http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk en-gb meadowenergyrating.co.uk 2010-9-30T00:00:00Z meadowenergyrating.co.uk http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#76717 Today marks the end of one path and the beginning of another.Meadow Energy Rating started to provide SAP Energy Assessment when the regulations were first implemented in SAP2002. Weve seen many changes along the way which has lead to the development of a sustainable building consultancy offering a range of services for both regulatory compliance and personal satisfaction of building green.The evolution has been challenging yet rewarding weve seen many clients rise to the challenge and build some really great homes for the future with both architectural and technical merit. Im sure many of you watch Channel 4s Grand Designs and raise an eyebrow at the claims made by the cases presented to us each week. In reality many of you out there design and build real state of the art homes that in the main go unnoticed.Were about to make a bold step. On 1 October we become GetEco LLP the same company with a new name and a clear message. The consultancy will continue to grow and were adding an onl... 2010-9-30 07:54:43 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#74586 Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleqformatye... 2010-9-3 12:30:08 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#74209 Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleqformatyes msos... 2010-8-28 08:10:06 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#73228 Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleqformatyes msos... 2010-8-19 16:54:18 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#72564 Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleqformatyes msos... 2010-8-11 12:23:18 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#72091 Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleqformatyes ... 2010-8-4 12:48:36 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#70973 The last few weeks have been busy at Meadow Energy Rating. Weve seen a significant increase in new enquiries and projects previously on hold have been given the green light. In particular our air testing teams have helped out several clients who needed last minute tests for sales completions all of them have been completed on time so my thanks must go to the team for their efforts. and specifically for Dave Bevan for being on site for an emergency test at 7.30 in the morning a two hour drive from homeThis week also saw the addition of a new member of staff. Sophie Allen has joined us for the summer before returning to University in Cardiff in the autumn. She will be involved in the the office administration and will have one or two projects to work on. When Sophies Dad heard where she was working he said great at least youll be doing something worthwhile for the summer thanks DadWe have some really exicting things lined up for August so look out for details in our blog newsletter and i... 2010-7-21 20:17:09 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#69287 Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleqformatyes msos... 2010-7-1 09:04:22 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#68489 Weve teamed up with Christopher Stanley Associates for a Summer CPD Event. We have a presentation from Lindab UK who will introduce their range of building components. Lindab are well known for rainwater products but also offer an extensive range of steel based walling solutions.We also have a presentation from BuildDesk who will present a summary on the revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations. BuildDesk are European leaders in energy modelling software and energy consultancy.The event will be held at Christopher Stanley Associates offices at 9 Ullenwood Court Cheltenham which are based on a peaceful country estate and make an excellent venue for CPD events. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.The last few places are available for our summer CPD Event email CPDchristopherstanley.com to book your place. 2010-6-21 11:17:10 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#66098 Our colleagues at The Green Register are running one of their excellent courses in Bristol on 15 June entitled Building Fabric or Renewables which is better for delivering truly sustainable homesThis oneday course will look at how building fabric and renewable technologies can work together to reduce energy demand and carbon emissions for both newbuild and refurbishments. Delegates will learn about the pros and cons of fabric versus technology options what floorwallroof buildups might look like and solutions for different house types together with taking part in several group exercises that allow participants to explore some of the more challenging options available.Check out www.greenregsiter.org.uk for details 2010-5-25 15:43:45 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#66005 We are regularly asked why and how planning authorities can introduce conditions of planning permission to include sustainability clauses. These come in the form ofcarbon emissions improvements low or zero carbon or energy requirementsCode for Sustainable Homes requirementsThere are several means by which Local Authorities can include these clauses under a planning permission condition for your projects. PPS1 Delivering Sustainable development provides the governments overarching policies for planning as important ways to help ensure new development is more sustainable. This type of policy was first introduced by Merton Borough Council and is sometimes referred to as the Merton Rule and has been reinforced in a supplement in 2007PPS22 Renewable energy published in 2004 stated that local authorities could include policy on onsite renewable energy and was further endorsed by ministerial statement in June 2006. Regional Spacial Strategy contains policy that states all developments