STROMA SERVICES IN SCOTLAND Building sustainability and compliance
www.stroma.com/technology
Contents
Introduction 03
Compliance Testing and Consultancy 04 Air-Tightness Testing and Consultancy 04 Room Integrity Testing 04 Acoustic Testing and Consultancy 05 Co-Heating and Heat Flux Testing 05 Thermography 05
Energy and Sustainability Assessments 06 Energy Consultancy and Section 6 Energy Assessment
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BREEAM Assessments 06 EcoHomes 06 Planning Compliance Reports 06 Feasability Studies 06
Environmental Services 07 Contaminated Land 07 Flood Risk 07 Ecology 07
Stroma Technology Services 08 Contact Details 08
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For further information contact Stroma Scotland on 0845 621 22 22 or visit www.stroma.com/technology
Introduction A co-ordinated approach to building sustainability and compliance. Stroma Technology provides testing, assessment and consultancy services to support the development and management of sustainable, energy efficient and legally compliant buildings. This includes: n Consultancy, calculations and on-site testing required for compliance with The Technical Handbook Sections 5 and 6. n Accredited energy and sustainability assessment services (EcoHomes and BREEAM). n Consultancy and on-site improvement works to improve the energy performance of existing buildings. n Environmental services – including ecology, flood risk and contaminated land – to assist in meeting planning, BREEAM or EcoHomes requirements. Stroma Technology caters for a broad client base including developers, house builders, major contractors, local authorities and owners/managers of existing buildings. Our engineers and consultants have experience of buildings of every conceivable type, both new and existing.
Building Sustainability & Compliance
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Compliance Testing and Consultancy Leading UKAS accredited testing body and member of ATTMA and BINDT, Stroma Technology provides all of the testing, calculations and consultancy required for compliance with Building Standards Technical Handbook Sections 5 and 6 throughout Scotland.
Our preferred approach is to participate from the outset to ensure that compliance is considered at design stage, and therefore achieved comfortably and economically. By studying and providing constructive commentary on the proposed construction details, we frequently have a pivotal influence over the eventual testing outcome.
Stroma has earned an enviable reputation in the delivery of testing and consultancy services associated with: n n n n
Air-tightness and room integrity compliance Acoustic compliance Thermography Co-heating
Air-Tightness Testing and Consultancy Air-tightness testing is required under Section 6, which stipulates the following deadlines: n For building warrant applications made on or after 1 May 2011, testing is required on flats, maisonettes, and all non-domestic buildings. n For building warrant applications made on or after 1 October 2011, testing is required on all other dwellings. Having carried out air permeability testing and consultancy on over 20,000 buildings throughout the UK and Ireland, ranging from dwellings to educational establishments, hospitals, superstores, office buildings, factories, warehouses, cinemas, etc. Stroma boasts a formidable degree of experience in this specialist field. Our services include: Design Reviews: A comprehensive review by experienced air-tightness consultants who study and comment on the relevant drawn details. Design Workshops: A simple but effective method of interrogating the air-tightness strategy and key drawn details in the presence of relevant members of the project teams on site. Training Seminars: Short training presentations, aimed at both designers and construction staff, which can be invaluable in raising awareness amongst those most able to influence the eventual outcome.
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Pre-Test Inspections: An inspection, prior to the test, carried out by our consultants who scrutinise the ‘air barrier’ details throughout the building and record all observations in a detailed, illustrated report. Sample Area or ‘Comfort’ Testing: A ‘dress-rehearsal’ air test carried out on a representative area to establish how the whole building will perform and identify any significant leakage issues. Final Acceptance Air Leakage Test: This includes all necessary building envelope calculations and is carried out using multi-point testing methods to ensure even pressure distribution and, thus, reliable results. We have the capacity and experience to deal with an extensive spectrum of building types. Post-Test Leakage Diagnosis: If a building fails to achieve the target permeability rate upon testing, Stroma technicians will employ pressure-assisted localised, internal smoke testing methods to identify the remedial works required. Findings are then conveyed in an illustrated report. Room Integrity Testing: We also provide room integrity testing to the required NFPA 2001 or ISO 14520 methodologies. We are experienced in all types and sizes of enclosure, from server rooms in offices to gas-turbine halls in power stations. Stroma is UKAS accredited for carrying out air permeability tests to the required methodologies and is a member of ATTMA (Air Tightness Testing and Measurement Association) and BINDT (British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing).
