Sustainability

With global warming and carbon dioxide emissions high on the Government’s agenda, it has never been more imperative to build efficient low carbon developments. Since the first release of the Government’s energy white paper in 1999/2000, Whitecode has stayed at the forefront of the low carbon industry, maintaining solid work ethics and design.

With our years of experience and knowledge of the mechanical and electrical building industry, we can provide clients with in depth, cost effective solutions to meet any site specific project requirements.

Forefront of Sustainable Design
Whitecode is at the forefront on sustainability and worked on the first ever Code 6 – zero carbon house at the BRE. They were also the M&E consultant for Barratt Homes's Hanham Hall development. This is one of the most important new developments in the UK with homes, community facilities, green spaces, cycle routes at the heart of England's first large scale zero carbon development. Around 185 new homes will be built and the original hanham hall, a grade II* listed building will be transformed as the centrepiece of the development.

As part of our service, we can provide reports to satisfy latest planning authority requirements. Our feasibility division also comprises of many other disciplines, to aid clients in the efficient completion of their projects:

SAP Assessment using NHER
Whitecode are approved SAP assessors. The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the UK Government's recommended method system for measuring the energy rating of residential dwellings. It calculates the typical annual energy costs for space, water heating and lighting. The CO2 emissions are also calculated.

SBEM Calculations (Simplified Building Energy Model)
Whitecode offers SBEM Calculations for all types of buildings. SBEM calculations provide an analysis of a building's energy consumption, used in support of the National Calculation Methodology (NCM) and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The SBEM calculations method is also used in determining CO2 emission rates for new buildings for compliance with the new Part L of the Building Regulations (England and Wales).

BREEAM
Whitecode are approved BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) assessors. BREEAM is the leading and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standard for best practice in sustainable design and has become the de facto measure used to describe a building's environmental performance. BREEAM addresses wide-ranging environmental and sustainability issues and enables developers and designers to prove the environmental credentials of their buildings to planners and clients.

Code for Sustainable Homes
Whitecode are approved assessors for the Code for Sustainable Homes. This became operational in England in April 2007 and a Code rating for new build homes became mandatory from 1 May 2008. The Code is an environmental assessment method for new homes based upon BRE Global's Ecohomes and contains mandatory performance levels in 7 key areas. The Code aims to protect the environment by providing guidance on the construction of high performance homes built with sustainability in mind. BRE Global and CLG have worked closely together to ensure that the Code meets the latest regulatory requirements and addresses issues that emerged from an earlier industry-wide consultation.

For more information email csh@whitecode.co.uk

Low Carbon Consultants (LCCs)
Whitecode employs a number of approved Low Carbon Consultants, a CIBSE Register of professionals competent to minimize energy use and carbon emissions from buildings both in design and operation. They are able to go beyond the current legal minima in improving the energy performance of both new and existing buildings.

Whitecode’s clients can be sure that buildings designed and operated by Low Carbon Consultants will meet the requirements of Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and Building Control Officers can be assured that compliance is being signed off by suitably qualified professionals. Members of the Register have undertaken examinations to demonstrate their competence.

Using computational 3D modelling Whitecode can calculate accurate energy models for your building, ensuring cost effective compliance.

Whitecode use NHER and IES Dynamic modelling for this service.