David Miles - Recent Posts
Cutting domestic carbon emissions is essential to achieving net-zero by 2050. Current policy is to renovate existing buildings to energy performance certificate (EPC) band C. However, that does not measure carbon emissions so every building could achieve band C and still leave the sector far short of net-zero. Here’s...
Read MoreAtamate against overheating 2: energy-efficient mitigation
Topic: ventilation, UK building regulations, Aircon, Cooling, Automation, Part O, Overheating, Shading
The Atamate building operating system (atBOS) can control a building’s services to mitigate overheating. As required by Part O of the UK building regulations, it can prioritise passive cooling by opening windows and dynamic shading but if necessary, it can operate mechanical ventilation and cooling as efficiently as...
Read MoreAtamate against overheating 1: assessing the problem
Topic: Cooling, Part O, Overheating, Data, Renovation, Post-occupancy evaluation
The Atamate building operating system (atBOS) was designed around the premise that mitigating overheating should be a priority for any building project. Its sensors can collect data to quantify overheating in an existing building and inform renovations as well as for post-occupancy evaluation on a new build or...
Read MoreBuilding regulations Part O: overheating
Topic: UK building regulations, Cooling, Part O, Overheating
The newly drafted Part O of the UK building regulations, mandating measures to mitigate domestic overheating, will come into force in June 2022. Some homes can comply through limiting window area and ensuring windows can be opened but some will need to undertake dynamic thermal modelling using the TM59 methodology.
Read MoreThe problems of overheating and air pollution are inherent to any solid fuel burner, but they can be mitigated. A well-designed installation can achieve the pleasant ambience that makes a solid fuel burner desirable while minimising the drawbacks and meeting the regulatory requirements.
Read MoreSolid fuel burners 1: pollution, overheating and regulation
Topic: UK building regulations, heating, Regulation, Biomass, Wood burner, Stove, Solid fuel
Are solid fuel burners appropriate in a modern new build home? Can they be incorporated into an eco home without ruining it's green credentials?
Burning solid fuels like wood or briquettes is an attractive option for a living room but tends to generate particulate air pollution and over-produce heat. Here we discuss...
Read MoreHeat pumps are a possible way to close the gap between low-cost, high-carbon gas power and high-cost, low-carbon electricity in heating the British domestic sector. Energy Systems Catapult’s recent project tested the feasibility of installing them across the many home types and ages that comprise the British housing...
Read MoreEnergy Systems Catapult has declared its Electrification of Heat (EoH) project successful in installing heat pumps in all types and ages of British homes. However, their published reports suggest that installation may not be possible in many older, low-income homes where the high cost of electricity will be most felt.
Read MoreThere are many innovations transforming building services driven mainly by the huge challenge of achieving Net Zero targets. In a series of articles, we look at these innovations specifically where they are appropriate for apartment blocks.
In this final article in the series, we look at using direct electric space...
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