While retrofitting a commercial property can make it more energy-efficient, you first have to discover from where the heat is being lost before effective solutions can be applied. Stewart Little, CEO of IRT Surveys, explains the importance of using infrared thermal imaging in pre-retrofit surveys and the value of working with an experienced partner.

Discuss the cost of heating commercial premises with any property manager and they will tell you that energy prices have gone through the roof. In many cases, however, heat going through the roof as well as many other places, is one of the chief causes of rising costs.

There is a wide range of possible solutions that can make commercial properties more energy-efficient and less costly to run, from the installation of a more efficient HVAC system and the adoption of renewable energy sources, to triple glazing and thermal insulation. Given the size of commercial properties, these potentially solutions are seen as a capital   investment, which is expected to be returned over time by the reduction in energy usage. 

The challenge for commercial property owners and developers alike is to ensure that any solution implemented addresses a building’s energy efficiency issues. A new HVAC system might be less costly to run but the benefits of installing it will be greatly diminished if a significant amount of heat is still being lost.

With there being many unknowns, surrounding the condition of the UK’s existing commercial building stock, facilities managers need to understand the state of their portfolio. Only by getting their building data in check can they eradicate energy wastage and achieve decarbonisation targets.

Effective surveys

As all commercial properties are different, when it comes to energy efficiency, it is best practice to survey each building for energy wastage before making decisions about which solution/s to adopt. Only with the correct data can a retrofit be tailored to meet a building’s specific needs and achieve desired outcomes. This approach also stops unnecessary work from being pointlessly undertaken, thus reducing the overall cost and accelerating the time to completion.

Not only do surveys identify the property’s energy efficiency issues; they also provide data about CO2 emissions and, crucially, enable developers to calculate the cost of implementing solutions. This is achieved through Building Information Modelling (BIM) for building envelope thermal performance analysis and energy efficiency evaluation, which together with thermal imaging, is considered the most effective methodology.

The key role of thermal imaging in pre-retrofit surveys is to identify a building’s energy inefficiencies and from where heat is escaping, this includes issues that cannot be detected by other means.

Infrared technology can survey insulation, building fabric and roof condition, identifying problems with wall cavities, roofing insulation, gaps in window fittings, porous brickwork, waterproofing issues and more. As a result, detailed information is collected that ensures retrofit strategies are custom designed to address the specific needs of the building. The additional benefit is that thermal imaging is non-invasive, which means there is no damage to the fabric of the building as part of the survey, resulting in no additional repair costs.

Choosing the right partner

To ensure a commercial retrofit strategy is effective, there are clear advantages to working with an experienced and established thermal imaging provider. Such partnerships can bring owners and developers the expertise, guidance and advanced technologies these often large-scale projects require.

For example, thermographic drone technology provides a better way to survey roofs. There are, however, strict regulations about how commercial drones can be used, both in terms of health and safety also privacy.

An experienced thermal imaging provider will have suitable drone equipment with ID displayed, trained drone operators, knowledge of regulations and safety procedures, not to mention insurance documents. These are necessary prerequisites to avoid scrutiny and to minimise the possibility of an accident, injury or GDPR breach. Compared to using an inexperienced provider, it will give reassurances that procedures will be stringently adhered to, ensuring a positive reputation for both parties.

Knowledgeable partners also make use of the latest cloud-based software, enabling them to combine BIM, thermal imaging and other supporting data. A commercial portfolio’s energy performance can consequently be analysed to identify the most energy-efficient retrofit strategy. A good example of this is by combining thermal imaging with energy-saving calculator technology, the parties responsible are provided with highly accurate data that enables them to deliver assured, effective and cost-efficient outcomes.

What’s more, it is essential you choose a provider that knows the significance of taking images in the correct conditions. It may seem unimportant to the inexperienced, but adverse conditions can effect so many different things, including quality of images taken, resulting in not providing a true reflection of a building or a roof, in turn resulting in an inappropriate and costly solution being implemented.

The list of things to bear in mind goes on, but in short, choosing an experienced thermal imaging partner, like IRT Surveys, ensures commercial properties are given the right retrofit solutions to eradicate energy wastage, improve energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and keep costs to a minimum. At the same time, they provide the reassurance that technologies, like drones, will be used in accordance with regulations. Indeed, IRT Surveys even offers CPD to help commercial property owners and developers understand thermal imaging technology and how it fits in the pathway to decarbonising buildings.

