Tue, 19 Dec 2023 04:25:58 +0000 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8837 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8837 Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:39:33 +0000 Joiner
http://timsa.associationhouse.org.uk/default.php?cmd=210&doc_category=95

The consultation closes on 27 March 2012. The overall impacts of the proposed 2013 changes are expected to:

- Strengthen new-build standards to pave the way towards zero carbon.

- Introduce a separate fabric energy efficiency target for new dwellings.

- Propose changes to the associated calculation tools, SAP and SBEM. (Should give some of you guys chance to vent your spleens about the shortcomings/failures of SAP.)

- Increase the standards of energy efficiency for existing buildings and secure greater take up of improvement to support the Government's planned Green Deal initiative. (Wonder what form the compulsion/ incentive will take?)

- Introduce measures to incentivise improved compliance and as built performance.

Copies of the consultation documents can be viewed at http://timsa.associationhouse.org.uk/default.php?cmd=210&doc_category=95]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8739 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8739 Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:51:54 +0000 Shevek http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6009 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6009 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:33:56 +0100 greenman
If (like me) you have a solid fuel rayburn, with very primative controls, and no thermostat, it keeps on heating the water in the cylinder for as long as convection continues to cause it to circulate. At the moment, this isn't an issue for me (as I assume that any regulations only apply if you install a new system, or make modifications?), but if I wanted to make any changes to my setup (such as to incorporate an additional heat source, and/or to change my cylinder for a heat store, then what would the position be?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8628 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8628 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:59:34 +0000 owlman http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8624 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8624 Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:18:55 +0000 Luke.Smith
Apologies if this has been brought up previously but I can't seem to find it. SAP 9.90 calculates air changes per hour (ach) by tallying up the infiltration introduced by chimneys, flues, fans, vents, windows, doors + a degree of stuctrual & floor related infiltration. It then considers the number of sheltered sides to revise the infiltration rate (ach) and multiplies it against a wind speed factor (which is based on local wind speed divided by 4 - anyone know where the figure 4 comes from?). All this ultimately results in an adjusted infiltration rate for each month which may be totalled to give the total modelled air changes per hour. Correct?

The Building Regs however works in m3/m2/hr@50pa. Is there a BS recognised way of converting from SAP 'ach' rates to m3/m2/hr@50pa rates? If such a common calculation does exisit, would I be right to assume it would only appy to the first SAP ach infiltration figure i.e. the one that is just looking at leakage and not considering number of sheltered sides or local wind speed? This figure is essentially air changes per hour at 0pa isn't it?

Thanks in advance.

Luke]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8109 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8109 Fri, 11 Nov 2011 11:07:49 +0000 tony
They are therefore a waste of time and money and hence the opposite to sustainable - antisustainable!

Whose idea were they and why are we still using them , many of the homes they are in have more draughts through air leakage paths than the tv's offer even new houses.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8186 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8186 Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:12:54 +0000 Triassic
Anyway after 2 weeks considering my offer they have said they'll only accept offers without strings attached.

So this raised a few questions - How easy is it to gain permission for ‘change of use’? Anyone got any experience in this area, or suggestions regarding the correct approach. Can I submit an application now, in the hope that by the time I own the pub ‘change of use’ will have been granted? Should I be running a mile?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8547 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8547 Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:01:31 +0000 Timber http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8499 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8499 Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:58:51 +0000 benloombe
I am currently in my final year of studying for my degree which is Construction Management BSc. For my dissertation I have chosen to research the topic: ‘Compliance to the Code for Sustainable Homes for small sized enterprises in the private house building sector’.

Basically I'm trying to assess the impacts the Code is having on small developers. At the moment I'm struggling to find people who are part of a small company building to the Code (I have defined small company using the SME definition, of less than 50 people and turnover less than £5.6 million). Before starting my final year i was working for a small house builder and we had great trouble building our first two homes to Code level 3, so i'm trying to get in contact with others to gain their experiences.

I would be very grateful if anyone here who has had experience building to the Code with a small company, would be willing to help me out by sharing their experiences with me? I ultimately need to get feedback via my questionnaire and through interviews to submit for my research dissertation, but any feedback would be great.

Thanks

Ben]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8470 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8470 Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:53:52 +0000 Triassic
The guy I'm dealing with at the Pubco has no concept of what is required as part of a planning application, will not supply any information such as copies of previous planning applications or the history and wants to set a contractual Longstop date of 31st May, i.e 4 clear months from now. I'm telling him the planning process could take far longer than that considering the property is in a conservation area, the building is old (built mid 1700s) and has an interesting history (has been a farm, court house, pub etc etc.

