Overheating Risk Analysis and Assessment Services In The UK
With the UK’s city landscape rapidly evolving and extreme weather events increasing in regularity, overheating is a growing concern for building occupants and developers alike. best Overheating results when indoor temperatures become uncomfortable, representing health hazards and undermining the well-being of occupants.
To meet this increasing challenge, the London Plan requires overheating analysis and assessment on all new builds and large refurbishments. This is due to the fact that overheating has negative effects on building occupants and the surrounding environment.
At CCA Environmental we are able to carry out detailed overheating analysis and we have a number of checks in place to help you achieve the rigorous standards set out by the London Plan and UK building regulations.
Overheating can lead to a range of adverse consequences, including:
Overheating occurs when temperatures in a room rise above what is comfortable or even hazardous, which is impacting health, productivity and energy use. Prolonged high temperatures can exacerbate existing health issues, reduce productivity, and lead to an increased need for energy-hungry cooling systems.
- Health risks: Prolonged exposure to heat can exacerbate underlying conditions, particularly in at-risk groups such as the elderly and people with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
- Decreased productivity: Overheating can damage cognitive ability and focus, causing reduced productivity and higher absenteeism in the workplace.
- Higher energy use: Overdependence on air conditioning to counteract overheating leads to increased energy use and related carbon emissions.
Overheating Analysis Guidelines
The London Plan sets out the detailed requirements for undertaking overheating analysis and appraisal. These are to stress the use of dynamic thermal modelling methodologies, including CIBSE TM59 for dwelling buildings and CIBSE TM52 for buildings other than dwellings. Dynamic thermal modelling implies simulating building thermal performance through time, accounting for factors like:
• Orientation and geometry of the building
• Construction types and materials
• Internal heat gains
• External weathering
By examining dynamic thermal modelling outcomes, designers and developers are able to spot prospective overheating danger and institute mitigating actions before the end of the design stage.
Compliance With Overheating Requirements For Building Regulations
Residential buildings
Every inhabited room must provide a satisfactory comfortable temperature range between 23°C and 26°C during the summer design period (normally July).
Non-residential buildings
Every area of occupation must provide a satisfactory comfortable temperature range between 25°C and 28°C for the summer design period.
In addition to dynamic thermal modelling, developers have passive design measures available to mitigate overheating, such as:
• Improve natural ventilation
• Shading windows from direct sunlight
• using reflective materials in sunlight
• Adding green roofs and walls for insulation and evapotranspiration
This global perspective of overheating analysis when integrated with passive design principles can create thermally comfortable, energy efficient and sustainable buildings.
CCA Environmental: Your Partner In Overheating Analysis And Compliance
CCA Environmental is a specialist in the provision of overheating analysis and assessment services, assisting developers and building owners in understanding the intricacies of the London Plan and building regulations requirements and gaining compliance. Our experienced engineers use sophisticated thermal modelling methods to detect and prevent overheating risks, ensuring that your buildings offer a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for all occupants.
Get in touch with us today 020 3514 3080 to talk through your overheating analysis and compliance requirements and we will assist you in designing climate change resilient buildings that foster sustainable.