Welcome to the Buildpass Sustainable Construction Blog

As the UK summers grow increasingly warmer, finding sustainable methods to keep our homes cool is becoming more and more essential; yes, for comfort, but (fundamentally!) for the planet too. And let’s face it – cranking up the air conditioning isn’t always the most eco-friendly or cost-effective solution.  What are eco-conscious ways to keep yourRead the full article…

Retrofitting isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity. With 80% of the homes that will exist in 2050 already built, upgrading these properties to meet Net Zero carbon standards is essential if we’re serious about tackling climate change. But retrofitting is about more than cutting emissions. It also improves comfort, slashes energy bills, and boostsRead the full article…

The world is continuously taking steps towards a Net Zero future, and buildings play a crucial role in this transformation. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading an existing home, achieving Net Zero carbon means balancing energy use with renewable energy generation while reducing emissions. This is something that we have strived to be atRead the full article…

Gramitherm Europe SA is a Belgium-based company that has developed a new building material made of an unexpected hero: grass. Yes, the same green blades that carpet our meadows are now being transformed into high-performance insulation, offering an energy-efficient alternative to traditional options. Gramithrm is exclusively supplied in the UK and Ireland by Ecological BuildingRead the full article…

With the clocks set to change and shorter days ready to tumble in, you may be concerned about rising fuel costs. Read our guide on how to keep energy bills down while ensuring your room stays warm. As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, you may find yourself worrying about fuel costs. It’s the time ofRead the full article…

Last month, the BREEAM Awards 2024 celebrated the top achievers in sustainable building design, construction, and management. Here’s a closer look at the winners and their significant contributions to sustainability. This July, the annual BREEAM Awards 2024 once again shone a spotlight on the pioneering efforts of the UK’s leaders in sustainable construction and design.Read the full article…

The UK’s rollout of heat pump installations is running behind schedule, according to the National Audit Office. But what’s the reason for the drop and what does this mean for the green agenda? For some time now, heat pumps have sat front and centre of Government plans to bring the UK closer and closer toRead the full article…

The National Retrofit Hub has published its guide to Digital Building Logbooks, which use data and personalised insights to enhance nationwide retrofit and inclusive sustainability. In the quest for net zero and the broader green agenda, the need to find more efficient ways to conserve energy and contribute to sustainable construction has never been stronger.Read the full article…

What is Diathonite Thermal Plaster and how can it improve the energy performance, thermal and sound insulation of a building? Read on to find out. Unfortunately, historic buildings are far from the most energy efficient and it can be difficult to improve their carbon and energy performance without damaging the buildings heritage values. With thisRead the full article…

Exciting news for the sustainable construction industry as Nottingham Trent University (NTU) invests £1.5 million into a brand new Centre for Sustainable Construction and Retrofit. After recent knocks to the sustainable construction industry following Rishi Sunak’s back pedal on the green agenda, some good news on the future of eco-friendly builds was much needed. WeRead the full article…

Are you working on a retrofit or refurbishment of a commercial building? Then PAS 2038 is an absolute must! Read on for our guide on PAS 2038, what it is and why you need it. In the sustainable construction industry, we like to talk about retrofits. It’s become a buzzword in the energy world becauseRead the full article…

Re-roofing your home? Here are 5 ways to make your roof more energy efficient. Replacing an existing roof with a brand new, greener roof is a great way to work on your overall energy efficiency and costs. And especially since 25% of a home’s heat is lost through a roof, it really does present anRead the full article…

Learn all you need to know about the intricate and popular world of Passivhaus in our latest blog. Described as the mecca for all energy and sustainability consultants, Passivhaus, (otherwise known as Passive House) is one of the world’s leading energy efficiency standards and construction concepts. It’s been made to advise the industry on howRead the full article…

In the latest of our guest post series, we heard from renewable energy expert, Robert Cathcart, of SOLAR FAST about how (and why) solar panels can increase the value of your home. Can a Solar Energy System Improve the Value of Your Home? This question can be asked about any kind of home improvement andRead the full article…

Moisture risk is a common problem in dwellings and can lead to a whole host of problems. Here we outline how to assess your moisture accumulation and how much is too much. It’s crucial that people are aware of ideal room temperatures and moisture levels in their home – something that is often overlooked canRead the full article…

Thermal bridging can feel like a bit of a dark art. Read our latest blog to find out what thermal bridging is, what schemes are available and how you can avoid it. SAP conventions mean that there are a lot of (necessary!) hoops to jump through if you want to be considered environmentally and energyRead the full article…

A consortium of housing associations is looking for contractors and consultants for a retrofit framework worth £1.48bn. Here at Buildpass, we are committed to staying at the forefront of the sustainable construction agenda – as part of this, we are dedicated to bringing you all the latest updates from the world of energy performance andRead the full article…

Infrared Heating Panels are the one of the most eco-conscious choices you could make for your home, and we’re here to prove it! Infrared heating is not a new concept: these clever panels have been used for a long time in Scandinavia and Germany, so why are we just catching up now? As with anyRead the full article…

From topping up your insulation to draught proofing your home, our top energy efficiency tips will help you save money and cut down on those bills. The ‘cost of living’ is probably a phrase that you’re tired of hearing. It’s everywhere, and it’s frightening. However, the reality is that this is something we are allRead the full article…

Read our latest guest post with James from Mixergy, market leader in hot water tank innovation. Created back in 2015, Mixergy are the makers of The Mixology Tank – an exciting, modern and innovative product which is re-thinking how hot water is done, using technology to find cost-effective and convenient solutions which help people liveRead the full article…

What is the Target Primary Energy Rate? Find out in our latest blog. Target Primary Energy rate is a requirement of the Part L regulation. Part L is a building regulation that regulates construction projects that are new or in the process of changing the use of a dwelling within the UK. It sets theRead the full article…

Confused by PAS 2035 and how it impacts your 2030:2019 certification? Read our blog for the full lowdown. Did you know, homes in the UK are among the least environmentally friendly in Europe? A lot of this comes down to the age of our buildings; most were built pre 90s when energy efficiency had noRead the full article…

Low carbon retrofitting is a new scheme within the UK that focuses on improving the energy efficiency of older homes, helping them to become net zero and reach their full energy efficiency potential.Read the full article…

Retrofitting is rising in popularity within the construction industry due to its positive effects on the environment and on occupants. In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about building retrofits. Retrofitting is huge within the construction industry, especially as developers look to become more eco-friendly. Retrofitting buildings helps to createRead the full article…

As many developers are looking to reduce their environmental impact, they are choosing to retrofit traditional builds across the UK. However, retrofits are not one size fits all and there are many avenues to consider before planning a retrofit approach.Read the full article…