sho... 2010-5-24 14:45:56 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#65763 Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleqformatyes msos... 2010-5-20 15:43:56 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#65119 We pride ourselves on the professionalism of the services we offer but still keep coming across horror stories in our industry. In the last month weve seen several occurrences of Unaccredited Energy Assessors work which can have significant impactsthree instances of out dated or superceded software being used there have been several upgrades to the approved software and creditable Assessors will always work with the latest current versions of softwareblatant disregard for the the Assessment industry one socalled property professional saying Ive been doing these for years I bought the software in 2006 and have always done assessments adding theyre not worth the paper theyre written on hes probably correct in his caseserious technical errors including incorrect building geometry incorrect building volume no adjustment of uvalues for semi exposed wallsfloor incorrect thermal bridging and hugely optimistic air permeabilityIn our experience these issues arise from undervaluing the Energy A... 2010-5-12 13:31:40 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#64240 The long awaited Approved Document L 2010 and corresponding SAP2009 documents have now been published and come into effect on 1 October 2010. There are some significant changes to both the legal requirements and the technical guidance heres our bullet point changesLegal requirement for new build Regulation 17C applies for CO2 emission rate calculations to be carried out and given to the Building Control Body along with a list of specifications used in the calculations before the start of building work on the erection of a new building. This is in addition to the CO2 emission rate calculation required to be submitted after completion of the work. Changes in technical guidance The annual CO2 emission rate of the completed dwelling is now calculated using SAP2009 and must not exceed the target set by reference to a notional dwelling with an additional overall improvement of 25 relative to 2006 standards The notional dwelling now includes a party wall heat loss... 2010-4-30 16:17:24 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#62646 In the spring issue of Sitelines the official LABC magazine Steve Channon of BuildDesk Ltd reviews the importance of Uvalue calculation in energy assessments. In his report Steve says getting the basics right is always important. Uvalues are important indicators of overall performance the principle here is that your choices of building fabric will be with you for 50 years or more he goes on to say it is important to check calculations for accuracy has it been produced by a competent person from reliable information on credible calculation softwareWeve long championed BuildDesk174 software and have used BuildDesk174 U and BuildDesk174 ED since their launch some five years ago. We were the first OnConstruction DEAs to be Accredited by BRE using BuildDesks excellent software and continue to rate them very highly for functionality and performance. 2010-4-9 15:26:41 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#59579 We regularly get asked why should we use Meadow Energy Rating as our Energy and Code Assessors a question we like to hear.The industry is a complex one since all manner of organisations build new houses and each has differing needs. A social landlord will have a set criteria for design and performance due to funding or location while a developer may need to meet regulatory compliance with minimum expenditure a self builder will have very personal goals.At Meadow Energy Rating we welcome the diversity as a great challenge. Heres our key tips to help you choose who you work with Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 ... 2010-3-2 15:50:07 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#59174 With the growing complexity of rules and regulations our aim is to keep things simple and make your life easy. Energy and Sustainability are great buzz words in construction but how do you find the real solutions to Code for Sustainable Homes AssessmentWe take time to explain things in a nontechnical manner to enable our clients to focus on their core activities building new houses. We offer a one stop shop for compliance and lead you through the maze of documentation and evidence required to take the stress out of complex process.If you need simple solutions for complex problems give us a call 2010-2-25 08:25:03 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#57762 Due to popular demand we have added Site Waste Management Plans to our range of services.SWMPs are a legal requirement for all construction projects over 163300000 in value and are a useful tool to gain 2 Credits under WAS2 in the Code for Sustainable Homes Assessment. We use an approved template to collate your site data from the initial estimate and advice on waste management through to completion of the plan at the end of the project.We will also be adding a tool box talk training log and poster for use on site to advise operatives and subcontractors the how and why we need to manage our construction waste. Look out for this in our new online shop coming soon 2010-2-5 11:09:44 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#54725 We would like to extend our best wishes and seasons greetings to all our clients associates and suppliers.We wish you all a successful and prosperous new year 2009-12-18 12:26:06 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#51996 Meadow Energy Rating are pleased to announce that we have passed the SMAS Work Safe Consultant Health and Safety Assessment which is recognised under the Safety Schemes in Procurement forum. The scheme was launched online in May and is an agreement between assessment schemes trade federations representing both clients and suppliers and the HSE to simplify the prequalification stage of procurement reduce duplication and improve standards of health and safety in the industry. Lord McKenzie the minister for health and safety said The SSIP demonstrates very well how partnerships can be fostered. It has not only been backed by Department for Work and Pensions and the HSE but other Government departments such as Business Innovation and Skills have also supported it.We are pleased with the accreditation as it further enhances our reputation for professionalism in the Energy and Sustainability Assessment industry. 