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In the pursuit of a sustainable future, the spotlight has shifted to the concept of embodied carbon assessments. As the world grapples with the urgent need to mitigate climate change, assessing the environmental impact of construction, manufacturing, and product development has become a focal point. Embodied carbon assessments offer a subtle understanding of the environmental footprint of these processes, paving the way for more informed and sustainable decision-making. This blog will delve into what embodied

The Importance of Energy Statements

Posted by C80 Solutions on  October 3, 2023
Energy planning is a critical component of sustainable development in today’s world. As societies strive to reduce their carbon footprint, promote renewable energy sources, and ensure energy security, energy statements have become indispensable tools. An energy statement is a document that outlines the energy-related aspects of a development project, addressing concerns such as energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and environmental impact. In this blog, we’ll delve into the essentials of crafting effective energy statements for
Boosting Asset Value through BREEAM In-Use: A Sustainable Investment Perspective In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate and property management, factors influencing asset value are taking on new dimensions. Beyond location and aesthetics, sustainability has emerged as a powerful driver of value creation. BREEAM In-Use, a globally recognised certification for assessing and improving the environmental performance of existing buildings, is proving to be a game-changer in enhancing asset value. Let’s explore how BREEAM In-Use adds
Decarbonising buildings is a significant step toward achieving overall decarbonisation goals. Buildings play a substantial role in the emission of greenhouse gases by consuming significant amounts of energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and other operational purposes. Here are some ways we can help decarbonise buildings: Energy Efficiency: Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is a key strategy. This can involve: Upgrading insulation and windows to reduce heat loss and gain. Installing energy-efficient appliances, lighting systems,
Government publishes its response to the Future Buildings Standard Consultation Government publishes its response to the Future Buildings Standard Consultation The UK government has published its much-anticipated response to the Future Buildings Standard Consultation. This is the second part of a consultation that began with the Future Homes Standard. The construction industry now needs to prepare for what the government hopes will be a cleaner, greener built environment. The Future Buildings Standard aims to provide a pathway to
What is BREEAM AP and how can it benefit your project? BREEAM is an internationally recognised method for assessing a building’s environmental performance. It can be used to assess the sustainability of new construction projects, refurbs and fit outs, and buildings already in use. Learn more: BREEAM C80 Solutions is pleased to add BREEAM AP (BREEAM Advisory Professional) to the list of BREEAM services we are able to offer following the successful completion of the BREEAM
How Psi Values can affect the road to compliance As a result of changes to the building regulations in June 2022, Psi Values now need to be properly calculated if your project is to successfully comply. We can no longer rely upon using Accredited Construction Details (ACDs) to achieve compliance on the fabric efficiency of the property. Read more: SAP 10 – What you need to know about Psi Values If the Psi Values are not calculated and

U Values: SAP 10 vs SAP 2012

Posted by C80 Solutions on  August 31, 2022
U Values: SAP 10 vs SAP 2012 In June 2022, new building regulations came into force in England and the new SAP 10 methodology was adopted. Transitional arrangements are currently in place, so if you submitted your initial notice before 15th June 2022 and work will commence on site before 15th June 2023, your work can adhere to the old regulations. However, if you submitted your initial notice after 15th June 2022 or work will commence after 15th June
What you need to know about the new Part O In June, new building regulations were introduced in England including a brand new Part O. Part O has been implemented in a bid to reduce the risk of buildings overheating. Existing energy efficiency requirements mean that new build and refurbished homes in the UK tend to be very well insulated to prevent heat loss in the colder months, but this is leading to homes overheating in
The building regulations have changed, here’s what you need to know As of today, Wednesday 15th June 2022, new building regulations are being enforced in England. Part L: Conservation of fuel and power and Part F: Ventilation, have been updated and a brand new Part O: Overheating has been introduced. The government has put transitional arrangements in place. If your Initial Notice was received before 15th June 2022 and work will start on site before 15th June 2023, work can take
Everything you need to know about SBEM Assessment Levels If you’re new to the concept of SBEM Calculations, you may be unsure what level of assessment your project requires. SBEM Calculations are a mandatory requirement for any heated, stand-alone, new build commercial building exceeding 50m2 in floor area. Some commercial extension and conversion projects will also require this service. Certain elements of the building determine the level of SBEM required. For example, if an atrium
SAP 10: What you need to know about Psi Values With the arrival of SAP 10 drawing ever closer, we are urging clients to prepare for the upcoming changes. Thermal bridging is one element of SAP Calculations that will be different going forwards as new legislation seeks to ensure that newly constructed dwellings are more energy efficient. What are Psi Values? Psi values measure linear heat loss across a junction between two thermal elements, for
SAP 10: New Photographic Evidence Required The arrival of SAP 10 is drawing closer and we are urging our clients to be prepared for the upcoming changes to the SAP Calculation process. One new requirement that we anticipate will need some adjustment is the photographic evidence that will need to be provided. Alongside the usual data that is required to complete SAP Calculations, photographic evidence of the following will be needed: Image of each thermal

