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
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
The latest stone wool insulation from ROCKWOOL
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, Interiors Fit Outs, News /by joannevickersWe are reaching a stage globally where we are going to have to think ahead to create the next generation of insulation products.
NyRock technology is an evolution in stone wool composition that gives the most thermally efficient stone wool insulation currently available in the UK. Made using a new patented production process, products with NyRock technology have a more efficient fibre structure that can deliver thermal conductivity as low as 0.032 W/mK.
With NyRock technology and specifically NyRock Cavity Slab 032, a stone wool slab is BBA certified for both full and partial fill masonry cavity walls, offer a new low level of thermal performance for stone wool alongside a wide range of additional benefits.
Space is a critical commodity, therefore an important commercial benefit for the housing sector is NyRock Cavity Slab 032’s capacity for thinner wall construction. With a 13% improvement in thermal performance over the existing/standard stone wool cavity slab, NyRock Cavity Slab 032 can achieve the target performance of 0.18 W/m²K with a thickness of 150mm, depending on construction type, which is 25mm thinner than typical stone wool cavity products within the same wall build up.
NyRock Cavity Slab 032, like all Rockwool stone wool insulation, is also built for longevity with independent tests showing that the product is durable, rot proof and sufficiently stable to remain effective as insulation for the life of the building and because the product has a high density semi rigid composition, it will not slump in the cavity.
Further, NyRock Cavity Slab 032 comes in 455mm widths to suit standard vertical wall tie spaces and achieves a closely knitted joint with adjacent slabs, without the need for taping of the joints. This helps eliminate gaps allowing for continuity of insulation across the cavity. Stone wool’s high pliability also negates the need for impractical levels of precision cutting on-site, minimising the margin for error and the likelihood of thermal bridging.
While thermal capabilities continue to dominate insulation choice, there is growing recognition of wider factors, particularly around fire resistance following the ban on combustible materials in relevant buildings above 18 metres and 11 metres in Scotland. With the ability to withstand temperatures in excess of 1000°C and achieving the highest Euroclass A1 non-combustible reaction to fire classification, NyRock Cavity Slab 032 gives purchasers added reassurance and developers a marketable benefit. Similarly, stone wool provides acoustic performance due to a non-directional fibre orientation and increased density that traps sound waves and dampens vibrations, significantly reducing outside sources of noise when used in an external wall.
According to their website Rockwool have developed the next great innovation in stone wool insulation through a patented production process, and NyRock®. technology is the lowest lambda stone wool insulation in the UK.
NyRock technology delivers:
Lower lambda for thinner walls
Highest thermal performance currently available from a stone wool product
Non-combustibility
All the key benefits of the strengths of stone
However, there is one disadvantage. Rockwool it is not biodegradable and can be slightly more expensive than similar insulating materials like fiberglass and cellulose. However, with it being one of the most common insulating materials being used in the USA and Canada it its use of recyclable materials means that it is gaining in popularity. As with all types of building materials there are pros and cons, but finding materials that are made in a more sustainable way will always catch the attention. We now need to work towards these kinds of materials also being biodegradable.
Sources: Building.co.uk / rock wool.com
Possible new thermal insulation
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, Interiors Fit Outs, News /by joannevickersManufactured in Latvia, it is an alternative way of recycling waste paper and hemp fibre into an innovative heat insulation material with improved thermal conductivity. The new insulation mats are designed to be easy-to-install, structurally sound and with thermal insulation properties comparable to those of mineral wool.
Other advantages will include breathability, recyclability and health safety benefits. The product will be manufactured at about one-third of the cost of pure natural fibre material. It will be displayed in retail building material stores making it widely accessible to individual homeowners.
The primary objective is to promote the amount of recycled waste paper and waste paper sorting activities in the region by developing a prototype of technology for producing the soft insulation panels and developing the optimal recipe for the thermal insulation layers (density, composition, thermal conductivity, air and sound permeability). A huge amount of waste paper arising from household waste is buried at landfills or burned, despite the fact that waste paper is recycled relatively well (on average approx. 70% in Europe).
The expected results are:
A stable production process capable of manufacturing 250 cubic metres per day of paper-hemp building insulation mats (batts), which can supply 7% of the estimated market of mineral wool insulation in Latvia;
An expected lifetime of at least 10 years for the pilot plant, which will manufacture different blended insulation materials, develop and test new combinations and mixes and provide demonstration material for different markets and applications; 3) All required certification and eco-labelling for demonstration and sale of the insulation
All required certification and eco-labelling for demonstration and sale of the insulation mats in Latvia and three key markets – UK, Germany, and Finland. The news mats will be installed in demonstration buildings in all four countries;
Draft green procurement specifications and technical information on the design, installation, use and end-of-life disposal of the paper-hemp insulation mats for each of the four target markets;
Manufacturing process and new product presented to at least 50 organisations in Europe, including potential technology entrepreneurs, manufacturers of loose paper or hemp insulation, paper collectors and recyclers, and professional associations of civil engineers and architects.
The benefits:
As yet there has been no certification of the product, but it is good to see more new and sustainable building materials coming to the market.
