retrofit applications where it does not make financial sense to tear up the floor and take out all the existing radiator plumbing.

Indeed, what if the floor construction of your existing home just can’t take the extra weight of underfloor heating ? This is a common issue for those fitting ground or air source heat pumps to a property.

Heat pump systems require lower temperature heat emitters. Assuming lots of hard work has gone into insulating the building, the last thing you want to do is compromise the overall efficiency of the installation by putting in standard radiators which need an elevated flow temperature in order to keep the room warm during winter.

You have two solutions:

Use a standard off-the-shelf steel radiator and considerably increase the radiator size.
Invest in a highly efficient specialist compact low flow temperature radiator system.

Standard radiator sizing

Any plumber or heating engineer who knows his/her stuff will quickly tell you that reducing the temperature of your heating system will likely require larger radiators to be fitted.

In fact, radiators designed for a standard oil or gas heating system working at 70 degrees Celsius would have to more than double in size to heat a room using lower temperatures produced by a heat pump (nearer 45 degrees Celsius). Quite clearly not everyone is prepared to make this change.

S o, what is the alternative?

Low flow temperature radiators

There are a few mainstream radiators on the market that fit the bill and allow underfloor flow temperatures to heat a room whilst retaining the same ‘wall print’ size as a traditional radiator.

L ow flow temperature radiator designs take advantage of compact but highly efficient multiple small-bore pipe and a lightweight aluminium fin design to maximise the area emitting heat as well as the option for convection fans to boost output.

Jaga Strada (DBE)

Jaga manufacture the Strada range of powder coated low flow temperature radiators. The basic radiator is wall mounted, simple in design and is very easy to install.

For extra performance an optional ‘DBE’ unit can be bought which takes the form of a small PC fan cassette system that sits on the top of the heat exchanger and helps to draw air through the exchanger can be purchased. These are plug-and-play and again simple to install as well as offering basic boost and thermostatic control functionality whilst remaining whisper quiet.

E ach radiator is custom made and takes about 6 weeks to arrive once the order is placed, as a result they could be considered a little on the pricey side. Nonetheless they are of a high quality and come in a massive array of colour choices too!

Dimplex SmartRad

The Dimplex offering is also sleek in design but differs notably from the Jaga product in that is has an inbuilt axial fan. As a result, the unit cannot function as a silent passive radiator.

The product comes in a number of standard sizes and has the option of being purchased with a matt white finish or a slightly more modern looking flat glass front panel. The product comes off the shelf with a basic thermostatic control, however an additional 7-day timer module can be purchased to help refine the operation and maximise cost savings.

In addition, both radiators benefit from extremely low water content ensuring that heating times are considerably reduced over a traditional, reducing the amount of energy needed by the heat pump or boiler to get the radiator up to temperature.

Both are extremely viable alternatives to oversizing pressed steel radiators, and successfully fill a growing niche in the retrofit market as old inefficient radiators make way for their ultra-efficient 21st century replacements.

We hope this post has helped to shed some light on low flow temperature radiators as a viable alternative to underfloor heating systems. As always, we wish you lots of luck with your new low-energy home project or refurb!

If you still have any questions about low flow temperature radiators, please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Underfloor Heating: 7 myths busted! Mythbusting with Mesh Energy

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 08:05:27 GMT

For the first post in our new Mythbusting with Mesh Energy series we're taking a look at underfloor heating.

Installed and loved by many, but for a large number of people it is still not properly understood; even by professionals! In this post we'll outline the top seven myths and, as usual, we will endeavour to blow these myths out the water and pave the way for you to be able to make sensible heating decisions with the right information at hand!

Myth 1: Underfloor heating is only suitable for new homes

There is no doubt that if you are building a new highly-insulated home that underfloor heating can be simply integrated. But if you have an existing building, there are a dizzying array of systems that can allow you to benefit from areas of your home on all floors being heated in this way with no radiators on the walls. From low-profile overlay systems to plate emitter and pre-routed gypsum boards, the choice is impressive. With proper care, these systems can transform the comfort level in an existing home.

Myth 2: Electric underfloor heating is cheap, easier and better than a wet system

Electric underfloor heating is cheaper to buy at around £40/m² (compared to around £70-£100 per m² for wet systems) and best suited for one off rooms, typically bathrooms where wall space is limited. There is also little actual skill involved in installing the tech so it is within the realms of a DIYer; roll it out, wire it up to a power supply and thermostat and off you go! But beware: running costs will likely be triple the cost of a wet system using heated water running through pipes and the longevity of electric systems is poor compared to the 50-year warranties you often get for wet underfloor heating systems.

Myth 3: You can't control room temperature properly

Modern and widely available underfloor control systems can utilise both traditional analogue and modern digital control. The latter allows for precise room temperature control up to half a degree, which is significantly better than you would hope to achieve with an analogue dial thermostat.

In fact, if you have a new system installed in a home and rooms are correctly zoned, you can program and control different temperatures for different rooms from a single location, so bathrooms are a nice and cosy 22 Celsius, whilst bedrooms are a comfortable 18 Celsius. Modern smartphone apps even allow you to make changes to your home heating whilst you are abroad. Control doesn’t get much better than that!

Myth 4: Underfloor heating doesn't work with carpet flooring

This is simply untrue. The general rule here is that TOG ratings should be below 1.5 and heavy large rugs should be avoided. There are thousands of home owners who are having carpeted rooms heated just fine and there is no reason why you shouldn’t too.

During the room pipe work design, engineers cater for carpeted areas in most living spaces and make sure that plenty of pipe is installed.

Myth 5: Underfloor heating reacts too slowly to be of any use

Modern intelligent systems can be programmed to fit your lifestyle and many “learn” when to start to ensure that the room is at your desired temperature at a given time in the day. The convention in most homes now is to keep the home at a steady temperature just a few degrees below the ideal temperature during the night, or when you go on holiday, with a small nudge required to get the home back up to temperature when you return.

If used in this way, underfloor heating systems are very responsive and far more economical to run.

Myth 6: You can't install underfloor heating upstairs

We hear this one a lot, and there are often two reasons; structural and cost/benefit. It's true that a wet system with a thin screed does add additional weight but, with caution, “lightweight” systems can be installed that have no need for a screed.

As for cost/benefit there is more money invested in a first floor heating system but, depending on your requirements, you gain intelligent individual room heating and additional wall space for all your bedroom furniture and bathroom fittings which very few people consider.

