Following on from our post last month about COP27, and the growing importance of sustainability in the construction industry, zero carbon is also something that is increasingly in the news.
A panel has been put together to determine exactly what constitutes a net zero carbon building and is now calling for evidence.
The NZCBS is the UK’s first Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and are championing the initiative.
We are calling on UK built environment industry practitioners to share embodied carbon and in-use operational energy performance data for their buildings.
To develop the Standard, benchmarks will be agreed for the operational energy usage and embodied carbon performance levels today, and limits and targets will be set out for future years based on the industry’s required decarbonisation trajectory. To do this, the project is seeking case study data from the real estate and built environment industry.
The deadline for submission is the 16th December.
The Standard will set out metrics by which net zero carbon performance is evaluated, as well as performance targets, or limits, that need to be met. These are likely to include energy use, upfront embodied carbon, and lifecycle embodied carbon, with other metrics – such as space heating/cooling demand and peak load – also to be considered. It will also cover the approach to carbon accounting, procuring renewable energy, and the treatment of residual emissions, including carbon ‘offsetting’. However, the scope and output of the Standard may evolve throughout the development process.
It is expected that claims will be required to be validated based on in-use measured data and interim verification of an asset at design stage or once the asset is built but not yet operating may also be considered.
The output will be for developers, contractors, asset owners and managers, occupiers, investors, financiers and funders, consultants, building industry professionals, building managers and product/material manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. It is for anyone who wants to either fund, procure, design, or specify a Net Zero Carbon Building and anyone wanting to demonstrate that their building is ‘Net Zero’-aligned with an industry-agreed Standard.
Performance targets will align with science-based trajectories needed to achieve net zero by 2050 and a 78% reduction by 2035 in the UK, i.e. what is known to be required to stand a reasonable chance of mitigating global warming to 1.5°C. It will also align with the energy demand reductions projected to be required to enable a net zero carbon energy supply sector.
The approach will be applicable to both existing and new buildings (e.g. Homes, Offices, Education, Industry, Retail, Hotels, Healthcare etc.). To start, the focus will be on the most common building typologies, especially those for which industry stakeholders have already robust performance data available to inform the setting of performance targets. The Standard will not apply to infrastructure.
The project will hopefully launch in May.
So, what actually is a net carbon building?
A carbon neutral building is one where the design, construction, and operations do not contribute to emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector will greatly help meet climate goals.
In the short and medium term the national grid will not be fully decarbonised and so buildings will need to make use of carbon offsetting to achieve a net zero carbon balance.
Sources: NZC Buildings / net zero carbon guide
02380 675888
hello@broadsword-group.co.uk
As the problem with RAAC concrete being used in schools intensifies, what are the issues?September 6, 2023 - 2:35 pm
Commercial Fire Safety During A HeatwaveAugust 1, 2023 - 10:07 am
As the problem with RAAC concrete being used in schools intensifies, what are the issues?
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, News /by joannevickersWhat is RAAC?
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), also known as Reinforced AAC, is a building material that combines the properties of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) with reinforcement to enhance its structural strength. It is a lightweight, precast concrete alternative made from sand, cement, lime, and aluminum powder. The aluminum powder creates tiny bubbles in the concrete during a chemical reaction, resulting in a highly porous and lightweight material. AAC is known for its excellent thermal insulation properties, low density, and ease of construction.
In the context of RAAC, reinforcement typically refers to the addition of steel reinforcement, such as rebars (reinforcing bars), mesh, or other structural elements, within the AAC panels or blocks. Reinforcement is added to improve the material’s tensile strength and structural stability, making it suitable for a wider range of structural applications.
The combination of AAC and reinforcement offers several advantages:
Reinforced AAC is commonly used in structural applications where both strength and insulation properties are required. It can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial construction for walls, floors, and roofs. However, it’s important to follow proper design and construction practices to ensure the structural integrity of RAAC buildings. Engineers and architects typically design RAAC structures to meet local building codes and standards, taking into account the specific requirements of the project and the region’s climate and environmental conditions.
While reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) has many benefits, it also comes with certain potential risks and considerations:
Why is it is the news?
