LZC – feasibility low zero carbon
Our clients will at times engage our sustainability team to carry out low and zero-carbon feasibility studies. Part of that service is to provide them with reports and detailed analyses for potential developments and advice on the best approach in terms of renewable energy technologies. Low and zero carbon technology or LZC is a term that covers different systems and technologies that will deliver either zero or low levels of CO2 emissions. The study and reporting will outline solutions for energy generation that are classed as low-carbon systems such as ground source heat pumps or combined heat and power.
Our process:
Consulting
We speak to our clients and look at their designs and aspirations alongside a review of local planning policy. This is particularly pertinent when working under the remit of the Greater London Authority (GLA). If the development comprises a residential aspect, then we would look at the modelling of SAP calculations.
Complete study
Our sustainability engineers would then carry out a feasibility study on the project. This would consider low and zero-carbon and renewable energy technologies that meet the needs of the development. This would include energy and carbon modelling to assess the viability and cost of potential solutions.
Strategy
Once the Cudd Bentley team have developed a strategy, this would then be presented to either the local planning authority or GLA for them to check for compliance and provide feedback with initial comments.
Meeting client goals and planning targets
Our team work to meet both local requirements and client aspirations by delivering outstanding high-level certification and achieving desired ratings. The London GLA has set a target of 100% carbon reduction within the London plan. This is much easier to achieve on industrial schemes than residential ones because PV panels, for example, can go on larger industrial roof space whereas with residential developments, roof space is limited so not as easy to achieve 100% carbon reduction.
Carbon footprint documents
Manufacturers must provide environmental product declaration certification that shows the total carbon footprint. When it comes to energy-efficient lighting solutions for construction for example, any product can have an EPD certificate and family EPD can be done for groups of lighting.
Requirements for sustainability documentation that attests to the carbon footprint are becoming increasingly prevalent. We will assess materials and specified items and change the supply chain, if necessary, by looking for certificates that show carbon footprints and energy values.
Our sustainability consultancy will always deliver a far deeper and more realistic look at what the client wants against the design and the location. Our ethos is to collaborate closely with our clients and always be completely transparent on what we feel will be achievable against the design aspirations. Often, we know that what has been designed cannot work in that location such as somewhere with poor transport links or shaded buildings that will impact desires for PVs on a roof for example. We strongly feel that consultancy should always be tailored and honest as well as solution-based and valuable.