What is the performance gap? | A Guide.
January 15, 2021
What is the performance gap? The performance hap is the difference between the predicted energy performance of a dwelling and the actual performance. Itâs a concept that is growing in interest, and now forms a key part of the Future Homes Standard. Find out more about the performance gap in our latest blog.Read the full article…
Guest post: Underfloor heating and the Governmentâs 10-point plan.
January 7, 2021
Weâre pleased as punch to kick-off 2021 with another article in the Buildpass Guest Post Series! Today, weâre talking to Chris from Continal Underfloor Heating about the governmentâs 10-point plan and how underfloor heating fits into it. Visit our blog to find out more.Read the full article…
A look back at 2020.
December 21, 2020
There is no escaping the fact that 2020 has been a challenging, difficult year. However⌠We want to celebrate the things that, here at Buildpass, we have achieved, despite the setbacks. Because – actually – there is a lot to be proud of. We hope you will join us in our reflections.
Take a look at our latest blog for our âlook back at 2020â.Read the full article…
Buildpass investigates⌠the London Local Plan.
December 16, 2020
The London Local Plan is a strategic policy set out by the Mayor of London for the whole of the capital. It differs from ânormalâ local plans, and so can be a bit more confusing to get to grips with. Thatâs why weâve dug into it in our latest âBuildpass investigates… â article.Read the full article…
Triple glazing – is it worth it?
December 10, 2020
Choosing the right glazing is an important investment when building a sustainable home. But what is the right choice for you? Weâre exploring the differences between double and triple glazing in our latest blog, and whether or not triple is the best way forward for your next project.Read the full article…
What are our top tips for planning advice?
December 3, 2020
When it comes to planning your new build or refurbishment, there are a lot of hoops to jump through; especially if you are dedicated to creating a low energy, zero carbon project. And honestly? It can be a minefield to navigate! Thatâs why weâve pulled together our top tips for planning advice over on the blog. We hope they help you focus your planning and clear up any confusion.Read the full article…
What is the role of a BREEAM AP?
November 27, 2020
BREEAM is the worldâs largest sustainability method for assessing, rating and certifying the efficiency of a building. But what is a BREEAM AP (Accredited Professional) and what do they actually do? Weâre discussing this and more in our latest blog post.Read the full article…
What is the difference between SAP and EPC?
November 20, 2020
Here at Buildpass, we are often asked what the difference is between SAP and EPC. On first glance, they may seem too similar to differentiate – but their roles are actually very unique. In our latest blog, weâre talking about the importance of both SAP and EPC and how they work together.Read the full article…
What is the Heat in Buildings government policy?
November 13, 2020
âHeat in Buildingsâ is a government policy focused on saving carbon and transforming the way we heat our buildings. Read our latest blog to find out about the huge steps already taken on this mission and how it ties into the governmentâs bigger goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions.Read the full article…
What are SIPs? – Everything you need to know.
November 6, 2020
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) have been dubbed as the building material of the future; an intelligent solution to a more sustainable existence. But, what actually are they? And are they as brilliant as they sound? Weâre digging into the finer details of SIPs in our latest blog.Read the full article…
Increasing reasons to consider heat pump retrofits
October 30, 2020
The Buildpass âGuest Post Seriesâ is back – and today weâre hearing from Darren McMahon at Viessmann, who it talking about the increasing reasons to install heat pump retrofits.Read the full article…
Could this be the end of daylight saving?
October 25, 2020
This Sunday sees many of us switch our clocks to âfall backâ for daylight savings. But, what is the environmental impact of daylight savings and could this be the last time we experience it?Read the full article…
Everything you should know about Paragraph 79 | The Q & A
October 16, 2020
One of the most common questions we are asked here at Buildpass is how a home can tick and pass Paragraph 79 criterion. It doesnât come as a surprise; having the chance to build a beautiful, idyllic and innovative home in the middle of nowhere is a HUGE dream for many (including us). Read our latest blog for a special Q&A article all about this NPPF policy.Read the full article…
How can I support Clean Air Day?
