Launch of new guidance on Net Zero definition
The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and London Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) has launched a new guidance, developed to provide industry- wide definitions on Net Zero. This guidance, led by Julie Godefroy, head of sustainability for CIBSE and Clara Bagenal George, associate at Elementa Consulting, builds on the definitions developed by WLCN/ LETI in summer 2021 and looks at whole life, embodied – referring to total emissions and removals associated with an asset throughout the whole life cycle of an asset; upfront carbon – referring to emissions associated with materials and construction processes up to practical completion; operational energy; and operational water. Crucially these new definitions are based on meeting operational energy and embodied carbon targets and generating energy from renewable sources. The new guidance from CIBSE and LETI provide more detail and are intended to be applied consistently in as many real- life situations are possible. An initial industry survey on the FAQs illustrated that
there was general agreement about acknowledging achievements in working towards net zero operational energy at different project stages, with the provision that continued progress is verified on an annual basis. This guidance is for professionals from different disciplines,
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clients, investors, and occupants so they can be aligned in language and understanding of Net Zero targets and achievements. With a growing suite of CIBSE guidance and digital tools
relating to embodied carbon, Net Zero and creating a circular economy practice, this exciting new resource further demonstrates the impact of industry collaboration and communication in responding to challenges presented by the climate emergency.
Closing the gaps on unsafe fire stopping systems
Built-in fire stopping specialist, FSi, has published a white paper that aims to close the gaps that are perpetuating the ineffectual and unsafe specification and installation of cavity barrier systems. In the white paper, FSi uses identifies gaps in the specification and installation processes for cavity barrier systems, which are contributing to poor safety standards and inconsistencies across the industry. Despite playing a pivotal role in passive fire protection, cavity barriers can be a hidden part of the total construction process. There is disparity around who is responsible for specifying the systems at which stage of a project. And further lack of clarity during the actual specification stage. The regulation pertaining to the cavity barriers is also not as clear as it could be. Despite there being a much larger range of systems and façades available today, the same regulations apply regardless of the type of product and how complex the building environment is.
In the white paper FSi gives an overview of the current
regulations and highlights four practical recommendations to address the gaps, including calls for the introduction of a nationally recognised, accredited installer programme, and putting greater emphasis on early collaboration and engagement with all parties at the outset of a build or refurbish project. It also includes a detailed step by step guide to selecting the right cavity barrier products and systems per project.
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“Ensuring cavity barrier systems provide the correct level of protection relies on a collective and responsible approach by manufacturers, specifiers, installers and building owners,” explains Liam Blears, business and technical development manager at FSi.
“As the industry expert we are determined to lead the way, by driving the changes needed across the industry to improve standards and eliminate unsafe specification systems.”
Call for heating engineers to deliver new £450 million BUS
Built-in fire stopping specialist, FSi, has published a white paper that aims to close the gaps that are perpetuating the ineffectual and unsafe specification and installation of cavity barrier systems. In the white paper, FSi uses identifies gaps in the specification and installation processes for cavity barrier systems, which are contributing to poor safety standards and inconsistencies across the industry. Despite playing a pivotal role in passive fire protection, cavity barriers can be a hidden part of the total construction process. There is disparity around who is responsible for specifying the systems at which stage of a project. And further lack of clarity during the actual specification stage. The regulation pertaining to the cavity barriers is also not as clear as it could be. Despite there being a much larger range of systems and façades available today, the same regulations apply regardless of the type of product and how complex the building environment is.
In the white paper FSi gives an overview of the current
regulations and highlights four practical recommendations to address the gaps, including calls for the introduction of a nationally recognised, accredited installer programme, and putting greater emphasis on early collaboration and engagement with all parties at the outset of a build or refurbish project. It also includes a detailed step by step guide to selecting the right cavity barrier products and systems per project.
6 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER MAY 2022 “Ensuring cavity barrier systems provide the correct level of
protection relies on a collective and responsible approach by manufacturers, specifiers, installers and building owners,” explains Liam Blears, business and technical development manager at FSi.
“As the industry expert we are determined to lead the way, by driving the changes needed across the industry to improve standards and eliminate unsafe specification systems.”
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In reaction to the Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement Phil Hurley, chair of the Heat Pump Association (HPA) said…
“The Spring Statement comes with great news for the heat pump industry and households. The HPA has been working hard behind the scenes calling for financial incentives to tackle the barriers to heat pump uptake, and the decision to cut VAT from 5% to zero on energy- saving measures is an important step forward. “Whilst this decision alone will not be enough to enable all households to access technologies such as heat pumps, we are confident that it will play a role in helping to accelerate the switch to low carbon heat. But we must remember that more steps still need to be taken to support the rollout of heat pumps, including the removal of illogical environmental levies on electricity.”
NEWS & QUOTES Quote, unquote
Commenting on the launch of the Government’s new Energy Strategy, Stephen Marcos Jones, chief executive of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), which represents the companies large and small that design, deliver and manage our built environment, commented as follows… “Be it wind, solar, hydrogen or nuclear energy, our members are critical to the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects. They stand ready to work in close partnership with Government in the creation and design of a more secure, and less carbon intensive, domestic energy system. “We welcome the investment in up to eight new nuclear plants alongside increased investments in offshore wind, solar and hydrogen – crucial if we are to enhance energy security and meet Net Zero targets in an affordable way for consumers. However, to help us on our Net Zero journey, we would have liked to have seen more to encourage the delivery of the cheapest forms of renewable energy, onshore wind and solar, as well as more on driving greater energy efficiency. “We must not forget that it will take time for any new Strategy to deliver results – for energy security, our Net Zero targets, or on affordability. Nevertheless, the Strategy outlines a positive and proactive intent.”
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Meanwhile Mike Foster, chief executive of the Energy and Utilities Alliance (EUA), was much more disappointed. He said this in response to the Spring Statement… “The Chancellor has clearly not heard the outcry over
rocketing energy bills faced by millions. He has done nothing in the Spring Statement to help the vast majority of consumers who face bills doubling this year.” “His VAT cut on solar panels and heat pumps will be welcomed by those who make them and by those who can afford to fit them, but a VAT cut on energy bills would have helped everyone.”
“Frankly, consumers waiting to hear good news on their energy bills will be left asking, ‘is that it Chancellor?’”
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In relation to the EU’s renewed proposal for regulation of F-Gases, which suggests strengthening rules on the production and import of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) Dr Nick Campbell, chairman of the European FluoroCarbons Technical Committee (EFCTC), said the following… “The European Commission proposal for the revision of the F-gas Regulation is a significant step forward in improving enforcement and managing emissions of HFCs. However, EFCTC would encourage the co-legislators to carefully consider the phase down schedule under proposed legislation to support technologies that provide societal important applications such as refrigeration, air-conditioning, heat pumps, foam insulation and medical aerosols. It is also critical that this legislation helps deliver on the energy transition and investment plans for a decarbonized economy and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.”
’ Read the latest at:
www.bsee.co.uk
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