I've read elsewhere that the first hurdle is actually getting thorough the planning application validation process, in my case its a 22 point process, some points apply and some don't and the planning people can't give me a definitive answer as to which ones apply?!

Anyone else got an experience of this and what is a likely/reasonable planning timescale?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8403 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8403 Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:12:15 +0000 kilmo exposed permitter (m) divided by floor area m2 = unisulated floor uvalue?

and the "exposed" is just the area on the outside walls?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8365 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8365 Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:25:39 +0000 davidfreeborough
David]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7096 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7096 Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:29:17 +0000 pmusgrove http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8176 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8176 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:28:50 +0000 Ed Davies
"The interior has a novel finish with OSB walls ceilings and floor..."

I'm more than a little surprised they can use OSB like that. Isn't there normally a requirement for plasterboard or something to stop any fire spreading too quickly? What are BC likely to be happy with or not?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8094 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8094 Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:12:32 +0000 Joiner
:crazy:]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8060 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8060 Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:23:02 +0000 Triassic
I've talked to the LA Planer and he has stated that I would be required to pay a sum towards affordable housing and and this calculated by the council using a formula that considers the cost of site acquisition and preparation/servicing.

I've done a quick calculation based on some scenarios provided by the planner and it looks like they will want about £20k.

Is this yet another new housing tax?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8038 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=8038 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:44:40 +0000 Carol hunter
Secondly, what constitutes a low energy only fitting

Thirdly, which bulb types and fittings are deemed low energy. (I experience significant eyestrain/headaches with most fluorescent lights...)

It's fascinating that in all my traipsing around light shops, electrical retailers/wholesalers, there is either complete ignorance of the latest requirements such thht there are no alternatives in the shop to old style battens or partial truths...

Any tips as to good places to by the lampholders only would be v. helpful.

Thanks,
Carol]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7968 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7968 Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:07:20 +0100 Carol hunter
Nearing completeion of our beautiful small strawbale /timber building. I have two main questions I'd much appreciate help with:-
1) 5 years ago we obtained pp for two buildings on our 1 acre site - a house and a studio. We have spent that 5 years building the smaller of the 2 buildings, the studio. As far as we were aware there was no difference between the purpose and therefore standards of build/design/regs for them both. The building far exceeds regs for thermal performance and those connected with energy efficiency. Our long time buidling inspector left the company and we have been passed on to someone else. Somehow the building has been given the epithet of "outbuilding" along the way to distinguish it from the larger building which, it was presumed, would be our dwelling. As I say, we have never considered it as anything other than a dwelling. We will not now build the bigger building as we are ragged, exhausted and poor now. Are there any problems with this building being considered our home that anyone can see and if so, what are the main differences in requirements between the two categories as far as building regs are concerned. Of course it has never been considered an outbuilding as far as building regs have gone - witness the endless posts here by me over the years!
2) We are desperate to move in so as not to face a 5th winter in a caravan in an exhausted state. Please would someone clarify to me the problem with moving in before we officially get it signed off (we have not built with a mortgage.) Is it just an issue of Building Regs. company not wanting to be held accountable for any possible problems? More importantly, is there a way around this? I'm having great trouble identifying what constitutes readiness to be "signed off". Any clarification much appreciated!
Carol]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7281 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7281 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:29:26 +0100 Carol hunter http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7657 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7657 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:32:21 +0100 PeteLawley
Its tricky because every standard/ measuring device uses different criteria. However, I am fairly confident that the primary energy (all energy use + transmission losses) and space heating calculations from SAP and those used by Passivehaus are comparable.

So, imagine my surprise. I modelled a house to passivehaus standards in SAP 2009 and got a spaceheating requirement of 36.59 kWh/m2/yr but a primary energy usage of only 25.5 (passivehaus minimum standards are 15 / 120 kWh/m2/yr respectively)

Any ideas anyone?

Also, can anyone know what the average space heating requirement of a dwelling to ADL 2010 is (in kWh.m2/yr)

Thanks]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7613 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7613 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:05:56 +0100 martin1974
Our architect (who was great at getting us a very tricky planning permission approved and who we haven't fallen out with) has quoted us 2.5% of total construction costs, which he has estimated at being £1200/m2.

