An overview of how forthcoming environmental legislation will impact on the healthcare estate function over the next 2-3 years, an examination of NHS sustainability policy, and a look at thermal modelling’s use to simulate the dynamic thermal performance of buildings, will be among highlights of an Environment and Sustainability event being held by IHEEM’s Yorkshire branch on 22 April.
The event takes place at Bradford Royal Infirmary’s new Lecture Theatre (pictured), beginning at 6.00 p.m. (with a “showcase demonstration” of the new facility and refreshments), with the presentations starting at 6.30 p.m. Engineering consultants Gifford, one of four companies to be providing a speaker, will examine the implications of the forthcoming Part L2A 2010 of the Building Regulations, now just 12 months away from becoming mandatory, and likely, the company says, to see a further impact on both new and refurbished buildings. Gifford will cover the likely changes to the Part L2A document, and its impact on end users, architects and contractors, examining how the Carbon Assessment method will be used to assess the total carbon emissions of a building. The company will also look ahead to 2010, when it anticipates a further 25% tightening in the amount of carbon emissions buildings will be allowed to generate annually. It said: “Under the 2006 Part L2A document, compliance could be gained by astute assessment of the building’s notional target level, and investment in enhanced U-values. The new 2010 Part L document will have a material impact on the way buildings will need to operate, with a greater impact on estate management teams, as compliance is only likely to be reached by investment in carbon-reducing measures such as on-site energy generation.” International law firm Eversheds, also set to make a presentation, added: “There is no doubt that all buildings are being driven to become more sustainable by changes in legislation and the building regulations that impact on the construction process. Some end-users will also look to go beyond the legislative framework by imposing higher standards as a requirement of their contracts. Alongside these areas, there is the complex relationship between how much money is spent on constructing a building, and how much is subsequently spent on running and maintaining it, and how the contracts for each are drawn together.” In its presentation, consulting engineer DSSR will adopt a distinctly practical approach, providing a brief overview of thermal modelling and how it is used to simulate the dynamic thermal performance of buildings and their systems. The company promises to discuss five main topics: “The Building Model: Inputs (and Outputs)”; Part L compliance: compliance calculations and certification for submission to Building Control; natural ventilation: strategies and passive design measures; daylighting assessments: optimisation of natural daylight in building design, and lifecycle analysis and potential for renewables. The presentation will also include a short demonstration of the TAS Software Package for thermal simulation of new or existing buildings in conjunction with Environmental Design Solutions. The fourth organisation to provide a speaker, Hyder Consulting, will cover sustainability policy in the NHS – providing an update and overview of all the requirements on NHS Trusts, including those under the “Good Corporate Citizen” and “Reducing Carbon, Improving Life” initiatives, as well as under BREEAM Healthcare and Department of Health HTM documentation. For further details on the event contact Ian Hinitt: Tel: 01274 364424; email: Ian.Hinitt@bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk
