Building Performance analysis: Key to understanding whole life carbon

 
 
 

PHPP: a diverse energy modelling tool

We recognise the value in designing buildings alongside energy models, which can show instant results from testing options.

We want to provide clients with informed decisions to meet their aspirations: upfront carbon, operational energy, quality of internal environment and supporting grid decarbonisation. Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) tool should not be limited to being utilised only on Passivhaus projects.

We can use PHPP, to:

  • Predict future energy use (heating and cooling demand and energy use intensity (EUI)

  • Assist in feasibility studies, testing various fabric, building services and renewable technology options.

  • Provide Stepped Retrofit plans

  • Verify measures needed to achieve Passivhaus/EnerPHit/Low Energy Building/CarbonLite Standard

  • Estimate upfront carbon and whole life carbon, using designPH

Passivhaus Designer / Consultant Roles

Our Certified Passivhaus Designers/Consultants can act as independent third-party consultants to support you on your projects. Please see our dedicated Passivhaus section here to learn more about our offering.

AECB Approved Modeller Role

Our AECB Modellers are key to delivering the AECB CarbonLite™ Standards and ensuring high quality new build and retrofit projects. The AECB has several Standards that give building professionals and homeowners alike flexibility in helping the country to reach net zero targets. These can be supplemented with further building guidance on Water, Airtightness and Daylighting. As with Passivhaus, a formal certification route is key for improved Quality Assurance on projects. 

U-value calculations

We understand nuances of different calculation methodologies. Whether following BR443 Conventions for U-value calculation for building warrants, or following Passivhaus conventions, we can calculate our own U-values, rather than relying on manufacturer’s information. So, our teams can test ideas quicker, making our workflows more dynamic and efficient. 

Thermal Bridging Assessments

The significance of heat loss from thermal bridging can vary from project to project. We now design buildings with significantly lower U-values. Therefore, heat losses from junctions can be higher than expected if they are not considered and designed correctly.

We can carry out thermal bridge calculations for different purposes:

  • Designing out unwanted heat losses

  • Eliminating the risks of surface condensation and mould growth

  • Ensuring comfort

  • Calculating point bridges (cladding fixings need to be thermally modelled for accurate U-value calculations)

  • Compliance with building regulations and Passivhaus requirements

Upfront Carbon / Whole Life Carbon Assessment

Estimating whole life carbon of buildings is relatively new and not yet mandatory. However, we see an increased desire for this work. In Scotland, new schools are inspired to meet LEIP funding criteria for embodied carbon and some projects follow Net Zero Public Sector Building Standard (NZPSBS) as the most realistic route to meeting the Scottish Government’s net zero commitments. For the whole of the United Kingdom, the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (UK NZCBS) is due to be launched.

We can assist with understanding different benchmarks and standards, from NZPSBS, LEIP and UK NZCBS to LETI and RIBA2030 metrics and select the right one for your project, to be ambitious but also realistic. 

We actively promote knowledge sharing within Holmes Miller and we keep up to date with industry leaders in providing guidance on effective ways of creating low carbon, low energy, sustainable buildings, without compromising on occupant comfort and health. We are members of the Passivhaus Trust, Passive House Institute and Association for Environment Conscious Building and highly value their wealth of knowledge that is openly shared.

U-value calculations

Thermal Bridge modelling assessment

Embodied Carbon Analysis