Overheating Risk Analysis and Assessment Services In The UK
In the context of UK’s rapidly evolving urban landscape and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, overheating has become a significant concern for building occupants and developers alike. Overheating occurs when indoor temperatures rise to uncomfortable levels, posing health risks and compromising occupants’ well-being.
To address this growing challenge, the London Plan mandates overheating analysis and assessments for all new developments and major refurbishments. This requirement stems from the recognition that overheating can have detrimental impacts on both building occupants and the wider environment.
At CCA Environmental, we offer comprehensive overheating analysis and assessment services to help you meet the rigorous requirements set out in the London Plan and UK building regulations.
Overheating can lead to a range of adverse consequences, including:
Overheating occurs when indoor temperatures reach uncomfortable and potentially dangerous levels, impacting health, productivity, and energy consumption. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can exacerbate health conditions, reduce cognitive function, and increase the need for energy-intensive cooling systems.
- Health risks: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can exacerbate existing health conditions, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with respiratory or cardiovascular ailments.
- Reduced productivity: Overheating can impair cognitive function and concentration, leading to decreased productivity and increased absenteeism in workplaces.
- Increased energy consumption: Excessive reliance on air conditioning to mitigate overheating contributes to higher energy consumption and associated carbon emissions.
Overheating Analysis Guidelines
The London Plan outlines specific guidelines for conducting overheating analysis and assessments. These guidelines emphasise the importance of employing dynamic thermal modelling techniques, such as CIBSE TM59 for residential buildings and CIBSE TM52 for non-residential buildings. Dynamic thermal modelling involves simulating the thermal performance of a building over time, considering factors such as:
• Building orientation and geometry
• Materials and construction techniques
• Internal heat sources
• External weather conditions
By analysing the results of dynamic thermal modelling, designers and developers can identify potential overheating risks and implement appropriate mitigation measures early in the design process.
Compliance With Overheating Requirements For Building Regulations
Residential buildings
All habitable rooms should achieve a comfortable temperature range of 23°C to 26°C during the summer design month (typically July).
Non-residential buildings
All occupied areas should achieve a comfortable temperature range of 25°C to 28°C during the summer design month.
In addition to dynamic thermal modelling, developers may also employ passive design strategies to mitigate overheating, such as:
• Maximising natural ventilation
• Shading windows from direct sunlight
• Using materials that reflect sunlight
• Incorporating green roofs and walls for insulation and evapotranspiration
By adopting a holistic approach to overheating analysis and incorporating passive design principles, developers can create buildings that are not only thermally comfortable but also energy efficient and sustainable.
CCA Environmental: Your Partner In Overheating Analysis And Compliance
CCA Environmental is a leading provider of overheating analysis and assessment services, helping developers and building owners navigate the complexities of the London Plan and building regulations requirements and achieve compliance. Our team of experienced engineers utilises advanced thermal modelling techniques to identify and mitigate overheating risks, ensuring that your buildings provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for all occupants.
Contact us today 020 3514 3080 to discuss your overheating analysis and compliance needs and let us help you create buildings that are resilient to climate change and promote sustainable.