Upcoming Changes to Air Testing

Posted by C80 Solutions on  February 17, 2022
Upcoming Changes to Air Testing Following the response to the Future Buildings Standard Consultation, the government has confirmed that changes to Approved Document L1A will come into effect on 15th June 2022. The amendments will affect the number of air tightness tests that will need to be undertaken on site, who is able to carry out these tests and improve on the limiting value acceptable for a pass. Under the current regulations, a building that achieves a
C80 urges preparation for stricter energy laws The government’s Minimum Energy Performance of Buildings Bill was introduced earlier this month and will be debated by MPs this autumn, paving the way for legislation which will require all private rented sector homes to be Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C by 2028. The government has also outlined targets which will have major implications for owner occupiers, mortgage lenders and commercial lettings. With thousands of properties likely to need
Caroline is driving our post-pandemic future As the final restrictions are lifted and businesses start to prepare for a future beyond covid, C80 Group throws a spotlight on one of the key figures in our post-pandemic plans – Group Business Development Manager, Caroline Ryde. Changing jobs and starting at another company often involves an initial period of acclimatisation to new surroundings. Caroline Ryde, Group Business Development Manager at C80 Group, had to navigate that period in
World Environment Day 2021: Increasing sustainability in the built environment Each year, 5th June marks World Environment Day. Since 1974, the global event has aimed to engage governments, businesses and citizens to address the pressing environmental issues facing our planet. In the construction industry, there is a growing awareness of the negative impact construction and the resulting buildings can have on the environment. Both construction companies and the government are now taking action to try and
Energy and Managing Heat Risk in the London Plan 2021 The Greater London Authority (GLA) has published The London Plan 2021. The Plan sets out a framework for how London will develop over the next 20-25 years so that those who live in, work in, and visit London have the best experience possible. Individual London Boroughs’ local plans must be in “general conformity” with the Plan, ensuring that the planning system in London operates in
Back on the radar: SAP10 and what it means for energy assessment A new energy assessment methodology for residential construction is on the horizon. Harry Hinchliffe, Energy Consultant and BREEAM Assessor at C80 Solutions, outlines the changes and their impact on planning and design. Like every other industry, construction has been preoccupied with unprecedented circumstances over the past year. As we still come to terms with the impact of covid, it’s easy to overlook other
SBEM Calculations vs. DSM & Thermal Modelling: Similarities and differences between the services Here at C80 Solutions we offer a variety of services that ensure your construction project complies with the building regulations in a straightforward and hassle-free way. Both SBEM Calculations and Dynamic Simulation Modelling (DSM) can be used to demonstrate compliance with Part L2 of the Building Regulations (energy efficiency requirements for non-residential buildings) – so how do the two services differ from
Foundations‌ ‌of‌ ‌opportunity:‌ ‌how‌ ‌construction‌ ‌can‌ ‌embrace‌ ‌the‌ ‌female‌ ‌workforce‌ ‌ Construction has a reputation as an industry which has done little to address the shortfall in its female workforce, but there is evidence of positive change and huge potential for further progress in the coming years. Katherine Naisbitt, Commercial Director at C80 Group, discusses the challenges and the opportunities for women in construction. Having worked in various other sectors, from manufacturing and waste management to
Let’s talk about Thermal Bridging and Psi-Values With the upcoming changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, it’s important to be aware of thermal bridging and Psi-Values. Thermal bridging is estimated to account for up to 30% of a dwelling’s heat loss and therefore contributes significantly to heat loss, energy use and Part L1A compliance. Thermal bridges occur where two adjoining materials exist within a construction (e.g. mortar and blocks) or where two constructions
7 things you need to know about the government’s latest Future Homes Standard announcement After a long consultation period, the government has finally issued an update on the Future Homes Standard. On the 19th January 2021, Housing Minister Chris Pincher introduced new measures focusing on reducing overheating in homes and increasing energy efficiency as part of a drive to ensure all new homes are zero carbon-ready by 2025. Their response has been anticipated for some time, but
C80 Solutions teams up with ThermoSphere to launch TalkSAP10 Experts encourage construction to embrace new energy assessment C80 Solutions has teamed up with electric heating manufacturer, ThermoSphere, to launch TalkSAP10, a new initiative helping the construction sector to understand and embrace a major change in the way energy performance is assessed in residential developments. The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for calculating energy use is being updated with the arrival of SAP 10, which introduces a 55% reduction
Part L is being updated – here’s how to comply with the proposed changes Since the original publication date of this article, the government have announced their response to the consultation. Read our updated article: 7 things you need to know about the Future Homes Standard In October 2019, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) issued their new consultation on changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations. Dubbed the
C80 Group expands with acquisition of building services consultancy Birmingham-based Stewarts joins the C80 Group Leeds-based building consultancy business, C80 Group Ltd, has expanded its portfolio of services and geographical presence with the acquisition of Birmingham-based Stewart Associates as the latest company to join the Group. Stewarts was established in 1995 and counts the NHS and many UK Universities as some of its longstanding clients. With 24 staff, including an experienced team of engineers and

