0 Rainwater harvesting: the drought it makes worse

• News
• by Administrator
• 08-10-2026

Homes with rainwater harvesting can use more mains water in a drought Rainwater harvesting (RWH) for use inside the home is widely promoted as a way to save water. Under the current Part G water efficiency rules, it does the opposite. We modelled two identical one-bedroom homes using the Government's water efficiency methodology. Both comply at 109.2 litres per person per day. The home with RWH earns a credit for harvested rainwater, which allows a 16 l/min shower instead of 8.7 l/min. It doesn't reduce mains water demand. In normal conditions, both homes use exactly the same amount of mains water. The RWH system saves nothing. It simply allows less efficient fittings. It increases mains water demand in a drought. When the tank runs dry, the RWH home switches to mains water and uses 143.6 litres per person per day. That's about 31% more than the home without RWH, at exactly the time supplies are under the most pressure. It increases flows to the foul sewer. The RWH home uses about a third more water every day, whatever the weather, and all of it goes to the foul network. That includes up to around 27,500 litres of rainwater a year from this one small home. Across a large development, the extra load on already stretched sewers could be considerable. A better approach Require all homes to meet 110 litres per person per day through water-efficient fittings alone, and use water butts for garden watering. This genuinely reduces mains demand, reduces flows to the foul sewer, and keeps rainwater out of it. Good drainage design starts with the numbers, not the label. If you'd like an independent view on the right approach for your site, get in touch.

0 Innervision Design Sponsors National Memorial Arboretum with Flood Risk Assessment

• News
• by Administrator
• 20-01-2025

Innervision Design is proud to have contributed to the St Nazaire Raid Memorial Trust’s National Memorial Arboretum project in Staffordshire by offering a comprehensive flood risk assessment. This gesture aligns with our ongoing commitment to supporting meaningful projects that preserve history and foster community engagement. By offering this vital service at no charge, we’re supporting the St Nazaire Raid Memorial Trust’s vision of creating a lasting tribute to those who served in the historic 1942 raid. The National Memorial Arboretum is a symbol of remembrance, resilience, and unity, and Innervision Design is honoured to play a role in its continued development. For more information on the National Memorial Arboretum project in Staffordshire, please visit the St Nazaire Raid Memorial Trust’s website: https://www.stnazaireraid.org. Innervision Design specializes in providing sustainability solutions in the build environment. Our flood risk assessment service enables developers and organizations to identify potential flooding risks early, ensuring that the design and implementation phases are resilient, sustainable, and compliant with safety standards. For more information on our flood risk assessments services, please visit our website: https://www.innervision-design.co.uk/ flood-risk-assessment.php.

0 Successful Challenge to the Environment Agency on Flood Zone 2 Mapping

• News
• by Administrator
• 12-09-2024

 "areas within the yellow polygon below which are outside the 1000 year modelled outline should be treated as flood zone 1:" Innervision Design recently challenged the Environment Agency regarding the accuracy of the Flood Zone 2 map at Crofton (E544000, N166000). The map, which combines modelled 1000-year flood data with historic flood records, appeared to inaccurately include areas contradicted by the site's topography. Specifically, the 1968 recorded flood outline did not align with current site conditions, and lacked supporting evidence. The Environment Agency acknowledged our concerns, agreeing that the 1968 flood outline likely does not warrant inclusion in the Historic Flood Map. While updates to the flood map are paused due to ongoing national flood modelling, they have agreed to flag the discrepancy. This adjustment should be visible on the Flood Map for Planning within a month (by the end of August 2024), ensuring that areas incorrectly marked as Flood Zone 2 will be treated as Flood Zone 1. This outcome is significant, particularly for those with planning applications or developments in the affected area. If you have projects that may be impacted by these changes, we encourage you to contact us so we can work with the relevant authorities to prevent any delays. Looking ahead, a new catchment-scale model of the Ravensbourne is underway, set to be completed later this year. The flood maps will be updated in 2025 to incorporate this new data, which may further refine the Flood Zone 2 outline. We are pleased with the outcome of our challenge and will continue to ensure that flood risk data is accurate and reliable for all stakeholders. We look forward to receiving your calls and emails. Please feel free to get in touch for a friendly discussion and some initial advice. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.innervision-design.co.uk/ flood-risk-assessment.php.