For more information, visit https://irtsurveys.co.uk/

Despite becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of home energy efficiency, many consumers are discouraged by myths and misconceptions. Nicola Kennedy, CEO of Heero Technologies, looks at technology’s role in debunking misinformation.

According to recent research by Halifax, 39% of UK homeowners consider improving the energy efficiency of their property an important priority. However, many are so confused by the advice and information available – much of which isn’t necessarily impartial or even accurate, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish between myth and reality – that they fail to act.

Key issues perpetuated by myths and misconceptions are that retrofitting carries impractically high costs, that it causes significant disruption, and that many properties don’t need to be upgraded.

In fact, nearly half of the consumers surveyed as part of Halifax’s research stated cost as the biggest barrier to making energy efficiency improvements. Research by Barclays had similar results; it found that besides cost, the perceived inconvenience of installing energy efficiency-related modifications is preventing homeowners from making upgrades to their homes. In terms of which properties could benefit, Halifax found that 40% of consumers have ‘no idea’ how energy efficient their homes currently are.

Dispelling myths through education

A key factor in the battle between myth and reality is a lack of consumer awareness and understanding, especially in terms of the potential benefits and cost-savings associated with home energy efficiency practices. As such, the best way to dispel myths and misconceptions is to educate and empower consumers by providing them with tailored and consistent advice on both the practicalities and benefits of embracing energy efficient home improvements.

Installers have a vital role to play in making homeowners aware of their options and driving the adoption of energy efficiency measures across the country. However, thanks to technology, they do not have to take on this enormous task alone.

One solution available to installers is a software application designed to streamline the user experience and guide homeowners through the entire home retrofit journey. Developed by Heero Technologies, it enables installers to offer their customers bespoke home energy insights and recommendations in an easy-to-understand way. By removing complexity, consumers are empowered to make decisions that will help them save money on energy bills, increase the value of their homes, and that will have a positive impact on the environment.

Heero Technologies’ App can help incite action when faced with hesitant, ignorant or mis-informed homeowners, as it accurately shows which property-specific energy efficiency measures can produce the biggest gains, what the cost of installation is, as well as what savings can be realised if the suggested improvements are implemented. Additionally, it provides valuable information on the financing and available grants.

The app is designed to enable installers to reach a larger audience, scaling up as needs change and business evolves. With all the required elements built into the platform, including taking care of the initial assessment, installers can use the technology to offer their customers a wide range of energy-saving options tailored to each property.

Further benefits to using the app include lead generation, a built-in compliance service, inbound and outbound customer communications, instant booking capability, using the app for surveys or as a marketing tool, and arranging financing for ATP customers.

An industry game-changer

When it comes to energy efficiency, retrofitting and decarbonisation, the reality is that while some measures may be more costly than others, there are a host of cost-effective and minimally disruptive options available today – the advent of innovative technology means that retrofitting is becoming a more streamlined and less intrusive process. There are also several solutions available to help cover the costs, from green mortgages to government grants and financing.

Additionally, considering that the UK has the most inefficient, highest energy bills, energy-hungry, and wasteful properties in Europe, there are very few houses in the UK that wouldn’t benefit from some form of retrofit.

Ultimately, improving domestic energy efficiency and decarbonisation is not only mission-critical to delivering on the UK’s net zero commitments, but also offers financial, environmental and lifestyle benefits. As such, installers need to focus on educating consumers, debunking myths and shaping their attitudes towards retrofitting by providing accessible, understandable, and actionable information. Technology can help them achieve this.

For more information, visit www.heerotechnologies.com

Despite highest ever number of solar panel installations in 2023 since 2011, sites for house movers miss out vital options for the expected increase in house movers in 2024

Despite a record year for green energy installations in 2023 and the expected housing market uptick due to reduced mortgage rates, prospective buyers need more support to identify eco-friendly options in decision-making.

New analysis unveiled today reveals that not one of the UK’s top 10 estate agent sites or leading property aggregator sites, such as Rightmove and Zoopla, include options to filter by energy efficiency when searching for a new home, according to new analysis by iChoosr, an organisation accelerating the transition to renewable energy.

