Gaining Approval and Meeting the Standards

working with you to build a safer, sustainable Sussex

Gaining Approval and Meeting the Standards

Horsham District CouncilSussex Building Control

WPL Ltd


Welcome & Introduction

Ray LeeDirector of Development & Environment

Horsham District Council


The Council’s perspective on sustainability

Robert NyeCabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability



How to get the planners to say ……

Ray WrightHead of Development


Working in partnership to secure a better quality of life for all

Ray WrightHead Of Development

‘How to get planners to say…..’


PLANNING POLICY BACKGROUND 1987 – World Commission on Environment and Development 1992 – Local Agenda 21 1997 – World Climate Conference – Kyoto 2000 – The Nottingham Convention 2003 – Energy White Paper – the ‘60% target’ . 2003 – The London Borough of Merton adopted its UDP Policy.

- The ‘Merton Rule’ - By 2006 120 Authorities were operating ‘Merton Rule’ policies.


PRESENT POLICY FRAMEWORK

2004 – PPS 22 ‘Renewable Energy’

2007 – PPS 1 ‘ Planning and Climate Change’ – Supplement

30 April 2009 ?? – The South East Plan

Local Development Frameworks


HORSHAM POLICYLDF Core Strategy Policy CP 2 ‘Environmental Quality’ LDF General Development Control Policies Policy DC8 ‘Renewable

Energy and Climate Change.’This states :- a) Planning permission will only be granted for proposals which

ensure that : - measures are incorporated that reduce the impact on climate

change;and - wherever possible and certainly for any development of 10 or

more dwellings and other forms of major development, sufficient on-site renewable energy equipment or other design measures are provided to achieve at least a 10%

reduction in the scheme’s predicted carbon dioxide emissions.


HORSHAM POLICY

b) The Council will permit schemes for renewable energy ( eg solar, biomass, and energy crops, landfill gas and hydroelectricity ), where they do not have asignificant adverse effect on landscape character, wildlife, areas of historical significance or amenity value.’

Renewables versus Sustainable Design and Construction.


APPLICATION PROCESS Pre Application – examine policy and consider potential at the outset.Application – details in ‘energy statement’ or ‘design and access statement.’Processing – ensure case officer is satisfied with the details.Committee – divergent member viewsDecision – conditions should be expected if permission is granted. - many authorities will specifically refuse permission if ‘renewables’ not addressed.


EXAMPLES OF CONDITIONS – renewablesLondon Borough of Merton

No works in relation to the proposed development shall commence on site pursuant to the planning permission until details of a renewable energy generation system for the proposed….development which provides at least 10% of the predicted energy requirements have been submitted and approved by the local planning authority and suitably and operational to the satisfaction of the local planning authority prior to the occupation of the accommodation.

London Borough of Enfield

The development shall be carried out in accordance with the measures identified in the sustainability assessment form submitted on … ( and amendments received..) . Before the development is first occupied, the developer shall submit to the LPA a statement confirming that the development hereby approved has been so carried out.


EXAMPLES OF CONDITIONS – renewables

Woking Borough Council

Prior to the commencement of any development, details of predicted energy use of the development and the generation of on- site renewable energy shall be submitted and approved by the Local Planning Authority. These details will demonstrate how energy efficiency is being addressed, including bench mark data, and show the on-site measures to be taken to produce a minimum of 10 per cent of the total energy requirements of the new development by means of renewable energy sources. Such details as may be approved shall be implemented and retained in perpetuity.


INSPECTORS CONDITION – code for sustainable homes.

No development shall take place until an initial design

stage assessment by an accredited assessor for the Code for Sustainable Homes has been carried out and an interim certificate has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority stating that each dwelling has been designed to achieve a minimum of Level 3 of the Code (or an equivalent level of performance if an alternative independently assessed means of sustainability assessment is used). No dwelling shall be occupied until a final certificate stating that the dwelling complies with a minimum of Level 3 of the code has been submitted to the local planning authority.


