On a crisp autumn morning, I found myself in a cosy café in Central London, waiting to meet Daniel, a seasoned energy consultant with over two decades of experience in the sustainable construction industry. My mission was to glean insights into the services offered by Focus 360 Energy, a company making waves with their London Plan Energy Strategy. As Daniel arrived, his warm smile and approachable demeanour promised an enlightening discussion.
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Over steaming cups of coffee, Daniel began to unpack the intricacies of the London Plan Energy Strategy. “The strategy is a game-changer,” he started, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “Focus 360 Energy has meticulously aligned their services with the stringent requirements of the London Plan, which was officially adopted in March 2021. This means any large-scale development, be it residential projects exceeding 150 units, buildings over 30 metres in height, or commercial spaces over 2500 square metres, must adhere to these new standards.”
Daniel pointed out that one of the keystones of Focus 360 Energy’s approach is the integration of renewable technologies. “They’re not just ticking boxes,” he said. “They’re genuinely committed to achieving a zero-carbon standard. This involves everything from heating networks and fabric improvements to carbon offset payments. The emphasis is on reducing the need for traditional cooling systems by smart design, which is crucial for lowering energy consumption.”
He explained how the company also evaluates the embodied energy of construction materials. “It’s about looking at the full lifecycle of a building,” Daniel noted. “From the raw materials to the final structure, Focus 360 Energy ensures that every aspect is scrutinised for its environmental impact. This is especially important in the context of the Whole Life Carbon (WLC) assessments mandated by Policy S12.”
The conversation then shifted to the risks of summer overheating and air quality impacts, areas where Focus 360 Energy excels. “With rising global temperatures, the risk of overheating in buildings is a real concern,” Daniel said. “Focus 360 Energy employs advanced modelling to predict and mitigate these risks. Plus, they assess how developments interact with local air quality, striving to ensure that their projects don’t exacerbate pollution levels.”
One of the critical updates to the London Plan is the adoption of the SAP10 emissions calculation method, which steers developers away from traditional gas boilers in favour of cutting-edge heat pump technology. Daniel was particularly animated on this topic. “The move to heat pumps is monumental,” he stated. “It’s a cleaner, more efficient way to heat buildings, and Focus 360 Energy is at the forefront of this transition. They provide developers with the expertise needed to implement these systems effectively, ensuring compliance and promoting sustainability.”
Even smaller developments, which might not face the same rigorous standards as larger projects, benefit from Focus 360 Energy’s services. “The requirement for a 35% emissions improvement over standard Building Regulations is no small feat,” Daniel explained. “Focus 360 Energy’s team helps developers navigate these challenges, offering practical solutions that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.”
As our discussion drew to a close, Daniel highlighted the importance of the Circular Economy Statement, a requirement under Policy S17. “This is about reducing waste and supporting a circular economy,” he said. “Focus 360 Energy ensures that all referable proposals include a Circular Economy Statement, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.”
Impressed by the breadth and depth of Focus 360 Energy’s services, I asked Daniel for his final thoughts on how these efforts benefit clients. He paused thoughtfully before responding. “Clients gain more than just regulatory compliance,” he said. “They get sustainable, future-proof buildings that are energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long term. Focus 360 Energy’s holistic approach means that every aspect of the development is optimised for environmental performance, which is ultimately beneficial for both the developers and the wider community.”
As I walked away from our meeting, I couldn’t help but feel optimistic about the future of sustainable construction. Focus 360 Energy, with their comprehensive and forward-thinking strategies, is undoubtedly paving the way for greener, more resilient urban developments. It’s a testament to what’s possible when expertise and innovation come together in the pursuit of a better tomorrow.
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