Home » Blog » 2021 | A year in review for Buildpass.

Sustainability and building compliance expert. Specialising in low energy design, SAP, SBEM, BREEAM, and air testing for the construction industry,

Andrew Sadler

2021 has once again been a year of highs and lows. Here at Buildpass, we want to celebrate the successes of the past 12 months.

As the year draws to a close, we want to take a moment to look back and reflect on what has been a busy and exciting year for Buildpass.

We know it has of course been a difficult year – one that has been tough to navigate for many – and we have certainly felt that ourselves. However, we really want to shine a light on the areas worth celebrating.

Because there has been cause for celebration. Especially in the energy and environment space, we have finally started moving in the right direction – a direction where people are sitting up and paying attention.

So, as we get ready to close the door on ‘21 and step into ‘22, we hope you enjoy the official Buildpass review of the past twelve months.

The world came together for COP 26.

From 31 October to 13 November, the COP26 summit brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Climate change was (rightly) at the forefront of the media, and as a result the interest in improving homes and reducing our carbon footprint has skyrocketed.

We look forward to seeing negotiations come to life in 2022 and hope that this enhanced appetite for creating more eco-friendly homes only continues to rise.

The updated part L building regulations has finally been given a date.

It’s been a long time coming, but the updated Part L building regulations have finally been given a date: 15 June 2022.

This is a big deal. Part L of the building regulations refers to the conservation of fuel and power and exists to guarantee the eco-efficiency of properties built under UK law. With the aim for both newly-built and modified properties to meet the target CO2 emissions limit, Part L is in place to minimise carbon emissions as we work towards a greener future.

It is, therefore, a huge component of the sustainable construction matrix. As you can imagine, 15 June is firmly in our diary!

We are one of the first cohorts of Building with Nature assessors.

This is one we were VERY proud of!

The Building with Nature standard is working to develop a new generation of development, raising the bar in the construction industry and showing us how to build for people and wildlife. It was born with the desire to have a proactive approach to nature-friendly development that considers location and content, and that cares about long-term maintenance and management.

The fact that Buildpass is one of the very first Building with Nature assessors is a huge accomplishment and a testament to the reputation we have worked hard to build over the past few years.

We are becoming a ‘go to’ expert and training provider in the energy space.

We have had a lot of interest from architects this year looking for CPD training sessions. This was always a big aim for Buildpass, and it’s gratifying to know that our commitment to educating our community is now being recognised. This is a concept we hope to develop in 2022, so watch this space!

The Buildpass blog has gone from strength to strength.

Speaking of which, the Buildpass blog has been a hub of activity this year. We have been delighted to get countless exceptional guest post submissions, and our readership has continuously grown. Many of our blogs can now be found on the first page of Google and website traffic has been in the thousands every month. We’d say that’s something to raise a glass to!

Buildpass has collaborated with the National Energy Federation.

A big highlight for the Buildpass team was our work with the National Energy Federation (NEF). As one of NEF’s first ever ‘Super Home’ assessors, we have been helping homeowners drastically improve the energy efficiency of their homes. We’re booking up fast for next year and can’t wait to crack on.

Andrew has become a Trustee of Winchester Action on Climate Change.

And last but certainly not least, Andrew – our Director – is now a Trustee of Winchester Action on Climate Change. This was a huge goal for Andrew in 2021. He is passionate about influencing genuine change, and in his new role he is able to promote sustainability in construction at both a local and national level. More on this in the New Year!

It really has been a year of impact and change for everyone here at Buildpass. We care enormously about what we do, and so knowing that we are a part of a positive transformation in our community means everything to us. We know that 2022 is going to be even busier and wonderful than ever, and we hope you will join us for the journey!