Myth 7: Underfloor heating will crack and distort wooden floors

Again, many people have underfloor heating successfully installed with wooden floors in the UK and Europe. Most wooden floors installed with under floor heating are engineered and therefore are very thermally stable. Natural wooden floors are a different beast as these have a higher moisture content and are much less resilient to changing humidity and moisture ingress. As a general rule, higher density woods are preferred, and maximum allowable moisture contents should be 7%.

So, there you have it! We hope this post has helped to bust some common myths for you and that you now have more confidence in your decision making for your purchase of a new underfloor heating system. Good luck!

If you still have any questions about underfloor heating,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

10 Highly Efficient Steps to Get from Inefficient House to Eco Home

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 09:39:17 GMT

The dream of being able to turn your existing home into a cost effective, snug and wholly comfortable eco home is neither one that happens overnight, nor will it come for free. But there are some measures that outperform the rest and they can quickly help you save money and improve your situation. If you know someone who is interested or who would benefit from implementing these suggestions in their home, please share this post with them using the buttons at the bottom.

Your dream eco home in 10 easy steps

Your quest for a dream low energy home may not come easily.

There are lifestyle changes to be made that might take some negotiation with those in charge of cooking and laundry! Of course, every home is different and how you prioritise the ideas below will reflect this.

Here are Mesh Energy's Top 10 most effective measures you can take to fast turn your existing home into an environmentally sound one to be proud of:

Step 1: turn the heating thermostat down

Roughly speaking, every additional 1 degree you set your home thermostat to you are paying another 5% more on your annual heating bills than is necessary. Make absolutely sure you have a comfortable temperature for the house and don’t mess around adjusting the stat every day.

COST: Free!

Step 2: heat rooms cleverly

All of your rooms should have rads or underfloor heating with individual temperature control. If not, get it. Then you can turn rooms not in use down to around 16 Celsius and not waste heat on rooms you don’t occupy.

COST: Free!

Step 3: reduce heating at night

This is a biggie that a lot of people miss. Most home controllers will allow you to reduce the temperature of the heating system at night by a few degrees or turn it off. DON’T leave your heating on all night. Turn it down and make sure it recovers the few degrees lost by the time you wake up.

COST: Free!

Step 4: put some clothes on!

This may sound a little glib, but honestly, just one more layer of clothing and you could knock the temperature of your thermostat (Step 1) down by a degree or more. It's so simple, but weigh up whether walking around in your pants in the depths of winter is worth the cost!

COST: Free!

Step 5: improve loft insulation

It’s rare today that people have no loft insulation installed but compared to modern regulations almost everybody would benefit from topping it up. Modern building regulations suggest almost 300mm of fibreglass insulation to keep your home snug and once it’s done you can forget about it. Most homes can be treated for less than £500 and you’re likely to get your money back within 2-3 years.

COST: £100-£200

Step 6: target draughts and open chimneys

In older properties in particular, this is a real cost saver, especially for those with open chimneys. Draughts can account for around 15% of a standard energy bill, more so for older properties. Simple draught proofing seals, tape and chimney balloons can recoup the cost within a year and cut down wasted energy that is literally going up the chimney.

COST: £10-£100

Step 7: stop using your tumble dryer

Many people use tumble dryers and they are a convenience. But most people spend around £150 per year drying clothes, so if you can find space to naturally dry clothes then you’ll immediately be quids in!

COST: Free!

Step 8: change to LED lighting throughout the house

LED lights are dropping in price and some can be bought for less than £10 online. If you occupy the house during the day or have areas in the home that are used all the time with lots of lights then this measure is a no-brainer. Depending on usage, this typically costs less than £300 to implement, but you could realistically get your money back within the first year.

COST: £100-£300

Step 9: install low-flow shower heads

This is also a measure that will return the investment within the first couple of years. Installing replacement shower heads that aerate the water and give you the same shower feeling whilst using 25% less water can be bought for around £25 each.

COST: £100-£300

Step 10: start collecting rainwater

This low-cost modification is best for avid gardeners. Properly collected, the savings on metered water could be considerable. A simple plastic barrel and guttering and you're away!

COST: £50-£100

The cumulative effect of these 10 steps is massive. Even if you haven’t got much to spend, you can still make a big impact on your energy bills starting straight away. So, what are you waiting for!?

If you still have any questions about eco home efficiencies,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Home battery storage: should you take the plunge? Mesh Energy explains

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 11:19:31 GMT

With ever-increasing interest in battery storage and with new shiny options being released into the UK market, I thought the topic deserves an honest review to clarify some of the key technology points.

So, should you take the plunge and invest your hard earned money in this tech at present or hold off for now?

The bigger picture

Battery systems are now allowing us to store energy for the home and can work whether you have solar panels installed on your home or not. If you have solar panels you can charge batteries during the day with free excess electricity for use at night. If you don’t have solar, you can use batteries to keep the lights on during power cuts.

Battery systems have been used for years by mariners, caravan and car owners and computer aficionados for years. Batteries and management systems are nothing new, but systems big enough to power our homes seem to confuse many.

Batteries on their own are just a ‘bucket’ for energy. In order to manage charging and discharging of the battery in conjunction with your lifestyle, you will also need other equipment such as charge controllers and other electrical paraphernalia such as protection devices and appropriate cabling.

System practicality

Most basic domestic battery systems have useful storage of between 3kWh – 6kWh. To put this into perspective, a typical UK home uses about 11kWh of electricity per day. As a result, battery storage has a very practical application in protecting the home against power cuts and heavily reducing evening electricity usage throughout the year .

If you have a 4kWp solar installation in the south of the UK, it will typically produce more than 11kWh between the months of March until October allowing you to save electricity for evening and night time usage.

Indeed, if you were to have a power cut at home in the early hours of the morning, in essence if you didn’t change your usage habits you may likely get half way through the day before the battery runs out of useful energy.

Product choice

Although Tesla has done a fantastic job in marketing and raising awareness in the sector, there is a long list of other manufacturers and system providers which have been in the market longer.

Some of the best and most advanced products sold in the UK include: Wattstor, SMA Sunny Island, Tesla Powerwall, Growatt, Powervault, Sonnenbatterie or Samsung. Check these out before going for the shiniest one on the shelf!

System costs

Prices for batteries vary by a fair bit at the moment but the current cost per usable kWh of storage is between £1,000 – £1,500 for the equipment. For a fully installed system including labour and inverter/charger, prices start from around £4,500 for a 3kWh system. For a higher spec 6kWh system this price could easily creep up to nearer £5,000+.

