News
Feed-in-Tarriffs (FiTs) Confirmed - Febuary 2010
Today the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have confirmed the FiT rates to be paid for electric microgeneration from April 2010, these rates can be viewed in the DECC press release.
DECC have also announced the start of a consultation into a Renewable Heat Incentive, which will provide a financial return for any heat microgeneration. The scheme will be the first of its kind and is due to be implemented in April 2011.
Happy New Year - January 2010
SustainabilityLive! - December 2009
It has been confirmed that CHBS will present within the Energy in Buildings - new buildings section at SustainabilityLive! on Wednesday 21st April. We will be presenting the findings of our research on low-cost strategies for Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 compliance.
Code for Sustainable Homes 2010 Consultation - December 2009
The Department of Communities and Local Government launch the consultation into how the Code for Sustainable Homes will change in line with the 2010 Approved Document Part L Regulations. The consultation can be read and commented on here.
Engineer gains second masters degree - October 2009
A Sustainability Engineer at CHBS has recently graduated with merit in MSc Architecture: Advanced Energy & Environmental Studies at the world renowned Graduate School of the Environment at the Centre for Alternative Technology in Wales. Peter Bartley MEng MSc(Arch) AimechE, who already has a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leeds, has worked for CHBS for two years and is a licensed Code for Sustainable Homes Assessor and On-Construction Domestic Energy Assessor.
CHBS Formally Launch Sustainability Support Services - October 2009
Although we have been providing many of these services for some time as part of our BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes assessment services we have now formally launched a package of standalone services to support and provide evidence towards certain credits within BREEAM and the Code.
These services include, amongst others, daylight calculations, thermal comfort assessments, Site Waste Managment Plan (SWMP) support, building user guides, travel plans and advice on use of sustainable materials.
New Corporate Headquarters for CHBS - September 2009
Despite it being a difficult year in the construction industry, CHBS continue to grow and will soon be moving to a prestigious new office suite in South Manchester.
From 19th October our new address will be: CHBS, Nelson House, Park Road, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5BZ. All other contact details including telephone numbers will remain unchanged.
CHBS Launches New Website - August 2009
The new site focuses on the provision of our Domestic New-Build Compliance Services including our SAPPLUS, EPC, HIPS and a brand new SAPDIY service.
CHBS Launches New HiPs Service - July 2009
We are happy to announce that we can now provide a low-cost New Build Home Information Pack service. In addition to producing the EPC / On Construction Domestic Energy Assessment we can also perform all the relevant searches and compile all documents required into a professional and well presented HiP.
Part L 2010 Revision (Draft Consultation) - June 2009
Early indications of the 2010 Part L and F revisions suggest that; the allowable carbon emissions rates will reduce by 25% as expected, although this value varies depending on building type; measures will be put in place to encourage more widespread air pressure testing; and the carbon emissions factor for electricity is set to rise, making buildings which propose to utilise direct electric heating ever more difficult to meet Part L.
Church House Building Sustainability - May 2009
CHB Design Services Ltd are now trading as Church House Building Sustainability.
The change of name is to strengthen our bond with Church House Building Services, strengthen the CHBS brand and to emphasise our expertise within sustainability in construction, especially regarding our Code for Sustainable Homes and BREEAM services.
Budget Boost for House Building and Renewables - April 2009
Todays budget included some apparent good news for house builders; the allocation of £500 million to help kick-start stalled housing projects. Included in this figure is the provision of £100 million to help local authorities to build energy efficient homes.
Further encouragement to the sector includes the first carbon budget committing the UK to a legally binding 34% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, and the allocation of £435 million to support energy efficiency schemes and a further £405 million to support the low-carbon energy sector.
Julian Leese, Director of CHB Design Services in climate change talks with George Osborne M.P.- March 2009
This month, Julian Leese had an opportunity to discuss climate change issues with George Osborne. In the picture are Julian Leese (left), climate change campaigner and chairman of Broken Cross Action on Climate Change, Paul Mathias (centre), and George Osborne M.P.
Launch of EPCEXPRESS - February 2009
We are pleased to announce the launch of our new EPCEXPRESS service. We have responded to the requirements from some of our clients for a fast and low-cost non-domestic EPC service.
We are offering EPCEXPRESS in addition to our existing EPCPLUS service, as there are still many of our clients who gain a considerable additonal value from our comprehensive reports detailing a practical and cost-effective 'road map' to improving their buildings energy performance asset rating.
Zero Carbon Building Definition - February 2009
The public consultation regarding the definition of a Zero Carbon Building that will be used as the target for new dwellings from 2016 is currently underway. Have your say before the 18th March deadline to ensure Zero Carbon Dwellings make a real difference to UK carbon emissions.