Introducing our Advent Calendar

Posted by C80 Solutions on  December 2, 2020
Introducing our Advent Calendar Special Offers Available in December We’re pleased to introduce our first ever Advent Calendar. Every day, Monday to Friday, from Tuesday 1st December until Wednesday 23rd December you can take advantage of discounts and special offers on some of our services. To ensure no one misses out, the different special offers will be repeating and rotating. You can expect to see the following offers on the following days: Monday: Half price SAP
Dan and Harry complete BREEAM qualification C80 Solutions are delighted to report that two of our consultants have qualified in BREEAM New Construction 2018. The scheme is designed to support energy professionals in closing the gap between predicted and actual energy performance of new buildings. Its methodology involves more detailed energy modelling and more accurate predictions of energy use at early stages to support better design and construction of new buildings. C80 Energy & Sustainability
C80 Group Ltd appoints Non-Executive Director C80 Group is supporting its growth strategy with the appointment of Gary Lumby MBE as its first Non-Executive Director. Gary will provide key strategic input across C80 Group’s companies, which currently includes two specialists in building regulation and building compliance, Leeds-based C80 Solutions Ltd and YDBC Ltd, which operates from multiple offices throughout Yorkshire. Gary, who has a portfolio of Non-Executive Director roles at SMEs across the UK, said:

Green Homes Grant Guidance

Posted by C80 Solutions on  October 1, 2020
Green Homes Grant Guidance The Government has launched a £3 billion plan to upgrade homes, schools and hospitals across England. The programme will retrofit buildings – including over 600,000 homes – to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their running costs. A major part of the programme is the Government’s flagship Green Homes Grant scheme, which makes around £2 billion available to help private homeowners upgrade the energy performance of their homes. For most households, the Government
Ticking the right boxes: Energy & Sustainability Statements Navigating your way through planning regulations can be both time-consuming and complex, especially if you’re a new developer. And with the EU parliament declaring a climate emergency in November 2019, we can only expect regulations to get progressively tighter when it comes to energy consumption and supply. The London Plan dictates that all major developments within the Greater London Authority must submit an energy strategy to comply
C80 Consultant gains certification from the Institute of Acoustics Jonathon Hill, C80’s Energy and Sustainability Consultant has been awarded the Certificate of Competence in Environmental Noise Measurement. The course of study, which is delivered by Leeds Beckett University examines the areas of noise concepts and propagation, instrumentation for environmental noise measurement, environmental noise indices and measurement methodology. Legislation and codes of practice surrounding noise from road, rail and air traffic, mineral extraction, planning and construction