0 Navigating Flood Risk Assessments Under the Revised NPPF and PPG

• News
• by Administrator
• 07-05-2024

As flood risk consultants, we're constantly adapting to changes in legislation and policy to ensure our clients receive the most accurate and up-to-date advice. Recently, significant revisions have been made to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Planning Practice Guidance (PPG), particularly concerning the sequential test and flood zone designations. One of the most notable updates is the transfer of responsibility for conducting the sequential test to the Local Authority. This shift aims to streamline the planning process and ensure consistency in flood risk assessments across different regions. The sequential test, which evaluates the availability of suitable sites for development in areas with lower flood risk before considering sites in flood-prone zones, plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risk in new developments. Furthermore, there has been an expansion of flood zone 3b to encompass the extents of the 1 in 30-year flood event. This change reflects a more robust approach to flood risk management, acknowledging the potential impact of extreme weather events and the need for resilience in urban planning. Flood zone designations are pivotal in determining the suitability of land for development and guiding appropriate mitigation measures to safeguard against flooding. For developers and landowners, these updates underscore the importance of engaging with flood risk consultants early in the planning process. By conducting thorough flood risk assessments and implementing appropriate mitigation measures, they can navigate regulatory requirements effectively and ensure the long-term viability and resilience of their projects. In conclusion, the recent revisions to the NPPF and PPG emphasise the critical role of flood risk assessments in the planning process. By working closely with knowledgeable consultants and adhering to regulatory requirements, developers can minimise flood risk and create sustainable, resilient communities for the future. At Innervision Design, we specialise in comprehensive flood risk assessments tailored to the specific needs of our clients. Our team of experts stays abreast of changes in legislation and policy, ensuring that our advice is always informed by the latest developments in flood risk management. We look forward to receiving your calls and emails. Please feel free to get in touch for a friendly discussion and some initial advice. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.innervision-design.co.uk/ flood-risk-assessment.php.

0 Overheating mitigation measures need to be incorporated into new residential buildings in the UK

• News
• by Administrator
• 04-05-2023

Overheating mitigation measures are an important consideration for new residential buildings in the UK. Overheating can occur in buildings during hot weather or when there is excessive solar gain through windows or roofs. This can lead to discomfort for occupants and potentially even health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or young children. To mitigate overheating in new residential buildings, there are several measures that can be incorporated into the building design. These include: Window openable areas: minimise fixed panes in windows will allow for better ventilation Solar control glazing: high-performance glazing, such as low g glass, can significantly reduce solar gain. Shading devices: external shading devices such as building overhang, external blinds, shutters, awnings, louvres or brise-soleil can help to reduce solar gain. Roof insulation: good roof insulation is effective in improving bedroom night time comfort during hot weather Mechanical ventilation systems: mechanical ventilation systems can also be used in conjunction with the above passive cooling measures. It is important to consider these measures during the design stage of new residential buildings to ensure that they are integrated effectively, as well as comply with Part O of the Building Regulations. Innervision Design can advise clients on an optimal mitigation solution for their projects by using dynamic thermal modelling techniques. We look forward to receiving your calls and emails. Please feel free to get in touch for a friendly discussion and some initial advice. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.innervision-design.co.uk/dynamic-overheating-assessment.php.

0 Innervision Design delivered a CPD seminar on Part L and Part O 2021 Editions

• News
• by Administrator
• 09-05-2022

Our director Dr Yanli Suo, invited by BCS Approved Inspectors, delivered a seminar on the latest Parts L and O of the Building Regulations, to its staff and a group of architects from Essex, Cambridgeshire and London areas. This seminar offered detailed technical design advice on how to achieve compliance with Part L and Part O 2021 Editions. The 2021 Part L incorporates significant changes to the 2013 edition, with 2021 Target Emission Rate increased by 30% compared to the 2013 Part L1 standards. Without the use of PV panels or air source heat pump technology, compliance with the Part L 2021 for new dwellings is impossible. The introduction of new Part O 2021 Edition signifies overheating has become an important issue which needs to be dealt with by Building Regulations. Compliance with Part O 2021 is not easy and straightforward. The compliance standards, using either Simplified Method or Dynamic Thermal Modelling, are onerous. Both Part L and Part O 2021 Editions will kick in on 15th June. We are here to help you by offering comprehensive and cost-effective solutions for your projects. We look forward to receiving your calls and emails. Please feel free to get in touch for a friendly discussion and some initial advice. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.innervision-design.co.uk

0 Innervision offers dynamic overheating assessment services including TM59, TM52 and Part O compliance

• News
• by Administrator
• 01-03-2022

As our globe continues to warm up, and modern buildings are constructed with enlarged glazing and high air tightness, overheating is becoming an important issue in the UK homes and buildings. The newly released Building Regulations Approved Document O (Part O), which will come into effect on 15th June 2022 in England, outlines and provides guidance on the legal and technical obligations for newly constructed residential buildings to comply with overheating standards. Some planning authorities, for example, the Greater London Authority, were demanding dynamic overheating analysis a few years ago. Dynamic thermal modelling is an advanced computer algorithm, and allows accurate prediction of thermal and other building related performances. It takes into account a wide range of design parameters (e.g. hourly weather files and detailed occupancy schedules and internal gains), and analyses them at short time intervals (e.g. sub hourly analysis). Consequently, the results derived from dynamic thermal modelling are a more accurate reflection of a building’s performance, in comparison with other static methods. We use industry leading software, DesignBuilder dynamic simulation software, to construct 3D models and analyse overheating risk. Innervision Design offers the following dynamic overheating assessment services: CIBSE TM59 dynamic overheating modelling for homes and residential institutions. CIBSE TM59:2017 (Design methodology for the assessment of overheating risk in homes) defines an industry standardised approach to predicting overheating risk for residential buildings using dynamic thermal analysis. Part O only requires new residential buildings to comply with CIBSE TM59 dynamic thermal standards. CIBSE TM52 dynamic overheating modelling and reports for non-residential buildings. CIBSE guide TM52, 2013 (The Limits of Thermal Comfort: Avoiding Overheating in European Buildings’), defines an industry standardised approach to predicting overheating risk for non-residential buildings using dynamic thermal analysis. We look forward to receiving your calls and emails. Please feel free to get in touch for a friendly discussion and some initial advice. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.innervision-design.co.uk/dynamic-overheating-assessment.php.