Last week the Department of Education issued an alert to 156 schools, nurseries and colleges stating that the material is now life expired and could collapse with little to no notice. This left said schools scrambling to close and organise alternate arrangements the weekend before they go back. The Department also stated that they not fund emergency measures needed to keep teaching going, placing extra pressure on stretched school budgets. The Cabinet Office also confirmed that 34 other public buildings had also been found to feature RAAC. Investigations are continuing but so far these include 24 hospitals sites with RAAC plank construction in whole or a significant part of their estate. Seven of these need a full replacement and will be rebuilt before 2030.
The Government has been aware of public sector buildings that contain RAAC since 1994 and have been monitoring their condition since 2018. They say that they continually assess new information and research about RAAC to ensure the safety of schools and pupils. In 2022, the Department for Education sent a questionnaire to all responsible bodies, asking them to provide information to help understand the use of RAAC across the school estate and make sure the correct support is in place. Recent cases have now changed that assessment of the risk that RAAC poses to building safety. They are therefore taking immediate steps to ensure the safety of staff and pupils in line with this.
Sources: The Guardian / GOV.co.uk
Commercial Fire Safety During A Heatwave
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, News /by Oliver BerryCommercial fire safety during a heatwave is crucial to protect employees, customers, and property. Here are some important considerations to ensure fire safety in commercial settings during hot weather:
Contact us to ensure that your commercial building meets all necessary fire safety regulations and guidelines specific to your location and industry. By implementing proactive fire safety measures, you can minimise the risk of fires and protect your business, employees, and customers during a heatwave.
Worlds First Bi-Valiant Heat Pump Ready Radiator
/0 Comments/in Commercial, News /by joannevickersThermAssured is the worlds first bi-vailant ‘dual fuel’ radiant panel heater that combines a wet and electric heating technology into a single emitter.
The UK lags behind the rest of Europe in the installation of heat pumps; especially on retro fit projects. This is mainly because the UK has the oldest housing stock in Europe (>30% built before 1944) and that there is always a concern that older proerties cannot be insulated well enough to be warmed properly by a heat pump.
As a result, heat pump installs are stagnating, and there is a growing number of press articles featuring disatisfied customers who are cold during the worst days of Winter.
ThermAssured provides for an additional heating element in the form of a fire-safe cable that can be activated when, and only when the room fails to reach the target tempertaure in a pre-detremined time scale.
This means that for 95% of the heating season, the heat pump does the ‘heavy lifting’ warming the house using renewable energy as intended. However, after a pre-deterimned time (usually 30 minutes for care homes and assisted living, and 60 minutes in regular residential) if the room has still not reached the target temperature, the back up electric fire safe element kicks in to ‘boost’ the temperature.
Once achieved, both systems can be switched off until the room calls for heat, in which case the process starts all over again.
This means that the eletcric heating is never on when the room is being heated correctly, but is there in the event of a bitter cold snap providing occupants with peace of mind that they wont be cold.
The electrical back up heating can be installed in the most important rooms only (such as main living room and the main bedroom) and not in any others if required.
The heatingt element is also available as an ‘upgrade option’ should the ThermAssured system be installed as a ‘wet’ system only to begin with.
It is therefore now possible for developers and housing providers to have more confidence using renewables, by installing a single heating emitter that can operate on a heat pump, with solar PV back up or mains electric providing an insurance against complaints of underheating.
Manufactured in the UK, THermAssured is launched at Construction Week 2023.
Broadsword are an approved Flowcrete Installer
/0 Comments/in Commercial, News, Screeding /by joannevickersWe are proud to announce that we have supplied, installed and handed over over 220,00m2 of Screed, Insulation and DPM in 2022!
This has been made possible by our exceptional management team and the fleet of 16 Putzmeister United Kingdom pumps.
2022 has also seen us become Flowcrete approved installers, allowing us to supply all isocrete specialist screed along with our traditional specialist flowing systems.
Flowcrete is a global manufacturer of high-quality flooring solutions, including epoxy and polyurethane resin flooring, industrial flooring, and car park decking systems. The company has over 35 years of experience in the flooring industry and operates in over 60 countries worldwide.
Flowcrete’s products are designed to meet the unique needs of a wide range of commercial and industrial applications.