FROM NOW ONMore LDF’s with ‘Merton Rule’ policies

More of those policies will be prescriptive and ‘require’ rather than ‘encourage’

The level at which the policy operates will reduce

For the next speaker but The Code for Sustainable Homes requirements ( level 3 -2010, level 4 - 2013, and level 6 - 2016 ), are increasing, with level 5 requirements meaning that on site renewables are essential


Working with the Code for Sustainable Homes

Stephen ShorrocksActing Head of Building Control

Sussex Building Control


Obtaining a rating• Design Stage

– Early involvement• Interim certificate

– Planning / Funding• Monitoring• Post Construction Stage

– What has been achieved• Final Certificate

– Following QA process


Code LevelsTotal points score

(equal or greater than)

Level 1 () 36 points







Category weightingsCategory No. of credits

availableWeighting factor Points score for

each credit1 – Energy 29 36.4% 1.26

2 – Water 6 9.0% 1.50

3 – Materials 24 7.2% 0.30

4 – Surface water 4 2.2% 0.55

5 – Waste 7 6.4% 0.91

6 – Pollution 4 2.8% 0.70

7 – Health 12 14.0% 1.17

8 – Management 9 10.0% 1.11

9 – Ecology 9 12.0% 1.33

Total 104 100.0% -


Mandatory elements

• Mat 1 – Environmental Impact of Materials

• Sur 1 – Surface Water Run-off• Was 1 – Household Waste

Storage• Was 2 – Site Waste

Management• Ene 1 – Dwelling Emission Rate• Wat 1 – Internal Water Use


Key areas – changes during construction

• Insulation materials / construction method– Ene 1 – SAP calculations– Mat 1 – Green Guide rating– Pol 1 – GWP of insulants

• Bathroom fittings– Wat 1 – Internal water use

• Robust details– Hea 2 – Sound insulation


Specialist advice required• SAP assessor – Ene 1,

Ene 2, Ene 7• LZC energy specialist –

feasibility study Ene 7• Quantity Surveyor – Mat

2, Mat 3• Drainage engineer – Sur

1, Sur 2• Daylight calculations –

Hea 1• Crime Prevention Design

Advisor – Man 4• Ecologist – Eco 1 - 4


Practical example – Level 1

• Energy efficiency – 10% improvement over building regulations

• Water use – max 120 litres / person / day

• Other minimum requirements

• Further 33.3 points required


Practical example – Level 3• Energy efficiency –

25% improvement over building regulations

• Water use – max 105 litres / person / day

• Other minimum requirements

• Further 46.7 points required


Conclusions• Some areas effective, others out of

balance in importance• Radical change for water consumption• Benefits ecologically sensitive design• Culture changing• Promoting innovation


Tea & Coffee Break

Resume at 11.40


Welcome Back

David StarrPrincipal BCO

Sussex Building Control

Climate change and Building Control

What does it have to do with us?David Starr

What do we have to say?

Introduction. The position in which we find ourselves. The story so far. How the regulations have changed over the

recent years. What we have seen. The way SAP, energy calculations, drainage

and permeability design have been used. Better by design. Improvement on good design.

Introduction

Changing emphasis, requirements and concerns.

Horsham district council Climate change working group.

Getting advice.

Introduction The TimesJanuary 29, 2009Scepticism grows over the viability of green

projectsRobin Pagnamenta, Energy and Environment Editor Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Lord

Turner, chairman of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and of the Government’s Committee on Climate Change, said that the study was a response to mounting scepticism over the Government’s plans for a huge expansion of wind and tidal power.

The TimesMarch 26, 2009When oil, coal and gas are cheap, who is going

to throw their cash into the wind?Robin Pagnamenta, Energy and Environment Editor The credit crunch has undermined developers’ ability to borrow

to fund big wind and solar power schemes, while tumbling prices for conventional fuels like oil, coal and gas have undermined the economics of the renewables industry.

“Are we able to worry about more than one concern at a time”.

Can or does the country continue to think about the environment and environmental issues while the immediate economic situation looms large.

The Guardian, Thursday 12 February 2009 Britain should prepare for massive loss of

landmass, warn engineersUK should change building design, transport and

energy infrastructure ahead of climate change and high sea levels

Terry Macalister

The climate change movement must be inclusive

The climate change movement must broaden its social base from the white middle-classes to include the poor and ethnic minorities if it is to be successful in protecting the environment

For weeks now the world has been mesmerised by the "credit crunch". But the biggest single long-term threat to all our futures remains the issue of climate change.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/climatechange

Man’s effect or natural fluctuations.

Temperatures set to rise.

Climate change is casting its influence over the construction industry.

Sea level changes

Weather conditions

What does this have to do with the building regulations.

The story so far.

Building Regulations. Health and safety in use. 1985 regulations – conservation of

fuel and power. by 1995

In 2002 changes add a requirement for information on boilers and there operation.

(d) providing sufficient information with the heating and hot waterservices so that building occupiers can operate and maintain theservices in such a manner as to use no more energy than isreasonable in the circumstances.

Also at this stage control of replacement services and fittings was included.