Given the sharp rise in energy bills over the past two years, many home-seekers have increased interest in their energy consumption and are looking for ways to be more energy efficient. iChoosr’s recommendations for these additions to property sites come as the latest figures show 190,000 UK homes installed solar panels last year – the highest number of installations since 2011¹ and the company is keen to see more support for prospective buyers going forward.

Recent data also reveals that 69% of British adults say they would buy a property with solar panels, rising to 74% of Gen Z and Millennials². In fact, three in five UK homebuyers would be willing to pay more for a property with renewable energy sources³.

George Frost, UK Country Manager at iChoosr, says: “The spike in solar panel adoption in 2023 was driven, in part, by the cost of living crisis and rising energy bills. But there has also been a significant mindset shift on installing renewable energy sources by UK homeowners and home-seekers. There is now a near-on consensus across the UK that we are knee-deep in a climate emergency, demonstrating the urgent need for the transition towards renewable energy.”

“Homeowners are more likely than ever to invest in effective and sustainable solutions to improve their home now. Schemes like Solar Together make solar panels affordable and accessible for anyone to reap their environmental and financial benefits. It feels as though estate agents and property search sites are missing a trick by not reflecting homebuyers’ enthusiasm to adopt modern green energy sources. It would be great to see estate agents take heed and add green energy sources like solar panels and heat pumps as a criterion on their websites to help homebuyers navigate the different energy options available.”

Not only do solar panels help reduce residents’ energy usage, but investing in solar panels can increase a property’s value by up to £2,722, future-proofing it for the market and making it more appealing to buyers who are seeking a sustainable home⁴. Plus, adding a supporting solar battery allows residents to store the electricity produced, maximising utilisation and reducing carbon footprints by up to 15%. On average, those with a three-bedroom property with a solar panel system and a 5 kWh battery will save £669 per year on energy bills⁵.

iChoosr partners with local authorities to deliver the highly successful Solar Together programme across the UK. Solar Together has delivered more than 29,300 solar panel installations, which are expected to remove 600,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over the next 25 years.

Some of the first homes built to a new pioneering energy-efficient standard have been unveiled in Nottinghamshire.

The Keepmoat housing development, built to the indicative version of the Future Homes Standard, has been given the seal of approval by the new Housing and Communities Minister.

The collection of 33 homes use air source heat pumps for their hot water and heating, have solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and increased insulation compared to homes built to existing standards.

The homes are also fully electrified, meaning they will be zero-carbon in use once the electricity grid decarbonises.

Following her visit at the Gedling Green development, located at the site of the former Gedling Colliery, Minister for Housing and Communities Baroness Penn said:  “It was fantastic to visit the Gedling Green development in Nottingham and see first-hand the future of energy efficient homes.

“The Future Homes Standard will not only make homes more energy efficient, reducing energy bills compared to a typical home, but crucially will reduce carbon emissions, supporting us in our goal to reach Net Zero by 2050.” 

Tim Beale, CEO at Keepmoat added: “We were thrilled to host Baroness Penn at our Gedling Green development in Nottingham where all the homes have been built to meet the requirements of the Future Homes Standard ahead of its introduction in 2025. Gedling Green is the first development in the UK to offer homes built to this specification for sale on the open market. 

“The Sales Centre at this development includes an area dedicated to educating customers about the key features and technologies. This will support our customers in achieving a significant reduction in energy bills compared to a typical new home built to the previous regulatory standards.”

From 2025, the Future Homes Standard, currently being consulted on by the Government, will become mandatory and ensure that new homes produce, on average, upwards of 75% less CO2 emissions than those built to the 2013 standards.

This will ensure new homes are more energy efficient, leading to a reduction in energy bills , compared to typical existing homes, and help the Government meets its Net Zero target.

From 2025, new homes will be future proofed with low carbon heating and very high fabric standards and will be ‘zero-carbon ready’, meaning no further work will be required for them to become zero-carbon when the electricity grid decarbonises. 

The UK housing industry is taking a giant leap forward, with the country’s largest ever “Zero Bills” development launching in Newport, Essex. The result of an innovative, long-term partnership between award-winning five-star housebuilder The Hill Group and Octopus Energy, the development – Hollymead Square – will deliver 89 homes that are so energy efficient they have received the coveted Octopus Zero Bills ‘stamp’. As a result, buyers won’t receive energy bills for five years, guaranteed through Octopus’ world-first smart tariff.