The costs listed above are for systems using traditional lead acid batteries, like those in your car. The likes of Tesla batteries use Lithium Ion technology which is getting plenty of backing, but there are also aqueous batteries for those who are more ‘eco’. All of these different battery types come at different prices to the consumer.

Payback

The dreaded term that all new renewable technology has to tackle… Well, unfortunately, based on standard system payback modelling and the fact that there are no government subsidies for this technology, it means that you won’t get your money back before you have to change the batteries for new ones! As such, battery systems don’t currently pay for themselves using standard modelling like solar PV or heat pumps.

But, if you believe that investment in the sector will reduce battery price and that mains electricity may become more expensive, then you might not have long to wait.

A difficult choice to make...

So, it's safe to say that home battery storage technology systems are in the ‘early adopter’ stage with high relative price and low levels of UK installations to date. For some this is a perfect stage to get involved and if you waste a lot of your solar electrical energy back to the grid or suffer from frequent power cuts at home, you may be raring to get a system installed.

Either way, make sure you do your research before taking the plunge and feel free to contact us directly to see if we may be able to help. (Hint - the answer is likely to be "Yes, we can!")

If you still have any questions about home battery storage,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Embodied carbon: What is it, how is it measured, and how should we reduce it? Mesh Energy explains

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 10:41:25 GMT

There is a new ‘kid’ on the sustainable building ‘block’. Nobody knows much about her, few know where she has come from, but what we do know is that she is becoming increasingly popular and she’s turning heads!

Yes, we're talking about embodied carbon. In this blog post we want to introduce the topic, demystify some of the aspects of it to help you better understand what it means, and inform you as to what is involved in reducing its impact when it comes up in conversation.

What is embodied carbon?

Simply, embodied carbon is defined as the carbon footprint of a material. It considers how many greenhouse gases (GHGs) are released throughout the supply chain and includes the extraction of materials from the ground, transport, refining, processing & assembly, in use and end of life. So it includes the exhaust emissions of machines mining raw materials, drying, processing these, fuelling the trucks to move materials around, manufacturing emissions, replacement of materials on the building over 60 years (a typical building lifetime) and emissions associated with recycling or disposal and the like at the end of the building’s useful life.

Embodied carbon does not include carbon emissions associated with heating, lighting, ventilating, etc of a building when it is in use but specifically carbon emitted when producing materials that the building is made from. I’d like to think that most readers could get their heads around this bit but how you actually measure and calculate embodied carbon in a development is a whole new headache.

How is embodied carbon measured and calculated?

The complexities of measurement and quantification of embodied carbon for products has been tamed and better understood in recent years by using a Whole Life Carbon Assessment methodology by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). RICS have broken down a building’s lifecycle into four key stages (Product, Construction Process, Use and End of Life). These are in turn broken down into sub-categories and can be used to apportion embodied carbon to certain aspects of a building’s materials. The best way to show you this is in a diagram, so see below for what the framework looks like .

Every product and material can then be assessed against this framework, but this still leaves issues concerning one person’s or company’s interpretation of carbon emissions to the final values. This is where EPDs come in. An independent, third-party verification of all products has been agreed such that a standardised life cycle assessment with similar product category rules applied allows for products to be fairly compared.

An EPD is often a single-page datasheet, but there are still a fair few numbers on them! The key figure is the ‘Global Warming Potential’ figure which is given in KgCO2e/m3 or in other words the embodied carbon in a given volume of material.

These EPDs are published and verified embodied carbon data for building materials from all around the world from a wide range of manufacturers. Currently, there are around 10-12,000 EPDs which can be assessed and professional software such as OneClick LCA use this database to accurately overlay this data on a 3D model that automatically gives volumes and areas and outputs accurate data on embodied carbon (and cost) for use by the design team.

The professional embodied carbon software does of course require specialist training and an investment, but for a faster path to early stage design strategy Mesh Energy has created a simpler version in excel that uses 45 different materials with embodied carbon data and a simpler input interface so you can more quickly review your designs.

Studies undertaken by RICS have shown that embodied carbon, when measured in this way, contributes to 35-50% of a building's total carbon impact (embodied and emissions) for its entire 60-year life before the keys have even been handed over! So, how can we go about reducing embodied carbon to make less of an impact?

How do we reduce embodied carbon and by how much?

There are a few ways that allow embodied carbon to be reduced. The top 4 ways are:

Repurpose or reuse existing buildings
Reuse, re-manufacture and recycle materials
Build with low carbon, healthy materials
Offset emissions (renewable tech or woodland planting)

At the top of the list and the most obvious way to reduce embodied carbon is to not manufacture materials, use less and retrofit or repurpose existing buildings where possible. A lot of discussion has been had recently about the push for new eco buildings, but these often involve knocking down existing structures and starting from scratch. It's much better to use the ones we have!

Where materials need to be brought to site, a focus on circular economy thinking comes in. Think reuse, re-manufacture or recycle if possible and again reduce manufacture from scratch.

If new materials must be used, then use low-carbon, healthy materials such as wood, sheep’s wool, cellulose, slate, adobe and other lightly processed materials.

Finally, as a last resort, offset emissions by funding UK offsite renewable energy projects or woodland planting.

The question of by how much we should reduce embodied carbon is a tricky one. This answer has been helped in part by professional frameworks such as the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge which has set out an aggressive target of 70% embodied carbon reduction by 2030 to help meet the UK’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon by 2050. Whilst this seems like a big leap to take, it is only because we don’t fully understand embodied carbon yet and don’t realise that with a better and more intelligent design and construction process we can quickly get there.

So, there you go. You're now hopefully a little more informed and better prepared to embrace embodied carbon with peers and on your next project. We’ll be writing many more articles on this subject so please stay tuned!

If you still have any questions about embodied carbon,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Click here to use our Embodied Carbon Calculator!

The evolution of Mesh Energy and sustainable, low-energy building design

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 11:55:36 GMT

Welcome to our new website!

Hi, and thank you for checking out our brand new website. The eagle-eyed among you will have noticed that we have also updated our visual branding. It's more evolution than revolution, but sometimes small changes can make a big difference.

Whether you already know us or you've just discovered us for the first time, please read this blog post to learn more about who we are, why we exist, what's changed since we founded the business eight years ago, and where we're headed.

We have a bold vision and we're excited to share it with you. Thanks for reading.

