MGA Consultancy Limited - Building Control Consultants

SAP/SBEM Calculations Domestic & Commercial EPC’s Air Tightness Pressure Testing - Domestic & Commercial up to 1000m2 Water Efficiency Calculations Competent Person for Domestic Ventilation Systems and Balancing of Systems Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors Structural Calculations – Domestic & Commercial Applications Building Regulation Advice to include - Part A Structures, Part B Fire Safety, Part E Sound Insulation, Part F Ventilation to Buildings, Part M Disable Access & Use etc. Building Regulation Specifications to satisfy Building Bodies requirements – Domestic & Commercial Sound Testing in the near future, once UKAS Accreditation has been obtained. Looking towards the end of the year or early part of next year, subject to meeting the necessary requirements of the Accreditation process. Seminars to identify new changes to the Building Regulations etc.

SAP/SBEM Calculations

SBEM, ‘Simplified Building Energy Model’, refers to the computer programme used to assess how energy efficient a commercial property is based on the buildings energy usage and carbon dioxide emissions from month to month. The energy efficiency of a commercial property is based on various aspects of the building including how the building is to be/has been built, the heating ventilation, air conditioning systems and lighting equipment installed as well as its use. An SBEM assessment is a lawful requirement and should therefore be obtained by anyone considering undergoing construction to a commercial property.

Air Pressure Testing

Since 2006 all new domestic and commercial buildings have been required to be tested for Air Permeability, in order to comply with Part L1 and Part L2 of the Building Regulations. This means that for a dwelling to be deemed as habitable and meet Part L1A of the Building Regulations it needs to achieve the standard of air tightness set and be energy efficient. (The target Air Test value is set within the Design Stage SAP) In subsequent amendments to Building Regulations the levels of air tightness have become more stringent as dwelling emission rates have been lowered. This has put a greater emphasis on building more air tight houses. Air Tightness Testing is a method of calculating this by quantifying how much air leaks in or out of the building. For this we use the term 'Air Leakage' which is defined as ‘the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the building fabric’ Areas for potential leakage which should be given particular attention during the build process are: Behind Kitchen/Utility units or fitted bedroom or bathroom furniture. Where all walls meet a floor. Around windows and external doors. Around any pipework leading into or out of the building. Around sockets and other electrical points.

Domestic & Commercial EPC’s

The Government is complying with the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) with the introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate. The EPC shows a record of the energy efficiency levels and CO2 emissions of a building, by using a standard table from A to G (A being very efficient, G being very inefficient). Firstly, the energy survey is performed by a qualified energy assessor who visits the property and examines key items within the premises such as loft insulation, domestic boiler, hot water tank, radiators, windows for double glazing, etc. Once this information is obtained it is then placed into a software programme which carries out and calculates the level of energy efficiency and CO2 emissions.

Water Efficiency Calculations

In April 2010, new building regulations concerning Water Efficiency Calculations came into force. The calculations must be carried out on all new build and conversion dwellings in accordance with water performance targets as stated in the Building Regulations Part G..

Competent Person for Domestic Ventilation Systems and Balancing of Systems

In October 2010 the Approved Document F (2010 Edition) – “Ventilation” came into force. This requires that air flow rates on all mechanical ventilation systems installed in new dwellings are measured and notice given to the Building Control Body. This applies to intermittently used extract fans and cooker hoods as well as continuously running systems. Further reference is also made to DCLG’s Domestic Ventilation Compliance Guide 2010 Edition..

We also consult in the following areas

  • Code for Sustainable Homes Assessors

    CSH drives improvement in building practice by providing a comprehensive measure of housing sustainability.

  • Structural Calculations – Domestic & Commercial Applications

    We prepare structural calculations for any type of project.

  • Building Regulation Advice to include:

    Part A Structures, Part B Fire Safety, Part E Sound Insulation, Part F Ventilation to Buildings, Part M Disable Access & Use etc.

  • Building Regulation Specifications

    Building Regulation Specifications to satisfy Building Bodies requirements – Domestic & Commercial.

  • Sound Testing in the near future

    Once UKAS Accreditation has been obtained. Subject to meeting the necessary requirements of the Accreditation process.

  • Seminars

    Seminars to identify new changes to the Building Regulations etc.

Any Questions?

01392 401864 or email maurizio@mga-ltd.co.uk