A ‘buzz’ word perhaps, but there is great value in considering the options.

Why use a particular material when an equivalent, of similar performance and that costs less energy to produce, is often available.

It is worth consideration

Energy source ?

• Try to avoid excessive use of mains electricity
• When building new, consider alternative heat generation systems they are cheaper to install from new than as an after market addition

Why not do your bit for the environment when undertaking your building project?

We can design to either CODES OF SUSTAINABLE HOUSING or PASSIVE HOUSE (HAUS) – they are similar but have slightly different criteria in the design and calculations

ENERGY PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES (like the A & B ratings on your washing machine)

We now include these in our thermal calculation (SAP) documents on all new houses

– CODE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOUSING – THE NEW WHOLE ENVIRONMENTAL CHECK RATING FOR NEW HOUSING

THIS HAS 6 LEVELS FROM 1 TO 6

1 BEING 10% BETTER THAN OUR PRESENT BUILDING REGULATION REQUIREMENTS & 6 BEING A ZERO CARBON BUILD !

1 IS EASY, 6 IS VERY EXPENSIVE – HOWEVER A LEVEL OR STAR RATING OF 3 & 4 IS REASONABLY EASY TO ACHIEVE (ALTHOUGH COSTLY)

CODE CALCULATIONS ARE DONE BY OURSELVES WITH INPUT BY OUR ASSOCIATE THERMAL ENGINEERS AND ARE SUBJECT TO CAREFUL SPECIFICATION OF SPACE & WATER HEATING, INSULATION, WATER SAVING AND AIR TIGHTNESS OF CONSTRUCTION, TOGETHER WITH A KNOWLEDGE OF THE SOURCE OF MATERIALS, MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILD SITE AND FUTURE USAGE BY THE OCCUPANTS

– START THINKING SERIOUSLY ABOUT TIMBER FRAME – ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND & SUSTAINABLE

– WE ARE ALSO HAPPY TO DESIGN IN MASONRY (the old brick & blocks)