0 The UK government launched the new digital Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Register

• News
• by Administrator
• 28-10-2020

From 20 September 2020, all new and existing EPCs for domestic and commercial buildings in the UK, other than Scotland, will be lodged and stored in the new central register developed and maintained by The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG). Landmark, which used to manage the EPC register, will cease to perform this function. There are some significant changes in the new register: EPCs are now live on the government website, and can be searched via their property addresses or unique certificate numbers. The link to the EPC Register is located at https://find-energy-certificate.digital.communities.gov.uk/ New EPCs will only exist in the web viewer format, therefore they are not designed for printing out and local storage. Although there is a print function on the live register, the print out files are in an untidy web format. The old EPCs issued prior to 20th September came as well-designed PDF files. For Building Control purposes, clients will need to email BCOs the web links to their EPCs rather than send them EPCs in PDF format. Other than the above changes, major content of EPCs stays roughly the same. The existing EPCs ratings will remain intact. The underlying rationale for these changes made by the Government seems to be better reporting of EPCs, which can guide future policies in terms of energy efficiency in the building sector. Innervision Design Ltd can advise architects, developers and house buildings on a variety of energy efficiency issues. We have undertaken SAP and SBEM modelling for thousands of projects. We look forward to receiving your calls and emails. Please feel free to get in touch for a friendly discussion and some initial advice. For more information, please visit our website: https://www.innervision-design.co.uk/sap-calculations-and-epc.php.

0 Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) become mandatory on new developments in Wales

• News
• by Administrator
• 29-01-2019

In Wales, from 7 January 2019, all new developments of more than one dwelling or where the construction area is 100m2 or more, will require Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), in accordance with Schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The Welsh government requires SuDS on new developments to be designed and built in accordance with the Statutory SuDS Standards published by the Welsh Ministers, and all SuDS schemes must be approved by the local authority, before construction work begins.  SuDS has gradually become a mandatory practise for new developments and extensions in England since 2015. This new policy in Wales represents another important milestone in the UK to step up the SuDS implementation, in order to combat the increasing flood risk from surface water run-off. Innervision Design Ltd has undertaken SuDS for many projects, which range from single dwellings to large residential and commercial developments with more than 300 units. Though many projects undertaken are located in England, our consultants are confident in providing the same high quality service to the prospective Welsh clients. We look forward to receiving your calls and emails. Please feel free to get in touch for a friendly discussion and some initial advice. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.innervision-design.co.uk/sustainable-drainage.php.

0 Waste water heat recovery system is an effective measure to comply with Part L1A

• News
• by Administrator
• 04-09-2018

Waste water heat recovery (WWHR) is a technology using a heat exchanger to recover heat from waste water, primarily from shower, in order to reduce energy consumption for water heating. WWHR can be used in SAP as an effective measure to comply with Part L1A for new residential projects mainly because: High efficiency WWHR can improve the dwelling emission rate (DER) by approx. half to one point, which in many cases is critical to achieve Part LlA compliance. The cost of WWHR systems is low in comparison with many other types of energy saving products. A WWHR system (e.g. a vertical pipe) costs approx. £500. This is comparatively low compared with other energy saving products including high spec glazing and renewable technologies. For example, a 0.5kWp PV panel system will cost approx. between £1000 and £1500 to install. WWHR systems are easy to install with no maintenance issues over the long term. High efficiency WWHR is traditionally in the form of vertical pipe system, which can be easily fitted during the construction stage. If additional points are needed for SAP purpose when project is complete, horizontal systems can be retrofitted under the shower tray or bath tub. The recent advancement in WWHR technology has seen emergence of relatively high-efficiency horizontal systems which normally had an efficiency of below 30%. For example, Recoup Easyfit+ claims to reach efficiency of 47%. When selecting WWHR, architects or designers need to pay particular attention to: Efficiency of the system: higher the efficiency, better the SAP rating will be. Designers should aim for minimum efficiency level of 50% to maximise the SAP points therefore the vertical system should be the first choice if viable. Shower type: the shower will need to have a thermostatic mixer which can regulate the desired output temperature. The number of WWHR systems required. If there are multiple shower rooms in the house, designers may need to consult the WWHR suppliers for the optimal solutions. Innervision Design Ltd has undertaken SAP and SBEM for a wide range of residential and commercial projects. We take pride in the quality of our services. Please get in touch for a friendly discussion and some initial advice. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.innervision-design.co.uk/sap-calculations-and-epc.php