Low Carbon Design Advice

b:ssec consultants are accredited and feature on the CIBSE “Low Carbon Consultants register” and “Carbon Trust approved consultants register” to provide low carbon design advice for buildings. Our advice follows the framework of a three level energy hierarchy: 1. Reduce energy demand, 2. Share and recover energy, 3. Provide renewable energy.

Reduce Energy Demand

The energy demand of buildings should first be reduced through passive measures such as increasing insulation, introducing daylight, avoiding the need for air conditioning and naturally ventilating buildings. b:ssec’s consultants can work with architects early in the design process to optimise passive design and can make use of sophisticated calculation tools and simulation software. b:ssec’s consultants are also well placed to ensure energy is supplied efficiently, drawing on hands-on engineering experience to advise on heating, ventilation and lighting designs.
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Share and Recover Energy

Carbon reductions can often be achieved more cost-effectively if a building shares heat with neighbouring buildings or activities. See our Low Carbon Infrastructures service for more details.
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Provide Renewable Energy

The achievement of ambitious carbon reductions and ultimately zero carbon emissions requires the provision of low or zero carbon (i.e. renewable) energy. Some new developments are also being specifically required to provide on-site renewable energy as a condition of planning consent (the “Merton Rule”). The choice of renewable technologies for a building requires a full understanding of the pattern of energy demand expected from the building as well as the site’s opportunities. Having followed the energy hierarchy described above, the pattern of a building’s energy demand should be well understood. b:ssec’s consultants can then draw on specialist understanding of renewable technologies such as biomass heating, combined heat and power, and wind generation to ensure a cost-effective, practical solution is implemented. Click here for further information (link to additional case study called ‘Merton Rule’ attached).
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Embodied Carbon

Low carbon design advice can achieve reductions in the carbon emissions associated with building materials and construction (embodied carbon) as well as the operation of buildings. b:ssec is able to offer measurement, reduction and action plan consultancy advice in this area. Click here for further information.