We feel that his proposal is way too high because we know we can build for more like £750/m2 and that I have done nearly all of the leg work in terms of the construction detailing and product specification (mostly from research directed by information gleaned from this great forum!)

Any advice would be greatly received!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7617 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7617 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 09:36:14 +0100 Joiner
See also... http://www.theccc.org.uk/reports/adaptation/2nd-progress-report-2011 ... which gives you the choice of all chapters of the report and the facility to view them online as full-page docs.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7531 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7531 Sat, 25 Jun 2011 17:08:12 +0100 Carol hunter
We have a challenge with our small building which wasn't initially designed as our home...
We have twin vault compost toilets a la Nick Grant and have little room to wall them off from the rest of the bathroom. The main reasons we needed top do so were because:-
1. Electricity distribution box has to go on wall in compost loo area
2. because we're supposed to have an extractor fan in bathroom, this could this cause problems for compost loo which in any case has its own dedicated fan for drawing smells outside the building?

The main prob. however is the D. box. We would like to put it in a cupboard and then build another cupboard around that....could this pass as a cupboard in an (admittedly weeny) room?

Your guidance would be much appreciated,
yours, Chancer Carol]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7318 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7318 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 21:22:19 +0100 Joiner
http://enews.trada.co.uk/?enews=enews_26_Apr_2011&]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7236 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7236 Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:32:39 +0100 Ben1974
I am being told that NHBC, TRADA, UKTFRA and some un-named british standard all allow a 20mm variation from floor to floor.

It seems a little fishy to me as 20mm variation is in all likelyhood +/-10mm. Therefore the building is outside these tolerances anyway. I can't track down a document from any of these organisations that pertains to the tolerances. Apart from one from the NHBC which gives the tolerance as +/-8mm.

We have a problem as the oversize building has closed up our residual cavity. We can get round it by backing off our stonework but as you can imagine it's a considerable amount of work.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7224 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7224 Sat, 02 Apr 2011 22:49:04 +0100 Jonti
Jonti]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7192 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7192 Sun, 27 Mar 2011 11:04:02 +0100 Jonti
Jonti]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7095 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=7095 Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:15:42 +0000 Joiner
March 9, 2011

TRADA Technology offers thermal bridge modelling

TRADA Technology Ltd is going to work in partnership with the new BBA/Robust Details joint venture company Constructive Details (CD) to provide thermal bridge modelling of bespoke details for designers, specifiers and manufacturers. CD has been set up specifically to manage and audit an ‘Accredited Construction Details' (ACD) scheme, as set out in the new October 2010 Approved Document L (Part L) Conservation of Fuel & Power of the Building Regulations (England & Wales).

As TRADA Technology Technical Consultant Lewis Taylor explained, although the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has yet to announce the exact structure of ACD and Accredited Thermal Modeller (ATM) schemes, Constructive Details and others are working in anticipation of a formal invitation to operate such a scheme.

He added, ‘TRADA Technology has already developed standard thermal details which support typical timber frame designs. However, if designers are to achieve the best possible U-Values and Ψ-Values for input into SAP, and to be able to claim the best possible thermal performance for the building, each bespoke new design or construction method will require bespoke modelling.' TRADA Technology will carry out the modelling and help gain approval from Constructive Details, to ensure details are accepted as an accredited thermal detail, once schemes are established.

Details which are not accredited will carry a 25% or 0.02 W/mK penalty on the quoted Ψ-Value, which will have a knock-on effect on overall CO2 emissions in SAP calculations. Mr Taylor commented, ‘Using a Constructive Detail would avoid the risk of building designs having to compensate elsewhere to achieve the target emission rate calculated in SAP.'

TRADA Technology will also offer thermal bridge modelling training in May and September 2011 at its High Wycombe headquarters, ranging from one-day courses for those with some experience of thermal modelling, to four-day courses for absolute beginners. Successful candidates will then be able to apply to join the eventual Constructive Details' ATM scheme. Dates will be finalised shortly. To register your interest for these events contact Lewis Taylor email ltaylor@trada.co.uk.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6938 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6938 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:48:03 +0000 PeterWat
The changes impact on anyone who is working through their house to add wall insulation internally, tackling one room at a time when redecoration falls due. Previously, this process was open to homeowners to undertake at any time; the requirement to go to the Building Control Officer for approval - and insulate to the full U value specified in the Regs - did not kick in unless 25% or more of the whole external wall of the building would be affected. (Or at least that seems to be the way many people interpreted the old rules, which were not totally clear).