There are several reasons why Flowcrete may be a good choice for flooring solutions in various commercial and industrial applications:
This year we are looking to expand our operations, for all enquiries please contact richard@broadsword-group.co.uk or call us on 02380 675888.
Commercial Fire Safety
/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, News /by joannevickersFire safety is a significant concern in the construction industry. Construction sites can be hazardous due to the presence of flammable materials, temporary electrical installations, and open flames from welding and cutting equipment. In this blog post, we will explore some essential fire safety measures that construction companies should implement to protect workers and prevent fires.
Fire Risk Assessment:
Before starting any construction work, a fire risk assessment should be conducted to identify potential fire hazards and risks. The assessment should take into account the materials used, the location of the site, and the activities performed on-site.
Fire Prevention Measures:
Fire prevention measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of fires starting. These measures include ensuring that combustible materials are stored in a safe location and away from heat sources, keeping temporary electrical installations in good condition, and prohibiting smoking on the site.
Fire Safety Training:
All workers on the construction site should receive fire safety training to ensure that they know how to prevent fires and respond to emergencies. Training should include information on the use of fire extinguishers, emergency evacuation procedures, and the location of fire alarms.
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems:
Fire detection and alarm systems should be installed on the construction site to detect fires and alert workers to evacuate. The system should be tested regularly to ensure that it is working correctly.
Fire Suppression Systems:
Fire suppression systems, such as sprinklers, should be installed on the construction site to suppress fires before they spread. These systems should be installed in areas where flammable materials are stored, and where there is a high risk of fire.
Safe Storage of Flammable Materials:
Flammable materials, such as gasoline, should be stored in a safe location and away from heat sources. They should be stored in approved containers, and workers should be trained on how to handle them safely.
Fire Safety Signage:
Fire safety signage should be posted throughout the construction site to indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other safety equipment. The signage should be visible and easy to understand.
In conclusion, fire safety is a critical concern in the construction industry. Implementing these fire safety measures can help prevent fires from starting and ensure that workers are protected in case of an emergency. It’s essential to conduct regular fire risk assessments, provide fire safety training, and install fire detection and suppression systems to ensure that the construction site is safe and secure.
For more information and to take measures on fire safety please contact us here
Fire safety for Buildings
/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, News /by joannevickersBroadsword predominately deal in fire safety for buildings at the construction stage, but fire safety is also a critical concern for building owners and managers. Fires can cause property damage, personal injury, and even death. It’s essential to take preventative measures and prepare for potential fires. The following measures should be implemented in all buildings where possible.
Fire Alarms:
Fire alarms are one of the most crucial components of any fire safety plan. They can detect a fire’s presence and alert people in the building to evacuate immediately. It’s essential to install fire alarms in every room, hallway, and other areas of the building where people might be present. Regular testing and maintenance of the fire alarms should also be conducted to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Fire Extinguishers:
Fire extinguishers are critical to have in case of a small fire. They can quickly extinguish the flames before they spread and become uncontrollable. Make sure that there are enough fire extinguishers located throughout the building and that they are regularly inspected and maintained.
Smoke Detectors:
Smoke detectors are essential in any building as they can detect the presence of smoke and alert people to a potential fire. They should be installed in every room of the building and be checked regularly to ensure they are working correctly.
Fire Drills:
Fire drills are critical to prepare for a potential fire. They should be conducted regularly, and everyone in the building should participate. During the drill, people should practice evacuating the building quickly and safely.
Fire Safety Plan:
A fire safety plan is an essential document that outlines the building’s fire safety procedures, including emergency evacuation routes, designated meeting points, and the location of fire extinguishers and alarms. The plan should be easily accessible to all building occupants.
Building Maintenance:
Regular building maintenance is crucial to prevent fires from starting. It includes inspecting and maintaining electrical equipment, removing clutter and combustible materials, and ensuring that fire doors and emergency exits are functioning correctly.
Fire safety is a critical concern for building owners and managers. Implementing these fire safety measures can help prevent fires from starting and ensure that everyone in the building is prepared in case of a fire. It’s essential to have a comprehensive fire safety plan and to conduct regular fire drills to ensure that everyone in the building knows what to do in case of an emergency.
For more information and to take measures on fire safety please contact us here
Action needs to be taken on EU carbon emissions
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, News /by joannevickersEU Building regulations state that all new buildings constructed within the EU must be zero–emission buildings by 2030 and new ‘public’ buildings must be zero–emission buildings by 2027.
WorldGBC has convened a coalition of 35 built environment stakeholder groups, representing over 5,000 organisations from across the building value chain, to call for high level ambition as Parliamentary negotiations on the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) enter their final stage. With the vote approaching, the coalition is calling on politicians to seize a once-in-a-generation opportunity to eliminate carbon emissions from Europe’s building stock.
This past week WorldGBC has written an open letter to MEPs calling on them to:
An ambitious EPBD revision will make EU building compatible with EU climate targets, take 35 million citizens out of energy poverty1 and unlock the economic benefits of creating up to 3.3 million green jobs in the EU every year2 while boosting local communities.
In Europe, buildings account for around 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions. Embodied carbon, which refers to emissions from the construction, renovation, deconstruction or demolition and the wider supply chain of a building, contributes typically between 10-20% of the EU building carbon footprint. This means that before a building is even in use, it has already contributed significant carbon emissions and depleted the EU’s ‘carbon budget’.
This letter comes amid growing political and industry support for policy that tackles the Whole Life Carbon impact of buildings.
To view the letter please go here
Source: worldgbc.org / bdc magazine.com
Will England follow Scotlands lead in green building?
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, News /by joannevickersAll newly built homes in Scotland will need to conform to an innovative green building standard championed by a Labour MSP, under plans announced by the Scottish Government.
Labour’s Alex Rowley proposed the Domestic Building Environmental Standards (Scotland) Bill at the end of 2022 to introduce the Passivhaus standards for all newly built homes in Scotland.
The Passivhaus standards create ultra-low energy homes which aim to minimise the need to heat and cool buildings.
In a letter to Mr Rowley, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights, Patrick Harvie confirmed that the Scottish Government would implement the standards within two years through secondary legislation – without the long process of a member’s Bill passed through Holyrood.
Homes built to Passivhaus level meet high standards of airtightness, insulation and energy efficiency, however the Scottish government has confirmed it is introducing its own ‘Passivhaus equivalent’ rather than using existing Passivhaus certification.
This Scottish equivalent will introduce minimum environmental design standards for new build homes to ensure they have high energy efficiency and thermal performance.
The Scottish government says it will implement the new standards within two years through secondary legislation. Development work will commence early in 2023 before the amendments are bought into regulations by December 2024.
A Passivhaus Trust spokesperson added: “It is fantastic to hear the Scottish government has committed to bringing forward a bill requiring higher energy-efficiency standards in domestic buildings, which also recognises the need to assure occupants that the design and construction of these buildings will deliver the actual performance sought in practice.
“Statements including ‘a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard’ and ‘explicit support for Passivhaus and equivalent standards’ fill us with hope. Now we must ensure that the bill is well developed and implemented to deliver the greatest impact on the actual performance of new homes in Scotland.”
To learn more please visit the Passivhaus website here
Source: The National Scot / www.passivhaustrust.org.uk / homebuilding.co.uk /
Can a building be net zero carbon?
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, News /by joannevickersFollowing on from our post last month about COP27, and the growing importance of sustainability in the construction industry, zero carbon is also something that is increasingly in the news.
A panel has been put together to determine exactly what constitutes a net zero carbon building and is now calling for evidence.
The NZCBS is the UK’s first Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and are championing the initiative.
We are calling on UK built environment industry practitioners to share embodied carbon and in-use operational energy performance data for their buildings.
To develop the Standard, benchmarks will be agreed for the operational energy usage and embodied carbon performance levels today, and limits and targets will be set out for future years based on the industry’s required decarbonisation trajectory. To do this, the project is seeking case study data from the real estate and built environment industry.
The deadline for submission is the 16th December.
The Standard will set out metrics by which net zero carbon performance is evaluated, as well as performance targets, or limits, that need to be met. These are likely to include energy use, upfront embodied carbon, and lifecycle embodied carbon, with other metrics – such as space heating/cooling demand and peak load – also to be considered. It will also cover the approach to carbon accounting, procuring renewable energy, and the treatment of residual emissions, including carbon ‘offsetting’. However, the scope and output of the Standard may evolve throughout the development process.
