A Year in Review for Buildpass.

As 2024 comes to a close, we at Buildpass are taking a moment to reflect on what has been an incredible year. 

As the year draws to a close, the Buildpass team wants to take a moment to look back at some of our biggest milestones. From tackling new industry trends to collaborating on groundbreaking projects, it has been a year of growth, innovation, and meaningful connections. Let’s dive into some of our standout highlights.

Our most popular service | Redefining industry standards

This year, we’ve seen a significant uptake in demand for Part O overheating analysis and thermal bridging assessments, especially in the commercial sector. Schools and colleges for the Department for Education (DfE) were particular hotspots for these services. Interestingly, many of these thermal bridging specifications weren’t mandated by planning or Building Regulations but were instead driven by forward-thinking client teams. Some of the target Psi values we encountered were incredibly ambitious, approaching Passivhaus standards.

Early involvement in the design process proved crucial. Collaborating closely with design teams at the concept and technical design stages allowed us to provide valuable advice and support, ensuring projects stayed on track and met their stringent requirements.

Another area of growth was embodied carbon and whole life carbon assessments. These assessments are increasingly becoming a staple of planning conditions, particularly for replacement projects where decisions on demolition versus retrofit must be justified. It’s not just about operational carbon anymore; embodied carbon is taking priority. We also assisted numerous architects with carbon reports for award submissions—fingers crossed for some exciting announcements in the New Year!

CPD training | Connecting with industry leaders

This year, our CPD sessions truly took off, bringing us face-to-face with some of the most innovative architects and engineers in the UK. From discussing the latest Building Regulation updates, including the Future Homes Standard, to diving deep into thermal bridging and sustainable construction, the conversations have been nothing short of inspiring.

Hearing about the challenges faced by these forward-thinking professionals has been enlightening. It’s always a privilege to share insights and offer guidance, especially when engaging with some of the UK’s largest architectural practices. We can’t wait to continue these sessions in the New Year.

Our biggest job | Setting high standards with New Forest District Council

Our most impactful project this year was a new-build scheme with New Forest District Council. While not the largest in terms of footprint, it stood out due to the ambitious goals set by the council to make this an exemplar development. With the aim of meeting Future Homes Standards, the project included a mix of houses and apartments, each requiring tailored strategies to phase out the use of gas.

For the houses, we implemented air source heat pumps, which worked well given the available space for equipment. For the apartments, we opted for direct electric heating paired with air source heat pumps for hot water production. Solar panels completed the energy strategy, pushing the development as close to net zero as possible. 

While we didn’t quite hit zero carbon, the results were incredibly rewarding, and we’re excited to see how the project progresses.

Our most interesting job | Bringing history to life in Southampton

One of the most intriguing projects this year was a last-minute request to assist with building control sign-off for a small flat development converted from the historic Juniper Berry Pub in Southampton’s Old Town. For a history enthusiast like our Director, Andrew, this was a fascinating opportunity to delve into the rich past of the site.

The Juniper Berry’s story is entwined with literary and maritime history. Situated on the approximate site of a house once rented by Captain Frank Austen—brother of Jane Austen—the location holds a unique place in Southampton’s cultural fabric. Over the years, the pub itself became a vibrant part of the city’s nightlife, known for its drag acts and colourful patrons.

Helping to repurpose such a historically significant building while maintaining its character was a unique challenge. It’s projects like these that remind us of the importance of blending modern needs with historical preservation, ensuring that these storied sites continue to contribute to the community.

What does 2025 hold for Buildpass?

As we close the chapter on 2024, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible clients, collaborators, and projects that have shaped this year. From setting new benchmarks in carbon assessments to tackling ambitious design challenges, it’s been a year of learning and growth.

We’re excited for what’s to come in 2025. Whether it’s new regulations, emerging industry trends, or groundbreaking projects, we’re ready to rise to the challenge. Thank you for being a part of our journey—and if you’d like to be a part of what’s ahead, get in touch for a free consultation.