The revised L1B requires any change to thermal elements (such as hacking off plaster to reinsulate, or adding any new insulation layer) to be notified to the BCO, if the work affects more than 50% of the external wall in the room where the work is being done. All such work is also required to be done to the new U = 0.30 standard (unless the floor area will be reduced more than 5%, there are other good reasons why this is impracticable, or payback will not be achieved in 15 years).

Many (most?) people may be unaware of this change - not least because some of the advice on the Planning Portal is still quoting the old 25% rule, as do some Building Control websites.

There is cause for concern here. Not least, it seems that BCO approval will now be required in nearly all cases (what would be the point of insulating less than 50% of the external wall area in a room?). The real-world consequences of this change may be that (1) few DIYers will opt to add insulation when they redecorate and (2) more old houses will receive no wall insulation. Of course there is also possibility (3) that most DIYers will either go ahead in ignorance, or opt to ignore the rule (and say if challenged later that the work was done before 2010).

It is also of note that the EST website now strongly advises against DIY "unless you're very experienced".

Closing down the unregulated DIY one-room-at-a-time route might be argued to reduce instances of poorly planned or badly installed insulation. However this is not necessarily true. DIY is chosen by some homeowners as a way to achieve a known standard of workmanship at an affordable price and without the risks that can arise from using time-constrained or inexpert builders.

Going through the Building Control process every time one wants to insulate a room could be a big disincentive. In the present economic situation, many people will not be able to afford high-spec insulation or multiple BC applications. And will the BC departments in cut-ravaged councils have any resources to handle more applications?

Did those responsible for the revised L1B either ignore or become complacent about these aspects? Para 5.8 states the change was made because "the marginal cost of dry-lining with insulated plasterboard rather than plain plasterboard is small". That might be true if one is paying for the labour of dry-lining; but it is surely incorrect in the DIY context, where one is only concerned with the cost of materials.

For anyone who thinks that some insulation is usually better than no insulation, this revision looks a step in the wrong direction. It may add to other concerns about the new L1B. (There are arguments elsewhere on this forum that L1B may need a rethink as the stringent U-values it mandates might lead to unacceptable moisture levels in solid walls, according to recent Irish research - "Breaking the Mould V", 2010).

Am I right about this and is there a way forward? In the meantime I'm tempted to abandon all attempts at upgrading my house's insulation and wait until EWI becomes a more widely accepted and affordable way forward. If, that is, it ever does.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6745 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6745 Sun, 26 Dec 2010 19:51:14 +0000 jimshall http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6827 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6827 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:48:24 +0000 joe90
How can an inspector do this when he knows nothing of the materials and manufacture process. What certificate, if any, should I ask for from the window supplier to show the inspector?.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6830 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6830 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:58:31 +0000 docmartin Today I have been told, verbally, that Sheffield only imposes S 106 on developments of " over 5 houses ". Can I rely on this policy being retained in the medium term? Is there a large variation between local authorities nationally?
Anyone had any experience of the vagaries of S 106?
BTW labelled "contributions" on Sheffield Planning Dept's web site!]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6836 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6836 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 22:32:34 +0000 dandyclub http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6772 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6772 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 16:21:31 +0000 CWatters
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/permission/commonprojects/conservatories/]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6769 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6769 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:44:07 +0000 GHC
Peter.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5687 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5687 Mon, 19 Apr 2010 22:46:48 +0100 tony
Is this a belt and braces safe gap and 45mm would do?

What is the minimum gap that would work? and is this dependant on roof pitch, aspect etc?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6543 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6543 Sat, 13 Nov 2010 23:54:35 +0000 Jonti
Jonti]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6444 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6444 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 14:20:44 +0100 bmcannings
I'm new to this site so apologies if I'm in the wrong area.

We are about to go ahead with some building work to our house which involves a RSJ going to our neighbours party wall. We have talked to him and shown him the plans, he is happy for the work to go ahead. But, we tried to get him to sign the party wall act, but he has said quote ' I have never signed a form in my life I don't want to start now'. We are obviously worried about this, where do we stand on this legally? If he is happy to go ahead can we take his word on this? we are keeping him well informed and letting our builder talk to him regards to any concerns.

