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The client: Nick Lee, CEG As a long-term investor, it is fundamental to carry out post-occupancy analysis on projects, says Nick Lee, development director at property company CEG. The firm’s project Number One, Kirkstall Forge, has been recognised for its emphasis on design and health and wellbeing. ‘What we really value is how buildings work for the people within them, and ensuring they create positive working environments. We monitor these continually to see if we can further optimise conditions, focusing on ensuring the environment is healthy and not using power unnecessarily – benefiting the planet and reducing operational costs for occupiers,’ says Lee. He adds that CEG is driven by its ability to demonstrate technically – as well as subjectively – that its buildings are better places. ‘Our customers are the occupiers, and their focus is recruiting and retaining the best staff. So our driver is to create good working environments that support these business objectives. If the place works well for its people, it is good for everyone involved.’ ■
Brexit and a potential no deal Julie Godefroy, CIBSE technical manager, says legislation already exists in the UK on energy and carbon, independent from the EU, so – in the short to medium term – there shouldn’t be too much impact after Brexit. The Clean Growth Strategy also gives some direction and co-operation will continue, through industry bodies, on things such as BSI and EN standards. The bigger impact may be felt on staff, expertise and the import of materials, she adds. The white paper on post-Brexit immigration implies that EU workers will be treated in the same way as non-EU ones, so visas will be available for ‘skilled workers’ with a salary of £30,000 or more. ‘But that is not what most engineering graduates will earn,’ says Godefroy. This could bring an upward push on salaries – good for workers, maybe less so for employers. Long term, Godefroy says, it might help to address the undervaluing of engineering, encouraging more students to take up the profession. The £30,000 figure will be consulted on. Supporting visa applications is a difficult and costly process that big firms can absorb, but which can be too much for smaller ones, she adds.
Regulations in 2019 CIBSE technical director Hywel Davies summarises what regulations to look out for in 2019: • The upcoming consultation for Conservation of Fuel and Power: Approved Document L, which will include overheating, is expected to be published in the spring
• The government is calling for evidence on the future technical guidance contained within Approved Document B (fire safety). The consultation closes at 11.45pm on 1 March 2019
• The government has published its implementation plan in response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety
• The government will have to find a way of implementing the latest revision to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, published in June 2018. The deadline for this is 2020.
Article first published in CIBSE Journal – www.cibsejournal.com
CIBSE GUIDE TO BUILDING PERFORMANCE 2019 |
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