The blueprint for net zero: launch of NZCBS pilot version

The UK’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard sets a performance benchmark for buildings that aligns with the country’s net zero goals. Julie Godefroy explains how cross-industry support for the standard will drive widespread adoption

Smart homes, zero bills: Octopus Energy’s scheme for housebuilders

Octopus Energy is offering a partnership with housebuilders that guarantees zero energy bills for occupiers using its Kraken technology platform. Andy Pearson speaks to Nigel Banks about the company’s first pilot and a 200-home scheme planned with Bellway Homes

Framing finesse: Paddington Square’s innovative façade

The façade at Paddington Square in West London is anything but straightforward. Mace’s Ovi Mazareanu, and WSP’s Michele Sauchelli and Serena Gugliotta, describe how the client’s demand for energy efficiency and performance led to the design team taking a collaborative and innovative approach

Striving for net zero at Foster+Partners’ Battersea HQ

After metering its Battersea HQ, Foster + Partners found that IT, lighting and small power made up a significant proportion of the energy used in the building. As part of the consultant’s road to net zero, Stuart Humber looked at four options for cutting the energy use intensity of office power

Bundles of energy: the platform approach to decarbonising schools

The Department for Education is exploring how it can apply platform construction principles to create an innovative retrofit solution that can decarbonise schools and colleges, and facilities in other sectors. Andy Pearson reports on the energy pod concept

Meaning business: How CIBSE Award winner makes low carbon retrofits pay

When recession hit Ireland in 2008, Lawler Consulting turned to energy-performance contracting to engineer efficiency savings for its grateful clients. Since then, it has enjoyed growth in Ireland and the rest of the world, and this year retained its Consultant of the Year (0-50 employees) crown at the CIBSE Building Performance Awards. Andy Pearson reports

Making data count

Standardising energy data is essential to accurately assess relative building performance. Julie Godefroy compares data from previous CIBSE award winners with the latest energy use targets and introduces a new awards submission form that aims to maximise the value of data

Guide to low loss headers

Achieving hydraulic separation through well-designed low loss headers is key for efficient heating and cooling systems. David Palmer and Baxi Heating’s Ryan Kirkwood provide detailed design guidance, including a recommended system configuration