For further information contact Stroma Scotland on 0845 621 22 22 or visit www.stroma.com/technology
Acoustic Testing and Consultancy Every building must be designed and constructed to limit the transmission of source noise from normal domestic type activities through a wall or floor, between a room and internal space where noise is likely to occur. This helps to ensure occupant comfort and privacy. The 2010 edition of Section 5 was revised to include the following deadlines: n As of October 2010, acoustic testing is now required for all newly built and converted houses. n As of May 2011, all flats and maisonettes now require sound insulation testing. Stroma’s UKAS accredited acoustic testing and consultancy division offers a complete acoustic consultation service, assisting from design through to completion. With a team of acoustic testing engineers and consultants, we are able to perform design consultations, environmental noise surveys and testing to satisfy Section 5, EcoHomes and Building Bulletin 93 etc. Our early involvement can assist the design team in meeting the design criteria from the outset. Moreover, we keep our lead times to a minimum and offer highly competitive fees.
Co-Heating and Heat Flux Testing
Thermography
These techniques enable calculation of the as-built thermographic properties of a building (macro U-value). The methodology involves data logging a series of temperature probes (internal and external) and power gauges, to determine the amount of energy required to reach and maintain the pre-set internal temperature of the property.
Thermography is a diagnostic technique employed increasingly to survey and record the thermal properties of buildings. Sophisticated thermal imaging cameras are used to reliably determine surface temperatures through detection of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum.
To be effective, the structure must be completely controlled (i.e. the property must remain empty, with no-one allowed to enter, for the duration of the test). Otherwise the results will be compromised. The longer the duration, the more representative the test will be. The minimum duration is three days.
Working in accordance with recognised methodologies, such as BS EN 13178:1999, we can interpret the features presented in thermographic images. Consequently, our surveys are a powerful tool for diagnosing typical weaknesses in the thermal integrity of a building.
This form of testing allows (relatively) quick evaluation of the effectiveness of proposed improvement works by comparing the energy required to heat the property before and after the works have been completed.
Building Sustainability & Compliance
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Energy and Sustainability Assessments Stroma Technology delivers a comprehensive range of energy and sustainability assessments and CO2 emissions calculations. Irrespective of contract type or scale, our expert team of assessors have the capacity to assist you in meeting your energy performance or compliance targets. We have in-house expertise in providing SAP and SBEM calculations to demonstrate Section 6 compliance, dynamic simulation modelling, BREEAM, EcoHomes and CEEQUAL Assessments, planning and feasibility statements, and a wide range of related consultancy services. Using our extensive knowledge of buildings, regulations and improvement technologies, we offer free initial consultations, whether for single building engagements or large property portfolios and major construction projects. Our client portfolio ranges from developers, housebuilders and contractors to local authorities and other public bodies. We can develop an energy assessment strategy for any building, irrespective of size or complexity. The benefits of our energy assessment services include:
n A team of fully accredited energy assessors. n Nationwide coverage. n Simple, competitive fee structures. n Fast and responsive turnarounds. n A single, national point of contact and straightforward administration. n Advice on and implementation of the building fabric improvements or renewable energy systems required securing better energy ratings.
Energy Consultancy and Section 6 Energy Assessments Stroma Technology has extensive experience in carrying out the CO2 emission calculations required to demonstrate compliance with Section 6 of the Building Regulations, and employs certified consultants for all forms of new build energy compliance assessment, whether based on SAP, SBEM or DSM (Dynamic Simulation Modelling). We can also analyse thermal bridging, overheating, daylight simulation, water efficiency and various other criteria. We are one of the UK’s largest providers of statutory assessments such as Energy Performance Certificates, and our approach is consultative in nature, so that the most costeffective compliance solutions are identified at an early stage.