Doug Johnson, Founder

The journey to founding Mesh Energy

Like many startups, Mesh Energy had humble beginnings.

I founded the business in a spare bedroom in my girlfriend’s flat back in 2012. Fast forward eight years, we're now a team of seven (eight if we include Obi!) and we are proud to be providing cutting-edge renewable energy and sustainable building design consultancy on multiple high-budget residential and commercial projects across the UK.

Prior to founding Mesh, I had invested in and worked for a Norfolk-based renewable energy product installer startup called RenEnergy. I was the technical lead and a director, and I knew that architects and clients were being sold what we could install, but not what was necessarily best for them. Often these were wealthy clients who were renovating large Norfolk barns.

After moving on from RenEnergy I did a stint as a project manager for a large solar PV installation business, but the pressure and boredom of the job set in fast. The final nail in the coffin was total mismanagement of hard-working staff and I was convinced that I had enough knowledge and the determination to give self-employment a punt. I quickly realised that the people I could help with independent advice were those in the domestic market, and that I could help architects figure out what the right renewable technologies would be for their designs. All I had was an idea, a laptop, a pokey, mouldy bedroom and £10K to turn my idea into a reality.

"All I had was an idea, a laptop, a pokey, mouldy bedroom and £10k to turn my idea into a reality."

From experience, I knew that knocking on wealthy clients' doors was going to be a waste of my time. Instead, I focused on speaking to architects and convincing them of the benefits of having someone on their side to help their sustainability-minded clients figure out which renewable heating and hot water system would be the best option for their new eco home, how much it would cost and what the savings would be. I'll never forget the feeling of elation when, in my first week, I successfully convinced two local architects that I would add value to their clients' projects and put two proposals together which were rapidly accepted.

That was all the confirmation I needed. I knew I was onto something. Mesh Energy was born!

A bold vision and purpose in the face of a rapidly changing world

Hand on heart, my big ‘why’ back in 2012 was to offer clients and architects the ability to make better informed decisions based on real facts, not sales greenwash.

Our mission remains close to that, but has evolved slightly to: To instil confidence and pride in low energy buildings through intelligent design . Our purpose or ‘why’ has also evolved into something higher level and is now: To inspire and forge a sustainable legacy. You can read more about our story and purpose on our About page .

In a wider context, there have been some huge changes in the world, particularly in the last two years, which have resulted in us being in the right place at the right time. When I started Mesh, sustainability was important to two sets of people:

'Eco nerds' who genuinely cared about their carbon footprint but were often extreme in their views and had little money
Wealthy people with disposable income who wanted to ‘keep up with the Joneses’ - who happen to have had a funny thing called a heat pump installed!

Now in 2020, issues like global warming, the climate crisis, a global pandemic, rapid deterioration in air quality have all led to a much wider public awareness of sustainability and sustainable living. This increased 'consumer consciousness' opens the doors and allows us to have meaningful conversations with anyone, helping to further their knowledge and leading to a better chance that they will listen to us and make changes, however small.

As service offerings go, I have always asked our clients "what else could we be doing to improve our offering?" From our initial renewable energy feasibility studies, we can now cover the full gamut of services from initial design to final completion and energy monitoring for almost any building imaginable.

"From our initial renewable energy feasibility studies, we can now cover the full gamut of services from initial design to final completion and energy monitoring for almost any building imaginable."

The aforementioned rapid growth of public awareness combined with tightened regulation and other professional movements has led to great team growth for us. Two years ago I had just taken on my second employee. We are now a team of seven and we will be hiring more in the coming months . The depth of expertise in the team is astounding. Thanks to taking on a diverse team from a wide range of technical and non-technical backgrounds, we have a rich mix of highly capable individuals who are hungry to learn, improve, and be the best. This is now deeply ingrained in our company culture .

The evolution of Mesh and the decision behind our brand refresh

The decision behind our brand refresh was primarily to better reflect the professionalism of the team and to make sure that we are putting our best foot forward for clients that could benefit from working with us. As a startup, our visual brand up to now was still very much reflective of our founding back in 2012. The visuals and the website had been in place since we took on our first few customers. Eight years later, the business had moved along leaps and bounds, but our branding hadn't, so we definitely felt like the time was right.

We are very much graduating from a micro start up to an established small business which is being taken seriously within our industry. We therefore need to ensure that every touch point for a potential and existing client gives confidence that they are in safe hands. With architects comprising a large chunk of our client base, we also knew that good design would be of the utmost importance to our target audience!

The brand refresh symbolises our development and maturity as a business with an industry-leading team. Even our new colours reflect a trustworthy and reliable company (iron) which is bringing a breath of fresh air (lime green) to a new and improved market. We mean business and we’re here to shake things up and get things moving.

"The brand refresh symbolises our development and maturity as a business with an industry-leading team."

Of course, in order to move forward and achieve our goal of becoming the UK's leading renewable energy consultancy, we should be worrying about what's best for our clients and their projects, not whether or not our logo is up to scratch or how up to date our website is.

Over the past few years, while growing the Mesh team and focusing on our wider business goals, we have struggled to make sense of our marketing strategy. We have also realised that the quality of the partners we work with have become more key as the business grows. Russ and Tim from Avery & Brown , our new digital marketing and creative agency, are like an extension to our exciting team and they bring qualities and an ethos that directly complements what Mesh is all about.

More than a new website - a comprehensive knowledge hub

As one of the main pillars of our marketing toolkit, the Mesh website to date has been letting us down. As clear communication is one of our USPs, what we say and what the website presented were rapidly drifting apart.

Over the last 12 months, the business has evolved significantly from being a holistic energy consultancy which produces reports and designs renewable heating systems to an industry thought leader, educator, and provider of valuable resources.

We knew we needed a new website which would not only pay lip service to the visual evolution of the brand, but which would also do justice to the knowledge of the team and how we are now portrayed by our clients, prospects and partners. As such, the new website is more of an information portal and resource library than it is a brochure of our services.

"The new website is more of an information portal and resource library than it is a brochure of our services."

In our main menu navigation in the site header, you will see an entirely new library of pages under the top-level Resources page. We will add to these pages on a regular basis, but already you will find links to:

Our Book - Right First Time: An architect's practical guide to planning and delivering low-energy home projects
The Mesh App - quickly and easily search for renewable energy technology installers in your local area
Our Embodied Carbon Calculator - a highly valuable free tool for architects
A list of our upcoming free CPD webinars
Our most Frequently Asked Questions
And, of course, our Insights - where we publish our news, views, and thought leadership pieces

Another major site upgrade is our Projects page, and the individual project pages themselves. We feel that these pages are now much more befitting of the architecture world and, more importantly, that they show off the amazing projects we've had the privilege of being involved.