October 8, 2020
Clean Air Day is the UKâs largest air pollution campaign. But what can you do every single day to improve both air quality and your own health? Weâve outlined our top tips in our latest blog.Read the full article…
What is the new Green Homes Grant (and am I applicable)?
October 1, 2020
The new Green Homes Grant has officially launched! As of Wednesday 30 September, homeowners and landlords can apply for up to ÂŁ5,000 of vouchers to improve the energy efficiency of their home. In our latest article weâre talking about what this exciting new scheme covers, who is (and isnât) applicable and how it will contribute to the UKâs net zero target.Read the full article…
What is FSC Friday (and why do we need it)?
September 25, 2020
Today is FSC Friday – The Forest Stewardship Councilâs annual event to raise awareness of responsible forest management. This theme for 2020 is âForests for All Togetherâ. Find out more about this yearâs campaign and what you can do to support it and join the fight against deforestation. Read the full article…
Itâs time to #ActOnClimate for World Green Building week.
September 19, 2020
World Green Building Week runs from 21 – 25 September 2020. This annual campaign encourages people around the world to create greener buildings; one of the most impactful ways we can, together, achieve the global sustainability goals. This year the campaign is asking us to #ActOnClimate. Read our latest article to find out more about this important, worldwide campaign.Read the full article…
What are degree days and how do we use them?
September 10, 2020
Degree days are a specialist type of weather data that combines both the time and temperature components. They are a valuable way to predict and report on the annual heating energy requirements. Read our latest article where we dig a little deeper into what they are and how we can use them.Read the full article…
What are BREEAM credits and why do they matter?
September 4, 2020
Zero Waste Week will run from 7 – 11 September. In celebration of this fantastic campaign, weâre digging into the BREEAM credit system and why BREEAM waste credits are so important.Read the full article…
10 key requirements for Net Zero Carbon Operations.
August 26, 2020
2020 has been a major year for climate change movements; not least with the commitment to Net Zero carbon in new buildings by 2030. While this may feel a long way off, the time to start making positive changes is now. Weâre discussing the key requirements for achieving Net Zero (with reference to the LETI summary plan) over on our blog.Read the full article…
What are Part G Water Calculations and what do they mean for water efficiency?
August 19, 2020
Part G Water Calculations are a legal requirement to prove that a new build, extension or conversion is water efficient. These calculations ensure that a home uses as little water as possible: they play a huge role in our fight to create a more sustainable and eco-conscious society. Weâre digging into the calculations and what they mean on our blog.Read the full article…
10 top tips for passing your SAP assessment
August 14, 2020
Got a dwelling build on the cards? First things first; you need to pass your SAP assessment. Here weâre laying out our top tips to pass your SAP calculation first time.Read the full article…
What is solar hot water (and is it cost effective)?
August 6, 2020
Solar hot water systems are a sustainable way to harness the free energy from the sun to heat your home, all year round. It wonât come as a surprise that, here at Buildpass, we love digging deeper into the many different sustainable energy sources. And we love sharing our discoveries with you. Our hope isRead the full article…
What are the changes to Permitted Development Rights (and do they impact me)?
July 31, 2020
Permitted Developments Rights
are the rules under which someone can make changes to a building without the need to apply for planning permission. Theyâre set according to Parliamentary general planning permission, rather than from local planning authorities; aka, theyâre firmly set in stone.
Last week, the Government published updates expanding these rights: these updates are a pretty exciting move for homeowners. We’re chatting more about it in our latest blogRead the full article…
Buildpass investigates⌠the East Hampshire Local Plan.
July 17, 2020
Here at Buildpass, we have been enjoying getting to know the different policies, local plans and proposals in Hampshire. This week, we have been digging deeper into The Joint East Hampshire District Council and South Downs National Park Authority Core Policy. We’re unpicking its many layers over on our blog.
Read the full article…