2009-11-5 11:17:19 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#51479 Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleqformatyes msos... 2009-10-28 08:16:46 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#48108 The consultation for proposed changes to Parts L and F of the Building Regulations and SAP2009 close this month. To stay at the forefront of our industry we have attended the BRE seminar The Future of Sustainable Housing held in Bristol. Similar seminars are being held around the country and are aimed at professionals with key interest in the topic.Speakers from BRE CLG and Zero Carbon Hub presented on the proposed changes to the Building Regulations and delegates had the opportunity to debate and vote on a large number of energy efficiency issues. We believe this consultation event is critical in our continued professional development.Interestingly delegates were mainly from Architectural Practices although we did see representatives from two other Energy Assessment organisations good to see that the professionalism in our industry continues to grow. 2009-9-4 08:17:09 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#43430 Were launching a scheme to fix the prices of our SAP Assessments Energy Performance Certificates and Air Permeability Testing under Framework Agreements.Framework Agreements are about teamwork and a collaborative approach working to a common goal. We offer a complete service for anyone building new dwellings and understand how to optimise the potential of each design cost effectively for our clients. We will offer a discounted fixed cost for our work on the basis of guaranteed volume of orders. Were anticipating that this will be of interest to developers and housing associations who have a large number of dwellings under their control.Please call for details and well put together mutually beneficial proposals. 2009-6-17 16:33:22 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#41646 One of our clients has been nominated in the LABC Local Authority Building Control West of England Region Building Excellence Awards for two categoriesBest Housing Small Developer or Development 1 10 housesBest Sustainable ProjectWorking closely with the Developer and Main Contractor we advised on Energy and Sustainability for the project in Cheltenham Gloucestershire. The development built using thin joint masonry and Iweb joists feature air source heat pumps and rainwater harvesting among the sustainable measures. This project was a first step by the developer in building an understanding of the future challenges they will have to face.The lessons learnt have given them an insight into future projects which will have to attain full Code Level 3 compliance and as a result are actively looking for new development sites comfortable in knowledge that they can the continue to build high quality homes which are also sustainable.The Regional Awards take place in Bristol on 5 June 2009. W... 2009-5-15 09:11:40 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#40702 After working with SAP2005 since its inception and becoming the first BRE Accredited Domestic Energy Assessors Meadow Energy Rating have now become licenced Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors.Weve worked with independent Code Assessors on a number of projects and felt now was an opportune time to invest in the necessary training to be able to undertake Code Assessment inhouse. With the onset of more stringent Building Regulations in 2010 we are ideally placed to assist by developing solutions to these requirements and thereby helping our clients to provide the low energy and sustainable homes of the future.In addition to social housing meeting Code for Sustainable Homes requirements more and more individuals and private developers are looking to greenup their development and can see the benefits and marketing potential of achieving a Code for Sustainable Homes rating. 2009-4-28 13:49:46 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#38237 After a long period of consultation Green Book Live now list all of the BRE Accredited Energy Assessors. Meadow Energy Rating are among an elite group of On Construction Domestic Energy Assessors accredited by BRE and are committed to providing highly professional service to its clients.Green Book Live is the definitive source of information for the construction industry and enables specifiers designers and end users to manage the environmental impact of the projects on which they work Green Book Live brings together listings from a number of organisations and delivers comprehensive information on green products and services some approved to stringent environmental requirements and others based on information provided by manufacturers and trade bodies. Green Book Live provides specifiers and end users with an opportunity to select products and services which demonstrate their commitment to environmental best practice. Green Book Live is produced by BRE Global in Partn... 2009-3-16 10:18:23 http://www.meadowenergyrating.co.uk/page12.htm#38062 Normal 0 false false false ENUS XNONE XNONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Style Definitions table.MsoNormalTable msostylenameTable Normal msotstylerowbandsize0 msotstylecolbandsize0 msostylenoshowyes msostylepriority99 msostyleqformatyes msos... 2009-3-12 09:16:46