Hollymead Square is a blueprint for future energy-efficient housing developments, showcasing how the homebuilding and energy industries can come together to achieve outstanding results that support the UK’s transition to a net zero future with tangible, actionable improvements.

Each property at Hollymead Square features solar panels, storage and smart tech – all optimised by Octopus. Launching Saturday 20^th January, the development will provide two-bedroom bungalows and two- to five-bedroom houses, 64 of which will be for private sale. All homes will be kitted out with a heat pump, solar panels and a battery, which enables the Zero Bills accreditation.

Rebecca Littler, Group Sales and Marketing Director at The Hill Group, comments: “We are proud to be showcasing the future of UK housing here at Hollymead Square. As well as supporting families to save thousands of pounds on their energy costs over the next five years, we hope that our progressive work with the energy sector through our partnership with Octopus is something that will inspire people to reduce their carbon footprint.”      

Sustainability has been at the heart of designing the UK’s largest Zero Bills development. New build homes have already been recognised for their environmental and cost-saving potential, with the Home Builders Federation’s Watt a Save report from July 2023 finding that the average new build homeowner saves £2,200 per year on their energy bills.^[1] And, new build owners are also collectively reducing carbon emissions by an impressive 500,000 tonnes.

In addition to the properties’ green credentials and lack of energy bills, Hollymead Square is set to delight homebuyers in many ways. The development includes green open space for all owners to enjoy, with selected homes dotted around the boundary, while the lovely gardens of Audley End House & Gardens are a short drive away. Access to local schools is easy too, with Newport Primary and Joyce Frankland Academy both in close proximity.

For commuters, the development provides easy access to Cambridge and London, as well as the North of the UK, with Newport station within walking distance. Additional amenities, which are also within walking distance, include Dorringtons Bakery, Newport Pharmacy and the new Anglian Leisure Joyce Frankland sports centre. The latter provides a gym and fitness suite with Zumba, circuits, HIIT and Boxercise classes, plus AstroTurf and indoor and outdoor courts for badminton, tennis, basketball and more – ideal for an active family lifestyle.

The variety of properties available at Hollymead Square means there is something for everyone, from single buyers and couples to large families seeking plenty of space. The contemporary interiors will suit a range of tastes, while different layouts provide scope for home working among other family-friendly uses. And all with the peace of mind that comes with having zero energy bills for the next five years.

Prices of homes at Hollymead Square start from £489,950 for a detached two-bedroom home. For further information, visit https://www.hill.co.uk/hollymead-square or call 01799 610 831. 

Rendall & Rittner Brings Utilities Management In House : In order to provide best value and service for its clients and residents, residential managing agent Rendall & Rittner has been developing a range of innovative, market leading procurement practices. With energy being one of the biggest regular costs in property management, the company has created a dedicated in-house utilities management team to work within the existing procurement division.

Leading the new team, Chris Massingham has recently been appointed Utilities Procurement Manager. With ten years’ experience in the energy sector, Chris is an industry specialist who has previously worked for Anglian Water as well as in consultancies managing procurement for leading property management companies including Rendall & Rittner. In his new role, Chris will oversee the implementation of the latest energy management system, which will incorporate a billing platform, as well as managing the tariff procurement process. Both the electricity and gas bulk procurement contracts are currently with Ecotricity.  

Chris Massingham commented: “The principle of leveraging bulk spending for best value is of course one of the key reasons it makes sense for Rendall & Rittner to bring utilities management in house, but it also allows us to maintain the highest levels of service and respond more quickly to any issues that may arise. I’m looking forward to the exciting personal challenge of running a new function for the business and ushering in what is quite an innovative new approach from an industry perspective.”

Richard Daver, Managing Director at Rendall & Rittner said: “As Rendall & Rittner has continued to grow, so too has the volume of energy we purchase as a group. This presents some challenges but also a great opportunity to leverage our buying power in order to obtain better value for our clients and residents in what is a fast moving and complex marketplace. We are pleased to welcome Chris Massingham to lead the new in-house team in line with our wider strategy of investing in talent and technical capabilities to ensure not only better value, but also more transparency, accountability and more efficient processes.” For more information on Rendall & Rittner please visit www.rendallandrittner.co.uk.

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