The latest update to the Building Regulations includes reference to a new CIBSE TM23 guide on airtightness testing. Julie Godefroy reviews the new TM, which includes a new approved air testing methodology, and considers the impact of the changes
Tag: Housing
On target: net zero modular homes at zero extra cost
Ilke Homes has vowed to manufacture zero carbon homes at zero additional cost by 2030. Andy Pearson speaks to ilke’s Nigel Banks about the services strategy and the manufacturing efficiencies that will enable it to hit its goals
Research on indoor air quality for homeworkers
Millions of people now work from home because of Covid-19 restrictions, but are they working in a healthy environment? Researchers have assessed the impact on indoor air quality in eight homes. Anastasia Mylona reports
The Green Homes Grant must not be a wasted opportunity
If the government’s £5bn Green Homes Grant is to be successful, lessons must be learnt from the Green Deal, say Enhabit’s Dr Sarah Price and Akta Raja
Are smart home technologies too clever for the industry?
Dan Cash summarises – and responds to – key questions raised in July’s article on smart home technologies
Get the house in order
After the submission of the Part L and Future Homes Standard response, CIBSE’s Julie Godefroy outlines the next steps for housing policy
What is the most efficient system for heating zero carbon homes?
What is the most effective way of heating our future zero carbon homes? Chris Twinn has been researching the issue for five years and has found that standalone ‘autonomous’ heat recovery systems offer the most benefits when considering high-density homes
Quality as standard: Passivhaus consultant’s winning ways
CIBSE award-winning low energy design consultancy Warm has its roots in Passivhaus, and even put into practice its low-energy expertise by refurbishing its offices to the EnerPHit standard. Andy Pearson reports
Book review: Housing Fit for Purpose by Fionn Stevenson
Housing would be vastly improved if more was done to feed back lessons learned from building performance, says Fionn Stevenson, in a new book based on years of her own pioneering research. Julie Godefroy finds lots of practical advice for raising standards
Case study: Lark Rise, the UK’s first Passivhaus Plus
A Passivhaus Plus home in the Chiltern Hills establishes the ‘building as a power station’ concept and shows the viability of an electrical grid powered by renewable energy. Andy Pearson reports