C80 Solutions takes home National Award

Posted by C80 Solutions on  October 2, 2019
C80 Solutions takes home National Award C80 Solutions has been awarded second place in the National Energy Efficiency Awards. With twenty companies in the running, C80 Solutions came upon against some strong competition to take home the second prize for Energy Consultancy of the Year. The accolade follows C80 Solutions’ success at the Yorkshire and Humberside Regional Awards held in July, in which the company picked up the trophy for Regional Energy Consultancy of the
C80 Solutions wins Energy Efficiency Award C80 Solutions has been awarded Energy Consultancy of the year at the 2019 Yorkshire & Humberside Regional Energy Efficiency Awards. Launched in July 2015 following the changes in Government Energy Efficiency Policy, the Energy Efficiency awards (previously known as the Green Deal & ECO Awards) were set up to help motivate the energy efficiency sector in their delivery of the Green Deal Finance Initiative and Energy Company Obligation Scheme.

Nine Key Changes in SAP 10

Posted by C80 Solutions on  January 10, 2019
Nine Key Changes in SAP 10 55% CO2 emission factor reduction for Electric Electricity’s annual average CO2 emission factor will be reduced from 0.519 kgCO2/kWh to 0.233 kgCO2/kWh (a 55% reduction) and will place electricity just behind gas which has a CO2 emission factor of 0.210 kgCO2/kWh. Targets within SAP 2012 are currently based on mains gas, so this heavily penalises electric use, and certainly any new builds with all electric heating are incredibly difficult to pass
WHAT LONDON NEW ZERO CARBON STANDARD MEANS FOR DEVELOPERS Since October last year, all proposed residential developments located in London are required to comply with new set of CO2 emissions reduction requirements, commonly referred as a zero carbon standard. Major developments (comprising 10 units or more) are obliged to achieve a 35% reduction in CO2 emissions above Part L 2013 regulations, while the remaining CO2 emissions are to be set off though cash in lieu. Minor residential schemes are relived from the payment as
Will minimum space standards become a part of building regulations? Homes should provide adequate space to meet basic residents’ needs, such as access to doors, windows and furniture, undertaking basic living activities, like washing, dressing, cooking, eating, playing and socialising, ability to move around the home, as well as place for storing possessions. It does not really sound too much luxury, does it? It is therefore surprising to see how many British homes are falling short to

The rise of eco-towers

Posted by Mark Heptonstall on  November 22, 2016
The rise of eco-towers The United Kingdom is not staying behind, with London’s Strata, The Shard, Pan Peninsula Tower and several others in the pipeline. But are these luxury residential skyscrapers truly sustainable? Sustainability, or the reflection of the upper class aspirations? New green skyscrapers are mushrooming across London: there are now 233 high-rises approved and waiting to start construction. The demand is strong and there is serious money to be made: buyers are ready

Welcome to the new C80 website

Posted by Oliver Todd on  November 21, 2016
Welcome to the new C80 website As you can see, we’ve launched our new website! Designed and developed to represent our progressive business as it is today. For anyone who knew our old, outdated website, it really was time for an upgrade! We’re therefore very happy to launch our new, mobile friendly website that will not only provide C80 Solutions with a better shop window for showcasing our services but that will also allow our customers a more

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We will reduce your build costs by adopting the ‘Fabric First’ philosophy to remove the need for expensive renewable technologies. We carry out a complimentary specification review on every single project to see where we can reduce your costs.

All our compliance services come with a 100% pass guarantee. We will never charge you for assessments that don’t pass. We will always provide free guidance to achieve a pass in the cheapest way possible.

We operate a common sense approach to building compliance. Our team comes from a background in volume house building, Architecture and Engineering. We understand all the time, cost and hassle constraints involved in construction.

We can provide a 24 hour turnaround on services when required. Also, we will produce your new build EPCs on the same day as receiving the air test result. 

“C80 Solutions offer a fast professional service and are always helpful and willing to go the extra mile when we need to turn things around quickly.”

Julie Austin, Empire

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Reduce your risk, save time and money. Get in touch to see how we can make your next project easier.

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