CLPM provide energy efficiency reviews for new build projects.
If you’re planning on self-building or building a custom build home, it makes sense to ensure you’re creating a home which is both comfortable to live in, and cheap to run. At CLPM we specialise in providing expert, energy efficiency reviews for new build projects and giving bespoke independent energy efficiency advice, tailored to the specific needs of individual self-builders.
CLPM have a proven track record of helping both residential and commercial clients improve the sustainability of their architectural designs.
Our eco-build expert has over 25 years’ industry experience helping self-builders to boost the energy efficiency of their homes. We usually carry out energy efficiency reviews to help self-builders assess their new build house architectural designs once outline planning permission has been obtained. Our eco-expert looks over the plans and specifications, before they are finalised, and comments on what can be done to further improve the energy efficiency of the new home before the building regulations details are drawn up.
We always approach energy efficiency design reviews from a ‘fabric first’ perspective, before then looking at which energy saving technologies might be most suitable. The fabric first approach gives priority to the design and construction of the building and aims to minimise the need for heating and cooling. This naturally means lots of insulation, and good overall air-tightness, so that the drafts that can get into the building are minimised, and as little as possible warm air can escape to the outside. All windows and doors are specified to be as high performance as possible (given the financial constraints of the project) and where possible the design harnesses the sun’s energy for solar gain, but without overheating. In practice, this means we look insulation levels, and the U values of the walls and roofs. We assess the window sizes, locations, specifications and U values, and the construction detailing throughout the building.
Often our clients are also considering including renewable technologies, and we can also help here by giving an independent expert’s view on which of the options would be most suitable for their new build. Technologies that we can advise on include ground source heat pumps, air source heat pumps, underfloor heating, mechanical ventilation systems, solar photovoltaic arrays, solar hot water and wood burning stoves as well as water, drainage and sewerage solutions. Our advice is always independent and given with options and energy performance figures and costings, and highlight pros and cons to aid decision-making.
We can also carry out a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for the final building regulations drawings.
You’ll find lots of energy efficiency review case studies in the projects section of our website.
Are you planning a new build project? If you’d like to find out more about our self-build energy efficiency design reviews and what we can do for you we’d love to chat. Call 01923 896550, email info@cl-pm.com or complete a contact form.
