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Understanding thermal mass is crucial for energy-efficient building design. Materials like concrete, brick, and stone can absorb, store, and release heat to help maintain steady internal temperatures, making your home more comfortable and cost-efficient. Balancing air permeability and thermal mass is vital; with proper insulation and sealing air leaks, you

Airtightness testing is an essential process for evaluating and improving the energy efficiency of buildings, mandated by UK Building Regulations to ensure reduced energy consumption and environmental impact. Using methods like the blower door test, it measures air leakage, identifying problematic areas that lead to unwanted heat loss, increased heating

SAP calculations are an essential requirement for compliance with the UK’s energy efficiency standards, particularly those stipulated in Part L of the Building Regulations, ensuring new constructions and significant modifications align with current energy performance criteria. The process entails collecting detailed building data, evaluating the design at both the initial

Navigating the intricate regulations and preservation guidelines for listed properties in the UK is essential to maintain their historic integrity. Obtaining Listed Building Consent and aligning with local planning authorities can be a complex and lengthy process, particularly for properties like blocks of flats with shared spaces. The financial burden

Airtightness testing is essential in the pursuit of various building certifications by ensuring that structures meet designated standards for energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall performance. This testing, typically conducted using methods such as blower door tests (e.g., ASTM E779, ASTM E1827), helps identify air leaks that could account

SAP (Standard Assessment Procedure) calculations, mandated under Part L of the UK Building Regulations, do not directly quantify a building’s form factor but inherently consider its influence through various elements. These calculations rely heavily on the thermal elements, such as walls, floors, and roofs, assessing their U-values to determine energy

SAP and SBEM calculations are integral to evaluating the energy performance of buildings across the UK, each catering to distinct types of structures. SAP is dedicated to domestic dwellings, offering a detailed assessment that encompasses factors like insulation, heating, and construction materials, thereby ensuring accurate reflection of energy efficiency and

After an airtightness test, the comprehensive documentation serves to both verify the building envelope’s airtightness and offer valuable insights for necessary improvements. The primary test report outlines the methodology, detailing standards like AS/NZS ISO 9972:2015 or ASTM E779, and presents key metrics such as normalised air leakage rates and equivalent

Understanding the early design process in construction projects is vital, as it sets the stage for success by defining objectives, scope, and requirements with input from architects, engineers, and stakeholders. At Ratio Seven, we recommend integrating Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculations early on to ensure energy efficiency and sustainability. These