In the world of sustainable building design, TM59 assessments have become a critical tool for architects and developers. To delve deeper into the significance of this service offered by Focus 360 Energy, I sat down with an industry expert, Mark, who has spent over two decades in the field of energy efficiency and building sustainability. Our conversation offered an insightful look into why TM59 has become indispensable in modern residential projects.
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Mark began by emphasising the growing concern of overheating in residential properties. “In today’s construction landscape,” he explained, “we’re building homes that are more airtight and insulated than ever before. While this is excellent for energy retention, it also raises the risk of overheating, especially in urban developments where space is a premium, and designs are often compact.” This is where TM59 assessments come into play, providing a structured methodology to predict and mitigate potential overheating scenarios.
Focus 360 Energy’s approach, as per Mark, is grounded in the guidelines established by CIBSE’s TM59. This standard is not just a set of instructions but a comprehensive framework that gives energy modellers the tools they need to evaluate internal temperatures accurately. “The assessment’s real strength lies in its detailed approach,” Mark noted. “It considers factors like occupancy hours and internal heat contributions from both people and equipment.”
What sets Focus 360 apart, according to Mark, is their meticulous attention to detail during the design phase of a project. “Conducting a TM59 assessment early in the design process is crucial,” he explained. “It allows designers to make necessary adjustments before construction begins. This proactive approach can save significant time and costs compared to making changes post-build.” He highlighted practical modifications that might emerge from an early assessment, such as resizing windows or altering glass specifications to reduce solar gain.
Moreover, Mark pointed out that TM59 assessments are particularly beneficial for specific types of developments, such as care homes and student accommodations. “These buildings,” he said, “often have high insulation levels and are susceptible to overheating due to their design and usage patterns. By extending the TM59 evaluation to individual rooms, including those with mechanical ventilation, designers can gain a complete understanding of potential overheating risks.”
One of the lesser-discussed yet vital aspects of TM59 assessments is their applicability to single-aspect flats, which are prevalent in urban settings. Mark elaborated, “Single-aspect flats can trap heat more readily than their dual-aspect counterparts. The TM59 standard provides criteria to demonstrate compliance and strategies to mitigate overheating, ensuring occupant comfort both day and night.”
A part of the TM59 standard that Mark found particularly innovative is its guidance on natural ventilation. “The recommendations on when to open windows based on internal air temperatures are a brilliant addition,” he said. “It empowers occupants to take simple actions that significantly impact their comfort levels.”
As our conversation wrapped up, Mark left me with a thought-provoking statement on the broader implications of TM59 assessments. “In the end, it’s about creating living spaces that are not just energy-efficient but also comfortable and sustainable. The role of assessments like TM59 is to bridge the gap between architectural ambition and practical, livable environments. Focus 360 Energy is at the forefront of making this a reality for their clients.”
In essence, TM59 assessments by Focus 360 Energy are more than just compliance checks; they are a proactive measure to ensure that residential spaces are designed with both sustainability and occupant well-being in mind. As cities grow denser and buildings become more energy-efficient, such assessments will undoubtedly continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of residential architecture.
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