A bright future for Mesh Energy and holistic low-energy building design

The future for Mesh is bright. We have a plethora of ideas for how we can continually improve and help far more people reduce energy and carbon in the built environment. We are excited by the opportunity for massive change and we expect that the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge will have a big impact on holistic building design as well as improved building regulation standards.

As you have hopefully seen by way of our new Resources page, we are focused heavily on producing educational content to help people learn about sustainable design in a range of formats. In addition, we are working on creating more useful industry design tools and leveraging software and processes internally to deliver higher quality analysis and support for projects at higher volume.

Particular services we think will be more readily used over the next few years include energy and air quality monitoring, as well as overheating and embodied carbon analysis as a standard for every project.

So much to do and so little time! Thanks for being a part of our journey.

Doug

Zero to Hero: 4 top tips for becoming a more environmentally-conscious and profitable developer

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 11:11:40 GMT

As the pace of sustainable thinking and design in the built environment accelerates, there is an increasing range of opportunities for progressive developers and building designers with the right mindset and team behind them to create buildings which will be sustainable, desirable and fit for purpose in an ever-changing world.

We'd all like to leave the world a better place and, in the process, make a positive impact. The benefits of more socially responsible and conscientious development are more than feeling great about what you are doing; they also include significant opportunities for increased desirability, marketing opportunities and greater profitability.

If improving the built environment to have less of a detrimental impact on our planet were simple, we would all have done it by now. Without a doubt, we are facing some huge challenges in the coming years. For those who aspire to tackle these challenges head on and become a more environmentally conscious and profitable developer, I have put together four key areas that you should start to think about now to get you from where you are today to confidently navigate the murky waters of this decade and the next.

1. Adapt, Adapt, Adapt!

The ability to adapt to a rapidly changing economic climate has been brought into sharp focus over recent months. This should set you up well for the sweeping regulation and professional standard changes that the commercial and domestic building sectors will see over the next few years. Don’t just stick your head in the sand and wait for regulations to change and minimum building performance standards to improve. Start educating yourself now and understand how fast social pressure and client desires for trends such as low carbon, low running costs and high air quality buildings can emerge. Stay ahead of the curve.

2. Sustainability from the start

To fully make sustainable developments successful and meet their true marketing potential, you must understand that sustainable elements of modern buildings must be designed from first principles and can no longer be an ‘after-thought’. Start the conversation about sustainability (and the role that this could play) at the very beginning and ensure you fully understand your client’s sustainable project goals. Glossing over or ignoring this important step becomes very expensive as the project progresses and the demands of better design and compliance start to bite. Lean into the opportunity from the start! Lastly, remember that because the time taken to buy, develop and sell sites is measured in years, not months, you need to think about what the market will require next year or the year after when you are deciding your sustainability design goals for projects.

3. Collaborate and communicate

One of the keys to successful progress in adapting and learning how to develop low energy schemes robustly and profitably is by building the right design and development team. Understand that only a specialist team working together at the key early stages of design and costing will help you deliver buildings fit for the future. There are now so many interrelated decisions and impacts of seemingly insignificant decisions at a pre-planning and design stage that solo working will set you up for failure. Pull the right team of specialists together at key stages. In addition, to reduce risk and learn faster we need to talk to others and share experiences of what works and what doesn’t. We are all facing a steep learning curve and can learn from other developers’ previous successes and mistakes .

4. Invest in expertise

We all appreciate the value of excellent advice and due diligence. For those who are interested in getting their sustainable building design ‘game’ fired up and implemented, the smartest move you can make is to understand that investment in early-stage analysis and feasibility of proposed developments is critical. It is here that opportunity and practicalities of sustainable development are quantified. Investment in the right analysis at this stage can save money and reduce risk for the remainder of the project. The devil and opportunity are in the detail!

If you can make improvements in these four key areas, you will be well on your way to the right mindset and getting ahead of the competition to deliver sustainable, desirable and more profitable developments for a new low energy and carbon-conscious market.

If you still have any questions about your low-energy development,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

What is the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge? Mesh Energy explains

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 21:39:30 GMT

In June 2019, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) formally agreed to join the global declaration of an environment and climate emergency and support the UK Government’s commitment for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Drawing on work the United Nations (UN) has done creating 17 core Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), RIBA has distilled this list to eight sustainable outcomes. This distilled list covers a range of sustainable topics from net zero operational and embodied carbon, water use, transport ecology, health and wellbeing, communities and life cycle costing. In fact, the latest RIBA Plan of Work interweaves these sustainable outcomes into the framework to ensure sustainability becomes a standard part of building design for the 21st Century.

The RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge is focused further still on four key areas around building design and emissions. The Climate Challenge aims to give architects and design professionals a framework against which building emissions and health standards can be improved over the course of the decade to contribute to the reduction in global temperature rises. Targets for 2020, 2025 and 2030 have been set in four areas for both commercial and domestic buildings.

The key areas of the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge are operational energy , embodied carbon , potable water usage and health and wellbeing . It is a voluntary framework which can help architects designing new and existing homes and commercial buildings to reach the 2050 net zero carbon targets in a structured manner.

We’ll go through these one by one to explain a little more about them and why they are important.

Operational Energy

Total operational energy is made up of regulated components such as heating, cooling, hot water, fans, pumps and lighting and unregulated ones, such as IT equipment, electrical appliances, TVs, computers, etc. This target captures the full energy usage (and carbon emissions) once the building is occupied and is in use. It is measured in kWh/m2/year and allows for different building types and usages to be compared.

The RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge aims to reduce operational energy of domestic and commercial buildings by 75% by 2030 compared to today’s standards.

Embodied Carbon

Embodied carbon is essentially the carbon footprint of a material and for a building the combined carbon footprint of all materials and services that go into the fully functional building. Embodied carbon considers how many greenhouse gases (GHGs) are released throughout the supply chain from ‘cradle to grave’ (including materials extraction from the ground, transport, refining, processing & assembly, in use replacement and end of life). When you consider most buildings have 30-50% of the total lifetime carbon emissions in them when the building is built you realise just how important reducing this aspect is.

The RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge aims to reduce embodied carbon by at least 50-70%, before offsetting.

Potable Water Usage

Potable water is essentially drinking water which is safe to drink or used for food preparation. However, the target is widely interpreted to practically mean and include water usage such as bathing, showering, toilet flushing, clothes and dish washing, etc. Water efficiency is often picked up for new build homes under Part G of the Building Regulations but now has a focused category of its own in the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge .

The RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge aims to reduce potable water use by at least 40%.

Health and Wellbeing

An interesting addition to the Challenge is that of Health and Wellbeing. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. ‘Wellbeing’ refers to a positive rather than neutral state, framing health as a positive aspiration!

This aspect of the challenge aims to quantify and reduce building overheating, CO2 levels, improve ventilation and daylighting and consider volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde levels too. Overheating is becoming an increasing issue as is air quality and ventilation, so this is a welcome addition to building design and improvement.

The proposed 2030 targets of <1% occupied hours for overheating are very tight and will take increased building physics modelling to pull off successfully.

Objective: Achieve the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge's core health and wellbeing targets on temperature, daylight and indoor air quality.

In our opinion, compared to significantly more onerous schemes such as BREEAM or more specialist targets like Passivhaus, the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge is well balanced to push on building design, not overly burden projects with cost and remain commercially independent for the betterment of building design through this decade and beyond.

To show just how importantly RIBA now sees sustainability and the Challenge, the prestigious awards handed out now require architects to submit substantial information and calculations showing the sustainability credentials of their development. Without these they won’t make the shortlist… and rightly so!

With thousands of practices now signed up to this and similar movements such as Architect’s Declare, there is a swell of support for the Climate Challenge and what it stands for. With live projects now delivering against the challenge and practices changing their operating procedures to incorporate sustainability, the future is bright and we might just have half-a-chance of making a lasting difference.

If you still have any questions about the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Is it possible to build an eco home on a budget? Mesh Energy explains

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 21:06:15 GMT

With popularity growing around sustainability and low-energy living, a question we are getting asked more frequently is: “Is it possible to build a sustainable, low-energy home without spending mega money in a Grand Designs style?” The good news is… yes, it is! Your eco home might not be as expensive as you had imagined.

But, first of all, you have to figure out what you mean by ‘eco home’. All of us have our own, different definition. Some would like to use less electricity by turning our lights off more frequently, whereas others want to generate all their own energy and live off grid in a house made from materials that have been sourced from the same village! So, the first problem is that there is no fixed definition. Whatever the threshold and aspiration, I think most would be interested to know that their hard-earned money was being spent in the most cost-effective way possible to reduce energy use.

Spoiler alert…replacing your gas boiler with a heat pump is not the solution (at least in isolation)!

Let’s start at the beginning and go back to basics. Here at Mesh, we have created an Energy Saving Hierarchy model which uses good old fashioned common sense and building physics to help you best spend money reducing costs regardless of whether you are building your dream home or an office block.

There are six key areas to consider:

Building Location, Orientation & Form – Focus first on reducing energy by using fundamental building physics and the natural environment to complement the home design and reduce energy use at the most fundamental level
Fabric Element Design – Reduce heat loss and energy use by ensuring the key passive fabric elements of the home are optimised
Air Tightness & Ventilation – Minimise uncontrolled air leakage in and out of the building and manage ventilation efficiently by harvesting waste heat wherever possible
Renewable Technology – Ensure the heat and power you need for the home are produced as efficiently and sustainably as possible using technology that harvests energy from the natural environment
Appliances & Lights – Installing energy efficient lighting and consumer goods which are efficient and have the ability to be intelligently controlled in the future to further reduce energy usage
Use – Finally, behavioural energy saving by client which reduces and optimises the way the home is used to maintain total comfort but minimise unnecessary wastage of energy and resources

The Mesh Energy Saving Hierarchy

At the top level is the greatest opportunity to reduce energy by using building location, orientation and form, using the power of physics in the natural environment.

Cascading through the stages of improving fabric element design, airtightness, renewable technologies and lighting and appliances provides a practical framework for approaching building design.

At the bottom lies building usage by the end user which only has a marginal effect on energy usage once the fabric and key technologies for the home have been implemented. By following these steps and optimising each level, the project will naturally remain focused on energy efficiency and focus the design teams mind on the highest of design priorities to retain low energy building principles.

Building Design Sweet Spot

With the Mesh Energy Hierarchy as a framework, you now have a clear prioritised list on which to focus. As the levels are arranged from greatest energy saving potential at the top to least at the bottom, optimising each one in turn will yield the greatest energy efficiency returns for the project.

As with optimising anything, there is the law of diminishing returns to consider and there is a point where further improvements in any one of these stages leads to greater increases in relative capital costs versus the practical benefit the additional design change delivers. A good example of this is optimising the ‘Fabric Element Design’ level. Increasing the wall thickness of a building to drive down its U-value and reduce its heat loss is fine initially but as you add insulation to improve the situation further, costs rise, room sizes reduce and proportionally the insulation level of that element does not reduce as much.

For those of you who have been patient enough to get this far through the blog post, let’s reward you with some solid numbers. We recently ran a webinar and looked at the cost uplift from a ‘standard’ home built to Building Regs to that near Passivhaus and RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets.

New build homes built to current Building Regulations cost between £1,800 and £2,500 per square metre depending on the construction method and quality of finish sought. So, for a 250 sqm home this would be about £450,000 to £625,000 build cost.

If you assume the form of the home is fixed and you focus on the insulation, air tightness and renewable technology of the building to dramatically save you energy, you can factor in about £185 per sqm uplift for reducing your running costs by around 45%. When all is said and done, if you factor in a 5% build cost uplift for reducing running costs by 30% and 8-10% build cost uplift for reducing running costs by 45%, you won’t be far off.

As we rapidly embrace low-energy construction and thinking, the costs of building what we now call eco-homes will become the norm and there will be no such thing as price uplift, it will simply be the cost of building to save our planet .

If you still have any questions about your dream low-energy home,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

Ground source heat pumps: horizontal collectors Vs. vertical boreholes

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:34:59 GMT

In this post, we explain the benefits and key practical differences between the two most popular types of collector for ground source heat pumps.

Horizontal collectors or vertical boreholes?