BREEAM Assessments BREEAM is an environmental assessment procedure for evaluating the sustainability and energy performance of a commercial or public building. Stroma Technology can provide BREEAM assessments for all categories and building types. Through our in-house BREEAM Accredited Professional (AP), we can also go beyond the limitations of the assessment to provide more detailed consultancy, leading the project strategy for meeting a target BREEAM rating; under some schemes, additional BREEAM credits are also available where a BREEAM AP is engaged. EcoHomes We have extensive experience in delivering the design advice and assessments required to achieve target levels in EcoHomes and Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH). In England and Wales, EcoHomes has now been superseded by the CSH, which has become a mandatory standard for housing south of the border. In Scotland, EcoHomes remains a voluntary standard, although one which is increasingly being made a condition of funding. We encourage our involvement from the initial stages of design development, when we can identify cost-effective and appropriate measures, which can then be incorporated seamlessly into the construction process. We provide sensible, integrated solutions which minimise risk and potential expenditure. Planning Compliance Reports To ensure that a development is on target to meet the relevant local authority criteria, we can evaluate proposed construction details and, where warranted, recommend practical measures for meeting planning requirements. We can also provide compliant Sustainability and Renewable Energy Statements to support a planning application. Feasibility Studies Undertaken during the initial stages, feasibility studies can assist our clients in making the most practical and costeffective decisions for their project. Stroma Technology identifies and carries out a detailed analysis of the various factors expected to affect the project. This can include constraints of location and geography; technical or practical difficulties; legislative requirements and targets; and environmental and financial considerations. We then issue a comprehensive report, which explores the viability of various options, establishes those most appropriate for the project and proposes strategies for implementation.
We also provide for more detailed consultancy, such as comprehensive energy and sustainability assessments, audits and implementation plans.
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For further information contact Stroma Scotland on 0845 621 22 22 or visit www.stroma.com/technology
Environmental Services Contaminated Land Stroma Technology can now assist you in overcoming challenges and constraints related to contaminated land. Our services include: n Phase I Preliminary Risk Assessments n Phase II Site Investigations and Risk Assessments n Remediation strategies
Flood Risk Stroma Technology can provide Flood Risk Assessments and associated services from suitably qualified consultants, to satisfy EcoHomes or BREEAM or assist you in meeting Scottish Planning Policy requirements. The services available include:
Ecology Ecology considerations often form an integral part of the planning process. Stroma Technology can provide ecological surveys from licensed ecologists, covering a range of specially protected species. Our services include: n Phase I Habitat Surveys n Badger Surveys n Barn Owl Surveys n Bat Surveys n Great Crested Newt Surveys
n Flood Risk Assessments to accompany planning applications or achieve BREEAM or EcoHomes credits. n Liaison with masterplanners and designers to maximise site value. n Constraints Reports (often produced before purchase or when making an initial assessment of feasibility). n Post application discussions and inputs to Appeal or Inquiry.
Building Sustainability & Compliance
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STROMA TECHNOLOGY SERVICES IN SCOTLAND Energy and Sustainability Assessment Services n EcoHomes assessments, advice & Pol 4 n SAP calculations, Predicted Energy Assessments, U-Value calculations & EPCs n BREEAM assessments & Accredited Professional advice n BREEAM ENE5 reporting n Water efficiency calculations n Daylight calculations n Thermal bridge calculations n SBEM calculations & dynamic simulation modelling n Renewable Energy Feasibility Reports & Sustainability Statements n Energy management & consultancy n CEEQUAL assessments n CIBSE heat loss/cooling load calculations Compliance Testing Services n Air-tightness testing & consultancy n Sound insulation & acoustic testing & consultancy n Server room fire integrity testing n Coheating testing n Heat flux testing n Thermographic surveying n Product performance testing n Post occupancy evaluation and monitoring Environmental Services n Contaminated land investigations, risk assessments and remediation strategies n Ecology surveys n Flood Risk Assessments and consultancy
Stroma Scotland For further information please call 0845 621 22 22 or email
[email protected] Stroma Head Office, 4 Pioneer Way, Castleford, West Yorkshire, WF10 5QU www.stroma.com/technology © Stroma Scotland May 2014 Issue 1.2
For further information visit www.stroma.com
www.stroma.com/technology