It is expected that claims will be required to be validated based on in-use measured data and interim verification of an asset at design stage or once the asset is built but not yet operating may also be considered.
The output will be for developers, contractors, asset owners and managers, occupiers, investors, financiers and funders, consultants, building industry professionals, building managers and product/material manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors. It is for anyone who wants to either fund, procure, design, or specify a Net Zero Carbon Building and anyone wanting to demonstrate that their building is ‘Net Zero’-aligned with an industry-agreed Standard.
Performance targets will align with science-based trajectories needed to achieve net zero by 2050 and a 78% reduction by 2035 in the UK, i.e. what is known to be required to stand a reasonable chance of mitigating global warming to 1.5°C. It will also align with the energy demand reductions projected to be required to enable a net zero carbon energy supply sector.
The approach will be applicable to both existing and new buildings (e.g. Homes, Offices, Education, Industry, Retail, Hotels, Healthcare etc.). To start, the focus will be on the most common building typologies, especially those for which industry stakeholders have already robust performance data available to inform the setting of performance targets. The Standard will not apply to infrastructure.
The project will hopefully launch in May.
So, what actually is a net carbon building?
A carbon neutral building is one where the design, construction, and operations do not contribute to emissions of greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector will greatly help meet climate goals.
In the short and medium term the national grid will not be fully decarbonised and so buildings will need to make use of carbon offsetting to achieve a net zero carbon balance.
Sources: NZC Buildings / net zero carbon guide
What does COP27 mean for construction?
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, News /by joannevickersNovember saw the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt host the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP27), with a view to building on previous successes and paving the way for future ambition to effectively tackle the global challenge of climate change.
The Building to COP27, a group of sustainability-focused built environment NGOs and organisations, is working to position the built environment as a critical sector to achieve the needed transition to a resilient and zero emissions future at COP conferences. The group aims to raise awareness of the impact that the building sector can have while pointing out that more drastic measures need to be taken, as most countries do not include full building decarbonization targets, and certain areas, such as building materials are under-addressed.
Buildings are responsible for almost 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions and 50% of all extracted materials. The building and construction sector’s demand on natural resources accelerates climate change, and inefficient, unhealthy buildings negatively impact human health and wellbeing.
By 2050:
By 2030, efficient buildings will be an investment opportunity worth $24.7 trillion Despite this, under $3 of every $100 spent on new construction goes to efficient buildings. Out of the 186 countries that have submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 136 countries mention buildings, 53 countries mention building energy efficiency, and 38 specifically call out building energy codes. Most countries do not include full building decarbonisation targets and certain areas such as building materials are under addressed.
All countries will also need to include full building decarbonisation targets, concrete policies and measures and related implementation mechanisms in their NDCs.
For the built environment to contribute its fair share of emissions reductions and stay within the 1.5°C degree warming limit, there needs to be a halving of emissions by 2030 and net zero over the full life-cycle by or before 2050. More specifically, this means that by 2030 all new buildings should be “net zero carbon” in operation (no emissions from building energy use) and embodied carbon needs to be reduced by at least 40%.
Building and infrastructure projects have extended lead times. It can take anywhere from a few years to 15-20 years to complete a project, from the initial planning stage to execution and operational start. This means that “2030 is today”. A project that is entering the planning stage in 2022-23 needs to target the required carbon performance for 2030 imperatively.
Today, only very few building projects calculate and report their full carbon footprint, which is a critical practice if we want to understand how to reduce all emissions over the life cycle of buildings. Yet, if owners, developers and investors start requesting Whole Life Carbon assessments, architecture, engineering and construction firms offer them in all their projects, and cities require them in their permitting and procurement procedures, then we could rapidly build up the evidence allowing for benchmarking and target setting and enable everyone to act to achieve them.
During this year’s conference, the Clean Construction Accelerator was announced, an act that hopes to support the built environment sector in halving emissions by 2030 for all new buildings and infrastructure projects.
There are many positives already. The percentage of construction companies, by revenue, that have joined the Race to Zero has doubled since COP26. Building on this over the next few years is going to be key to achieving the targets/ We look forward to COP28 to see progress.
Sources: archdaily.com / buildingtocop.org