Thanks for your help.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6420 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6420 Sat, 16 Oct 2010 20:37:11 +0100 tony
I cannot understand why this should be -- why should it be allowable for such places to waste huge amounts of energy?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5767 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5767 Wed, 05 May 2010 14:33:39 +0100 Timber
http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADL1A_2010.pdf

First thoughts? Not sure, still reading and digesting it.

Timber]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6331 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6331 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:52:10 +0100 Joiner
http://www.trada.co.uk/downloads/constructionBriefings/Scot%20S6%20Energy%20Dom%20Summary%20of%20Amendments.pdf?enews=enews_23_Sep_2010&]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6359 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6359 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:29:52 +0100 Gotanewlife
A friend is looking at one of those all singing rotating disk digester plant things and then at putting the discharge through a reed bed, from which water will quickly find a way to the near by water course. Setting aside the regs here in Italy, would that be overkill in the UK. He only today got himself a genuine price for one of the digesters (£4.5k) and went a bit grey.....

Talking of grey, he is talking about what to do with his grey water, he wants to re-use it (laudable) but he is about to pay for a bore hole for fresh water, seems to me that a reed bed would be the place to send it but how would he need to treat it first, just some sort of fat separator? He certainly needs some sound advice and its an area I haven't looked at properly.]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5701 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=5701 Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:47:49 +0100 PaulD thanks
Paul]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6266 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6266 Sun, 12 Sep 2010 09:00:59 +0100 Joiner
Is there no where and no thing that the green police consider beyond their reach? Another piece (as one of the responders notes) of ill-conceived legislation?]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4433 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4433 Tue, 18 Aug 2009 10:18:38 +0100 bobirving
Bob]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6124 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6124 Sat, 07 Aug 2010 09:49:23 +0100 sarahbooker We are self building and doing our regs on notice - have been asked for drawings and wondered if anyone had any examples of drawings they would be willing to share.
Many thanks
Sarah]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4428 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=4428 Sat, 15 Aug 2009 14:39:30 +0100 Steve_001
I really don't wish to discuss the why's and wherefores of the suitability of my machinery, its location or its payback etc. as its been a homebrew project with only limited expenditure due to reuse of materials and my own machining facilities and obviously electrical know how, so please no internet police reciting part P etc etc at me. This post is regarding PP. Thanks :)

My location is not ideal for a wind generator, but it's all I've got, so no chance of reciting my property. The property is not listed, well not any more as I've rebuilt the front of it, and the area is not subject to any SSSI's. I'm basically sat of the edge of a flood plain between two hills and the wind is usually quite good as there's nothing really to stop it. According to Googlemaps I'm 8 inches from my nearest neighbour which translates to 1 kilometre, so noise isn't an issue for neighbours at that distance, if it is, it would be unbearable at my property. I'm way over 8 inches from a proper road or footpath. There are overhead power cables crossing the property with open fields either side, so I won't be attempting to go so high that my tower could fall on the power cables. My tower will however be just over 12 metres from the house. I haven't decided yet on how tall my tower will be, but probably about 10 or so metres. The diameter of the generator blades is about 3 metres.

It seems to me that its easier to apply for PP with a known generator as there is access to pre-known data like noise etc., where as mine is a home brew jobbie, so have no data to display.

Trawling the web, it seems a lot of people go ahead and erect their wind generator, then when they've been found out, apply for retrospective PP. I tried to get a friend involved who used to work for a planning office, but didn't get very far as he referred me to various government websites where as we all know are too general and not specific, rather than local information, and being a company man, was appalled that I should consider the retrospective route, though in reality my better half would object too. I was hoping he'd be able to give me an insight of how the local planning guys see wind generators, but no inside information was forthcoming.

So taking all the above in to consideration, is there anyone out there who has been through the process of applying for PP of a home brew wind generator and better still in the Herefordshire area who could part with some knowledge or help please?

Thanks for reading and any help and guidance. :bigsmile:]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6057 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6057 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:31:31 +0100 Mike George
I know we would all like to massively improve on the minimum compliance but in some cases the client will insist on the minimum standard required. Obviously the base case u-values need to be improved upon to hit the target , but by how much? Anyone come up with a rule of thumb yet?

The wall u-value is predetermined at 0.35W/m2K so I hope to hit the target by improvements to floors [ground bearing slab] and roof [trussed rafters]

Thanks in adavance, Mike]]> http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2948 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=2948 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 16:04:13 +0000 tango996 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6023 http://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=6023 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:49:15 +0100 joe90
Thanks Joe90]]>