2006 edition the options were limited, removing the elemental approach.

CO2 became the prime measure.

Checklist for dwellings.

5 Criteria.

As built information.

Other parts of the regulations.

Approved document F. Guidance notice-air permeability

Approved document H. Section H3-surface water disposal

Changes to come

Approved document G – Use of water.

Approved document L – changes to align more closely with the code for sustainably homes.

Approved document F – ventilation details.

Approved document C – flood resilience.

What have we seen so far.

I have a ‘Green design’ because I met the requirements of the building regulations.

SAP calculations added at the end, not used as part of the design tools.

Adjustment of the design to just meet the minimum requirement.

Use of loopholes to justify design. Removal of elements of the design.

The use of high permeability figures in the DER/TER design.

Better by design.

By linking the building regulations with the code for sustainable homes, using other guidance and manufactures design information, sustainable elements can be built in to your buildings that satisfies your clients needs the site limitations and the regulatory requirements.

Future proofing.

Better by design.

Orientation Natural and designed shading. Rainwater harvesting. Gray water capture. Foundation design. Flood protection. Whole life design.

How you can use the regulations.

The regulations are not must does, they contain options.

Remember that they are only the minimum standard to be achieved.

Read the guidance notes the help to link the approved documents together.

In conclusion

Government response to Climate change is putting pressure on the construction industry.

Changing emphasis of the building regulations.

Site specific design can help meet the regulations and code requirements.

Use the code as part of your design tools. Adaptation and whole life design.

Other sources of information.

Climate change www.realclimate.org.uk www.metoffice.org.uk Energy efficiency www.energysavingstrust.org.uk www.warmfrongrants.co.uk

http://www.realclimate.org.uk/

http://www.metoffice.org.uk/

http://www.energysavingstrust.org.uk/

http://www.warmfrongrants.co.uk/

Renewable energy www.nef.org.uk www.lowcarbonbuildingsprogramme.org.uk Water use www.environment-agency.org.uk www.waterwise.org.uk

http://www.nef.org.uk/

http://www.lowcarbonbuildingsprogramme.org.uk/

http://www.environment-agency.org.uk/

http://www.waterwise.org.uk/

Waste minimisation www.wrap.org Businesses www.carbontrust.co.uk www.envirowise.gov.uk www.environment-agency.gov.uk

www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast

http://www.wrap.org/

http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/

http://www.envirowise.gov.uk/

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast

Adaptation www.ukcip.org.uk www.climatesoutheast.org.uk

http://www.ukcip.org.uk/

http://www.climatesoutheast.org.uk/

Thank you

The End


Rainwater Harvesting

Phil BradburySouth East Area Representative

WPL Ltd

Rainwater Harvesting

Presented by

Phil Bradbury

Environmental Wastewater Solutions

Introduction to WPL Limited• WPL Ltd provide innovative and reliable wastewater treatment, rainwater

harvesting and grease management systems for domestic, commercial and industrial markets

• Manufactures and Distributors of waste water treatment plants for the Domestic and Commercial & Industrial markets

• Distributors/Resellers of Domestic and Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Systems

• Framework supplier to most UK water utilities

• Over 25 years experience in Water & Waste Water Treatment



Learning Objectives

• Understand what rainwater harvesting is• Why use rainwater harvesting• Design considerations• What is available• Installation • Features & Benefits• Cost• Conclusion


What is rainwater harvesting?• Upto 50% of mains water that is currently used can be safely replaced with rainwater

without any inconvenience to the customer.

• Properly designed rainwater harvesting systems are designed to provide sufficient water for a property to have 21 days water storage capacity and this reduces the potable water consumption to be significantly less than 80 litres per person per day thereby enabling an immediate 6 star rating within the Codes Water Category.

• Can be fitted in new and existing properties

• The collection of water for re-use from a roof or hard standing area.

Uses:• Toilet Flushing • Washing Machines• Cleaning • Garden• Car Wash


Using rainwater harvesting for domestic and commercial buildings:

As a result of the growing population water reserves are declining.

The code for sustainable homes uses a ‘star’ system to demonstrate the overall sustainability of a home. A growing number of planners and developers’ customers are already asking for the design and construction to be at a 5 or 6 star rating.

Key Benefits:

Helps alleviate flood risks by collecting excess water. Due to erratic weather systems we either have an abundance or drought. Rainwater Harvesting is the only sustainable drainage system that removes the initial impact of storm water from the site. Any Development with over 10 houses must undertake a flood assessment.

The E.A. accept rainwater harvesting as an appropriate form of surface water attenuation.

