E is for...

Environmental:

This A to Z Challenge is not an easy task, still…..!

Fittingly, as a hose pipe ban is imposed across many areas in the south of the country today and dire warning for the summer (?!) of impending drought like conditions, it is reasonable that our thoughts might turn to the environmental aspects of the built estate.

There are now numerous regulatory instruments requiring high standards in building design and construction, affecting the environmental and sustainable credentials of a building’s performance.  From the insulting capabilities of external walls and cladding to the type of heating ventilation and air conditioning system performance, the operational aspects of running a building are at the very top of the agenda when designing a new building.

Much of the built commercial estate in the UK dates from times before concerns over the impact on the environment of buildings were uppermost in any architects’ minds.  Design and aesthetics were the watchwords, although I think these may have become forgotten during parts of the 1960’s and through much if the last century this was the way in which buildings were conceived and constructed, with little thought to their impact on the environment.

The green agenda is well and truly to the fore and the Government is keen to maintain its planet saving credential by pushing more and more stringent measures onto the commercial and domestic markets for development and also some aspects of refurbishment.  Of course, all of these measures come at a cost which is borne, ultimately by the consumer.  The drive to become “green” has seen a worldwide movement to monitor, measure and assess commercial building performance and standards in design and construction.  The UK has the Building Research Establishment’s BREEAM (BRE Environmental Assessment Method) system in place and a rating system is applied by an inspection and monitoring process for new building design.

James Alexander Consultants are expert in assessing your portfolio and, with you, determining a strategy to develop the correct balance of assets, their relevance and performance for you.  We develop, plan and implement the strategy, leaving you to focus on core activity and opportunity.

eMail us on innovation@jaltd.co.uk or see our contact page for our numbers.  We look forward to speaking with you.