To find out more please visit the website
Fire Risk Assessments Explained
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia RobertsonHaving a process in place to minimise fire hazards and risks is crucial to safety. Carrying out a fire risk assessment is paramount to ensuring the premises are taking every precaution possible to ensure that the risk of fire is as little as possible.
What is a fire risk assessment?
A fire risk assessment is a highly important process of identifying possible fire hazards and also a process of evaluating any potential risks to people, property, the environment, and any assets. It evaluates any existing fire precautions and allows the assessor to decide whether the existing precautions are enough without further precautions.
What does a fire risk assessor do?
This person is responsible for ensuring that all fire risk assessments are completed and will document any significant findings. They have to be competent with fire safety and must have sufficient knowledge and training.
Why are fire risk assessments important?
It is actually a legal requirement to carry out fire risk assessments in virtually all non-domestic premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 in England and Wales. There are also similar legislations in place in Scotland and Ireland. The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 is in place for Scotland and Fire Safety Regulations 2010 is in place in Northern Ireland.
Who is responsible?
The responsibility for ensuring a fire risk assessment is carried out lies with the ‘responsible person’. This is usually the owner or occupier of the premises and is often an organisation or employer rather than a specific individual. Tasks can be delegated to other persons nominated to monitor management of fire safety, but the responsibility will ultimately lie with the ‘responsible person’.
What’s included in fire risk assessments?
A fire risk assessment’s aim is to identify any potential risks and hazards within the premises. This can include any sources of ignition (for example naked flames, heaters, cooking equipment, sources of fuel and sources of oxygen). Other factors should also be taken into consideration. For example, flues and ducts, penetrations of fire compartments, and excessively long escape routes[i].
People who may be at risk should always be considered when conducting a fire risk assessment. This is anyone such as employees and anyone entering the building to conduct work. The public should also be considered. Actions to be taken should be created to reduce any risks that have been identified when conducting the assessment. For example, fire escapes should be kept clear of obstructions, and keeping combustible materials stored away from any ignition sources.
[i] https://www.ifsecglobal.com/fire-news/guide-fire-risk-assessment-get-one/
If you have any questions regarding fire risk assessments, please get in contact.
Types of Suspended Ceilings
/0 Comments/in Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia RobertsonSuspended ceilings can be described as a secondary ceiling that is suspended from a structural floor slab above producing a space between the top of the suspended ceiling and the bottom of the floor slab.
These ceilings can be incredibly useful as valuable space can be offered for building supplies that would be exposed otherwise. Suspended ceilings can also be used to provide a platform for the installation of light fixtures, smoke detectors and CCTV systems, for example. Many materials can be used to make suspended ceilings.
Lath and plaster
Lath and plaster is a method that can be used to make suspended ceilings and is typically made of narrow strips of wood (also known as laths) that are nailed across the wall studs or ceiling joists horizontally and are then coated in plaster. Lath and plaster is a permanent, sturdy form of construction. It can however be costly.
After the introduction of plasterboard in the 1930s however, lath and plaster became a less used method.
Plasterboard
Plasterboard can also be known as drywall, and is another method used for suspended ceilings. It can be used in both commercial and residential settings and is moderately affordable and durable. It gives a flat appearance. In order to gain access to the plenum space, removable panels can be installed.
Panels or tiles
Ceiling tiles are typically lightweight and are demountable things that can be inexpensive and generally fairly straightforward to install. The most common type of ceiling tile is mineral fibre, but other materials are also available, such as fibreglass, metal, wood, plastic and others.
Free span
Free span suspended system planks sit on the margins of a perimeter trim and are similar to tiles. This system is popular in corridors as it’s simple to keep up and install.
If you have any questions regarding suspended ceilings, please get in contact.
Air Sealing in Buildings
/0 Comments/in Fire Protection, Home Page news feed, News /by Georgia RobertsonAir sealing is an effective way to help prevent fires from spreading. Buildings with air leakage can mean that a fire can spread dangerously fast as the air fans the flames of the fire. This can also seriously effect energy efficiency.
Air leakage can occur when outside air enters the building and conditioned air leaves the building. It is not recommended to rely on air leakage for natural ventilation as this can affect moisture problems within the building’s structure which can affect the health of the occupant, as well as the durability of the building structure.
Buildings must also comply with Building Regulations L2. There can be major problems for health and safety if these regulations are not adhered to. The regulations stipulate appropriate amounts of air leakage and energy conservation for all projects in the UK.
There are many benefits to air sealing, including reducing the cost of internal cooling and heating, increasing the durability of a building, improving internal air quality, comfort of occupants and air sealing is more environmentally friendly.
There are many things that can affect a building’s air leakage, such as weather, and internal building ventilation systems. As well as increasing the spread of a fire, having air leakage can also result in cold and draughty buildings, which are not pleasant to work or live in.
Using methods of air sealing, these problems can be eliminated, and buildings can become comfortable for residents and inhabitants, as well as workers within the building. It can also prevent catastrophic fires and can provide cash savings.
Further cost can be saved when installing air sealing systems and the installation of these systems can prevent the need for further work concerning air flow within the building.
If you have any questions regarding air sealing, please get in contact.