Renewable Energy Feasibility Studies

In order to find which low/zero carbon (LZC) energy source is most appropriate for an area of land, a renewable energy feasibility study needs to be undertaken. LZC energy sources predominantly include solar, water, wind, biomass, combined heat and power (CHP), community heating and heat pumps, although other forms may be applicable. The feasibility study aims to provide the client with a comprehensive breakdown of which LZC resources are most appropriate. The financial payback and energy return on energy investment (EROEI) will be documented. The feasibility study will also include planning requirements and any available grants which may be applicable.

A feasibility study has the added benefit of being worth credits for both BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) assessments.

Reegen can guide you through the process of a feasibility study.

Site Waste Management Plans

Ten million tonnes of construction products are wasted every year, at a cost of £1.5 billion. Much of this site waste is harmful to the environment and costly to businesses. Site Waste Management Plans are a mandatory requirement under BREEAM and the Code for Sustainable Homes and a legal requirement in England for any development costing £300, 000 or more. If implemented correctly, they promote the reduction and effective management of construction related waste, reducing potential harm to the environment and human health, as well as development costs.

'Based on REEGEN's adivce, we implemented a Site Waste Management Plan using the Smartwaste web tool on one of our most recent domestic projects. Though it has taken some time for us to suitably develop our administration processes to ensure that the relevant data is being monitored and collated, the process s a whole has proved useful and we have found that setting-up and maintaining a Site Waste Management Plan has helped to reduce on-site costs.' Shaun Taverner, Jehu Construction

REEGEN recommends the Smartwaste and WRAP Template v2 online tools for clarity and convenience.

Click here to download Reegen's guide to setting up a SWMP.

BREEAM In Use

The environmental performance of an organisation’s built assets is a key factor in its sustainability credentials and carbon footprint. BREEAM In-Use is designed to help building managers reduce the running costs and improve the environmental performance of buildings.

All those involved in occupying, procuring or managing existing buildings can now evaluate, and improve, the performance of their property assets and the quality of their management regimes.

BREEAM In-Use sits alongside the already well-established BREEAM schemes for assessing the environmental performance of buildings at the design and construction stages. BREEAM In-Use is a mandatory requirement for any buildings that need to achieve a BREEAM Outstanding rating.

BREEAM In-Use consists of a standard, easy-to-use self-assessment tool and a third party certification process that provides a clear and credible route map to improving sustainability. The In-Use standard has three parts which cover: asset performance, building management performance and organisational effectiveness.

For a formal BREEAM rating, a licensed BREEAM In-Use auditor will need to carry out a site visit to verify the data and the online assessment. Reegen is licensed to undertake In-Use audits.

SAP & SBEM Calculations

The Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) is the approved Government assessment for the Energy Rating of Dwellings, based on the calculation of the carbon emissions in domestic buildings. It is used to demonstrate compliance with building regulations for dwellings under the Code for Sustainable Homes.

The Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) is applied to the development of non-domestic buildings. The tool determines the carbon emission rates in compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations and is required for BREEAM assessments. It is also used to generate Energy Performance Certificates (EPC).

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are a legal requirement for all properties including homes, commercial and public buildings.

REEGEN can provide assistance with the completion of SBEM and SAP assessments to ensure final compliance is achieved: contact us to discuss your requirements.

To see how alterations of the 2010 SAP may affect you click here.

Energy and Sustainability Audits

Reegen undertakes energy and sustainability audits of small to medium sized businesses, including farms, hospitality businesses, shops, office and small industrial premises. This service has the potential to save our clients up to 30% on their energy and water consumption. This is achieved through energy efficiency measures, improved staff awareness and the implementation of energy saving technologies, including renewable energy where appropriate.

Reegen will review energy bills and tariffs, conduct a site visit and provide a report of recommendations for improving the environmental performance of the business.

· Review of energy bills and water bills:

Ideally, the client will provide energy and water bills for at least the preceding 12 months. The levels of consumption and tariffs will be reviewed.

· Site visit and survey:

Following a review of energy bills, the site visit will assess the condition of the building as a whole, including heating and hot water services, energy efficient lighting, appliances and thermostatic radiator valves. It will also cover an observation of staff and occupant behaviour, for example whether it is usual practice to switch off appliances and technologies that are not in use etc.

· Energy efficiency report:

This will identify where energy can be saved and make recommendations for improving the energy performance of the building and energy monitoring practices: an improved baseline of energy demand that will then allow a better matching of renewable energy technologies if required, as a lower demand will mean that system sizes can be smaller and therefore cheaper.

· Recommendations

As well as recommendations relating to the energy consumption / use of the building, Reegen will try to identify other sustainable practices such as water efficiency, recycling and sustainable procurement. Reegen can identify sources of grants that may be available and provide lists of technology providers and installers.