Initial Disruption

Most of us understand that horizontal collectors require quite a bit of land to install; this is necessary to ensure correct spacing of collector pipes to maximise their efficiency. The pipes are often installed approximately 1.5m below ground level; usually in trenches spaced equally apart. To really maximise efficiency and safety, a large bulk excavation is undertaken and the pipe laid out like underfloor heating, ensuring an even distribution of heat is extracted. This kind of excavation requires big machines, time and space.

Many people are not aware that the collector area, once installed, will no longer be available for future tree planting, pond construction, driveways or any other construction as it has to be left porous and free from potential root damage. This can limit its application.

Boreholes too require a bit of mess at the start, and there is initial disruption with the physical installation i.e. drilling rig and other plant. However, when installed, the boreholes can be positioned under buildings, drives etc. and will take up far less space than horizontal collectors. Boreholes are often only 6” in diameter and have a small inspection chamber at the top of the hole.

Local Geology

Geology and ground conditions must be considered for both types of collector. Generally, the best areas for horizontal collectors are saturated or wetter areas of the site; to give the best long-term heat recovery and ensure lasting efficiency for years to come. Saturation is key to the horizontal collectors performing at their best. In our experience, the temperature within the collectors buried at 1.5m would fluctuate between 8ºC (cold winter) 14ºC (hot summer) at 1.5m depth, depending on seasonal fluctuations. As you go deeper into the ground, the temperature of the ground becomes much more stable and this is where boreholes come into their own.

Depending on the geology found on site, the temperature at 100m deep would remain at approximately 12ºC all year round, unaffected by seasonal changes. At these depths, the collector is well into the permanent water table level and would remain saturated all year round increasing conductivity too.

System Lifespan

Regarding the physical installation, i.e. pipework, provided that the correct materials are used for the installation and fusion welded, both ground loop and borehole systems should have a similar expected lifespan. It is anticipated that both systems would be in excess of 50 years, theoretically longer as there should be very little degradation to the plastics used as they are not exposed to sunlight. Both systems would require the glycol (heat transfer fluid) to be changed periodically.

It is imperative that there are no mechanical connections underground which cannot be mapped and ultimately be reached if necessary. Best practice would minimise joints in the system as far as is possible.

The collector system should always be checked annually when the heat pump is serviced to ensure that all of the collector loops are working correctly .

Money, Money, Money

A true cost comparison should be made between the systems after full design. However, horizontal collectors are typically cheaper than boreholes as specialist drilling equipment is not required. This can vary between a 0% – 30% reduction in cost depending on some of the following factors.

Poor local geology: requiring a larger collector field than normal
Protection for the horizontal collector against sharp stones or other underground features
Time spent excavating the trenches
Landscaping: levelling, reseeding and revisiting this after the trenches have settled
For horizontal collectors, ground reinstatement could be considerable depending on the finished specification for landscaping

Generally, for a single vertical borehole, costs are around £10,000 (due to high initial equipment mobilisation costs) but for multiple boreholes that cost can drop to nearer £6,000 per borehole.

If you dig trenches to put horizontal collectors in, costs work out to be around half that of doing a bulk excavation, so it is important to understand your overall strategy to nail down the project costs and stay within budget!

System Efficiency

Even in a perfectly designed ground collector system, their relative proximity to the surface means that there is potential for seasonal changes in ground temperature, and slightly increased heat pump inefficiency during winter. And the same effect can happen in summer if you are cooling a building; when using the warm ground to cool water to be used in the building for active cooling.

Boreholes conversely benefit from far greater depths and the water table and are not affected by the same fluctuations that horizontal loops are. As a result, it enables your heat pump system in a cold winter to be running at the same efficiency as in warmer weather. When cooling, this is particularly beneficial and, as a result, boreholes are often used in office complex installations because of this superior cooling property.

Each collector type has its pros and cons. The best solution for your build will depend on cost, local geology, and bespoke technical requirements. Either way, you will be pleased to hear that the expertise for design and installation in this complex area is close at hand.

If you still have any questions about ground source heat pumps, or anything else to do with your low-energy home,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

7 top tips for air source heat pump success

Thu, 06 Aug 2020 16:52:51 GMT

In this post, we reveal our top tips for making sure that your heat pump design and installation goes without a hitch.

Ready? Let’s dive in...

How to get the most out of your air source heat pump

1. Lower the flow temperature

The first thing to accomplish is an efficient means of getting low grade temperature from your heat pump to your rooms. We are talking about lowering the flow temperature of the system as far as possible to reduce running costs and improve Government Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) payments as much as possible. With lower temperature water being produced by your heat pump system, it has to do less work and as a result will use less electricity to run and keep your building warm.

The best way to get this low-grade heat into the building is to install an ultra-low flow underfloor heating system designed for 35ºC rather than the standard 45ºC. Even good quality highly-efficient low flow temperature radiators can be used if underfloor heating is not a practical option.

2. Correct sizing

The next piece of the puzzle to get right is to understand the precise heat loss of the home using BSEN12831 or CIBSE standards to identify the heat loss of the home in the depths of winter. Calculating this room by room helps in two ways. The first is with the underfloor heating design to make sure the individual rooms can be sufficiently warmed. The second is ensuring you specify and install the right heat pump size. Gone are the days when home heating systems were massively oversized, and an accurate calculation will make sure you are neither wasting money nor putting in an inappropriately large (or small!) heating solution.

For air source heating, it is critical to make sure the heat pump can provide the energy you need at the minimum outdoor temperature. Ask heat pump manufacturers for capacity tables and use the “integrated” or averaged energy value to make sure the heat pump will cope ok when it matters most.

3. Space and power requirements

Make sure you have space for the outdoor fan unit that is away from social areas and unruly garden plants. A big myth is that air source heat pumps need to be placed in a sunny position or on a south facing wall; this simply isn’t true, but they should be sensibly placed in an area that isn’t too confined.

Also check that you have sufficient electrical power available on your fuse board for this extra appliance. Increasingly, with electric vehicle charge points and electric cookers being installed, the standard single-phase electricity supply to a property can be a bit stretched. For medium or large homes, a split supply or three-phase electricity supply may be needed. If in doubt, check with your electrician.

4. Accredited product selection and installer

Make sure the air source heat pump and the installer you finally select is on the micro-generation certification scheme (MCS) list to ensure you will likely receive professional installation, consumer protection and tax-free Government RHI subsidies.

There is an official MCS site for finding installers and products in your local area. Alternatively, you can download our free Mesh App for your mobile.