Provides a source of usable water during periods of low rain fall.

One of the easiest and inexpensive ways to achieve cost savings on water bill. Legislation bought in by the government in 2006 gave water companies the right to compulsorily meter all it’s customers, currently about 40% of the population have meters, but this will increase over time. The legislation aims at 90% within 10 years.

Adds sustainable value to a property.

RegulationsSUstainable Drainage Systems The Building Act & RegulationsPart H Drainage and Waste Disposal H3 Rainwater DrainagePart L Sustainable rainwater drainage

Why choose rainwater harvesting?


The Code for Sustainable Homes - Category 2: Water

Over a number of years the Code for Sustainable Homes is introducing water reductions on a phased basis between public and private housing.

The code aims:“ TO REDUCE THE CONSUMPTION OF POTABLE WATER IN THE HOME FROM ALL SOURCES, INCLUDING BORE HOLE WELL WATER, THROUGH THE USE OF WATER EFFICIENT FITTINGS, APPLIANCES AND WATER RECYCLING SYSTEMS”

The use of dual flush toilets, aerated taps etc are commonplace within the code to achieve the lower code levels 1 & 2.

Code levels 3 & 4 are already in place for public housing, and will be introduced to the private sector by 2010. To achieve this level you need smaller baths as well as the previous methods above, however these methods may prove to be unpopular to the house holder, primarily comfort and convenience.

Rainwater harvesting is the most cost effective and practical way to achieve the code levels 5 & 6, which will be mandatory by 2013 for the Public sector and 2016 for the private sector.

Code for Sustainable Homes Weightings:The weighting factor to percentage points contribution for the water category is 9%. With 6 credits available in the category, the weighted value of each credit is 1.50 – the highest of any category within the code.


Design Considerations

Annual Precipitation over Great Britain


Design Considerations

E.A. recommend 5% of rainwater supply or of annual demand,using the lower of the two figures

Tank size calculations


Design• 150 lts per person per day - 50% could be rainwater harvested• A house with 4 persons could save around 100m3 per year

Variations• Header Tank• Cistern Top Up• Dual-feed WC system• Tank top up from mains• Auto change over to mains


Above Ground Water buttsSectionalIndustrial/CommercialGarden Systems

Below GroundHigh water tableHome & Garden SystemsGarden SystemsIndustrial/Commercial

What's Available


Filter

Calming InletSuction Filter

Pump and Control

AA Air GapSoakaway


Installation ConsiderationsPlumbing Legislation

• Type AA or AB Air gap• WRAS dictates that pipes carrying non-potable water must be clearly marked• WRAS recommend

– Hazard assessments– Prevention of cross contamination– Screened Inlets– Insulation to minimise frost damage

Maintenance

• Whilst filters are self cleaning, inspection 3 times per year is recommended• Gutters need to be kept free of debris• A visual inspection of the tank is required once a year• Control systems should be checked once a year


Water Quality

• No water quality standards exist for Rainwater Harvesting• Studies done suggest the following as standards

– Vehicle washing <10 total coliforms– Irrigation <1,000 total coliforms– WC Flushing <1,000 total coliforms– In microbiological tests, Harvested Rainwater had less than 10% of the above as total coliforms cfu/100ml

Sources Of Contamination

• Asbestos – cement roofs• Metal roofs can taint the water with leachates• Bitumen or felt can cause odour • Grass or other vegetation may cause soil and colour problems

When not to use

• Do not collect from hard standing, animal contamination as well as oils from cars• Should not be used for drinking or ingestion with out further treatment


Benefits

• Other than filtering no further treatment required• Compliance with building regulations• Reduced loading on sewers• Reduced water bills

End User Perceptions

• The cost of systems are prohibitively expensive• Concerns over water quality and health risks

Costs

• The costs for systems vary but for a basic system they start at £1,500 up to £3,500.• Installation costs vary from £300 up to £1,500


Conclusions

• Relatively cheap attenuation for sites • Customers will see a payback if on water meters• Supply of water for the garden during hose pipe bans• Ease of installation on new builds, more difficult on retrofits• Compliance with new regulations and guide lines

Sources Of Information• WRAS

• Water Regulatory Advisory Scheme• Web site – www.wras.co.uk

– Specification for backflow prevention

• Environment Agency • Web site – www.environment-agency.gov.uk• Phone – 08708 506506

http://www.wras.co.uk/

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/


Questions for the panel


Summary

Ray Lee


Lunch

Documents

Gaining Approval and Meeting the Standards