Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is one of the most effective ways of saving resources. For instance, insulation is now widely agreed to be one of the most important facets of sustainable construction.

Part L of the Building Regulations has increased requirements for fuel and power conservation, and the revised Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) 2005 has Appendix Q, which allows for ratings from new and advanced technologies to be taken into account when assessing for Part L compliance.

The pages here offer innovative ideas which can make your developments more attractive to energy and cost-conscious occupiers. The pages also lead you to a wealth of further information, and you'll be able to use these signposts to explore practical options towards energy efficiency.

Information on thermal comfort, which is crucial to occupier satisfaction, begins this area of the GROW Information Service. The energy labelling information is a useful reference tool for all businesses interested in minimising their fuel bills, and the pages on insulation and ventilation provide a solid overview of how buildings can be made warm and comfortable without costing the earth.

The Combined Heat and Power page explains how technology can help maximise fuel efficiency by utilizing heat from the electricity generation process, and also includes useful links to further information.

Many different low-energy (and therefore low cost) lighting options are explained in the next section, which also provides helpful signposts to further information if you are interested in improving your energy performance.

The emission section, which rounds off this area, reminds us why tackling these issues is so important, and provides links for those interested in understanding more about the wider operating environment which companies must work with in order to future-proof their businesses.