5. Intelligent control

Without the right control, a heating system is at worst almost useless and at best highly inefficient. Invest in simple digital room thermostats and/or timers which can be easily adjusted to your lifestyle needs. Increasingly, you can access these through your mobile devices and check up on and change from anywhere in the world if you so desire!

There is a large selection of heating system control products on the market to suit all user needs from the very basic to hugely complex at reasonable prices which will optimise your running costs whilst being truly flexible.

6. Awesome installation

One of the continuing issues clients come up against is poor installation, service, and pricing fluctuations. Whilst this is a general problem, there are some honest and excellent installers willing to help you realise your low-carbon dream.

Make sure you spend some time on this aspect of the project getting recommendations, multiple like-for-like quotes and get to know potential installers. Taking time at this stage can make or break a project and could prove very costly if you get it wrong and find a ‘cowboy’.

7. Leave it alone

Once you have had the heating and control system installed and commissioned, don’t be afraid to leave it alone! The temptation is always to fiddle, but a correctly set up thermostat and heat pump system will keep you nice and warm with plenty of hot water for your needs. If the system is set up correctly, you will feel comfortable whatever the weather. By adjusting the installer settings you risk increasing the running costs of your system, premature equipment failure and ongoing frustration.

If you follow these top tips you will be well on your way to a hassle free and cost-effective heat pump installation to be really proud of.

If you still have any questions about air source heat pumps, or anything else to do with your low-energy home,
please don't hesitate to contact the Mesh team today .

How do heat pumps work? Mesh Energy explains

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 16:16:28 GMT

In the first of our Mesh Energy Explains series of blog posts, we’re looking at just how heat pumps work; specifically, how energy is harvested and transported into the home using little more than an electrical supply. Those of us working in the renewable technology sector often forget that sometimes we need to return to basics and explain some of the fundamentals to those just entering into the field or researching for their personal provision. So, here goes…

A brief history of heat pumps and the basics

In the 19th Century, William Thompson, otherwise known as Lord Kelvin (of temperature scale fame), pioneered the concept of the heat pump using a refrigerant cycle to prove that heat energy could be used to cool. In fact, he foresaw use in air conditioning and refrigeration.

In the 1940s, Robert C. Webber is credited with creating the first modern day heat pump and we haven’t looked back since. Today’s heat pumps work in exactly the same way; with developments in efficient compressor technology and refrigerant gases incrementally improving operational efficiency of the units.

Heat pumps are often described as “fridges working in reverse”. Energy in fridges is extracted from the enclosed interior of the fridge, keeping your food cool and using a tiny amount of electrical energy to power a small compressor. This extracted heat is “processed” and ultimately expelled at the back of the fridge via an element.

A heat pump uses an identical principle and strips low-grade energy from the natural environment using the process of gas evaporation. Once compressed by the compressor cycle, it is during its condensation phase that high temperature energy is exchanged into your under floor, radiator or domestic hot water system.

The diagram below shows the basic cycle.

As a general rule, heat pumps as we know them today use three distinct mediums to harvest energy: earth/ground, air and water. Being pedantic, it is the water moisture in all of these mediums that helps with energy transfer, but for clarity we will stick with these three.

So, it is the changing heat source that helps the evaporation phase of the refrigerant cycle that gives heat pumps their name.

Ground source heat pumps

Ground source heat pumps (also known as geothermal heat pumps) use two practical methods for harvesting energy.

The first method is horizontally buried pipework in the ground which has a glycol/water mixture pumped around it to stop it freezing. The pipes are buried at approximately 1.5m below the ground level and the ambient heat of the earth (nominally 8ºC-12ºC) provides energy to the liquid flowing through the buried pipes. The fluid, which warms up just a few degrees in its journey in the ground, heads back to the heat pump. The water that heads back to the heat pump from the ground collector is often only around 5ºC but this small temperature is passed through a plate heat exchanger and with a significant flow rate, boil the gases in the ground source heat pump refrigerant circuit and impart large quantities of thermal energy to the home using an electric compressor.

Alternatively, the second method uses vertical boreholes (circa 100m) which can be drilled and which require significantly less ground area. These still rely on the ground’s low level thermal energy to warm the fluid but, because of the depth, much more stable ground temperatures are found, and the efficiency of the system improves.

Typical ground source heat pump efficiencies year-round are around 400%.

Air source heat pumps

Air source heat pumps use an external fan unit to draw air across the evaporator unit, which exits at the back of the unit cooler than it entered. Because of varying seasonal air temperatures, these heat pumps are less efficient than their ground source cousins. As a rule, the colder the outdoor air gets, the harder the system has to work to strip energy from the air and elevate it to heat the home.

Air is sucked into air source fan units using a single fan (or fans) and refrigerant pipes strip heat from the air. The air exits the fan units at a cooler temperature. You may be surprised to hear that air source heat pumps can successfully extract energy from the air down to well below -20ºC. Because the refrigerant in the heat pump boils at such a low temperature, even air well below freezing temperatures can give up its heat.

Due to energy in the air affecting outputs from air source units, the efficiencies of these systems typically vary from 450% efficient in the summer and 250% efficient in the winter months. This means that even in the winter one unit of electricity can supply 2.5 units of heat to the home using ‘freezing’ cold air and some clever physics!

Water source heat pumps

Water source heat pumps are so called as they are used in lakes, ponds and streams to harvest energy.

“Open loop” and “closed loop” systems are used. Open loop systems can be likened to a hoover sucking up water and using this direct energy to transfer to the evaporator via a plate heat exchanger. The closed loop system is basically a ground source system with loops or panels buried or pinned under water to harvest energy from the body of water. There are many advantages regarding the amount of energy that can be harvested from pure bodies of water, especially streams and rivers, as flow rates are high and ensure an almost endless supply of energy to the heat pump.

Due to the high levels of energy in the water, water source heat pump efficiencies can exceed 500%.

Still have questions? Speak to us!

So, there you go. A whirlwind introduction to the magical, yet practical basics behind the increasingly common heat pump!

If you still have any questions about the wondrous world of heat pumps and the part they could play in your low-energy home, please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Mesh team today .

mesh-energy

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﻿ Area 2 . Whole Life Carbon Assessment

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Area 5. Further Success of Knowledge Platforms and Podcasts

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3. Regulatory Risks and Compliance Challenges

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In May 2023, we discovered we’d been included in The Sunday Times’ ‘Best Places to Work in 2023’ list . This phenomenal achievement was the icing on the cake of what’s been a great few years for Mesh as an employer.

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