Block Podcast Episode 8 - Smart Metering has progressed in the last 45 years!

Podcast No.8 was recorded immediately after No.7 so, we have the same team of experts discussing the general state of the construction industry, some of the latest updates with regard to regulations and, a very interesting chat about Smart Metering and the benefits for homeowners and businesses.

BLOCK PODCAST No.8
We have a wealth of experience and expertise round the table which makes for compelling listening; the participants are as follows:

• Terry Hawksby, Business Development Manager, Ewgeco
• Mike Smith, Sales, Director, Gerer8 Power Ltd
• Stephen Lynas, Land & Development Manager, Hadden Construction
• Ian Clark, Marketing Manager, Ewgeco
• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

As with podcast No.7, the discussion was lively with lots of useful information for anyone interested in property from homeowners to construction industry professionals.  Here are some of the topics we discuss in Episode 8:

• Applications and warrants for renewable energy projects and equipment
• EPC requirements - Are the requirements clear?
• What is the background to the latest efficiency regulations?
• And, the background to the renewables policy in the UK and beyond
• Metering - "Smart Metering" is the new buzz word, what is it?
• Ewgeco's metering systems explained
• Can domestic homes realise real benefits from smart metering?
• Can Smart Meters be easily installed in existing homes?
• Is Smart Metering part of the EPC process? 
• The current state of the construction industry
• Are we "really" in a double dip recession?
• Are construction businesses outsourcing rather than recruiting?
• BIM (Building Information Modelling) a topic for the next podcast and an invitation to anyone who would like to take part and talk about BIM

HOUSING INNOVATION SHOWCASE 2012

During the podcast No.7 Terry Hawksby mentioned the Housing Innovation Showcase 2012 - to can find out more about the event and Ewgeco's involvement please click here

There's lots of great chat in this episode and lots of very interesting information for homeowners and people specifically involved in the construction industry, it's well worth a listen.  You can download Episode 8 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

How to make your home more energy efficient

An energy efficient home could save you some money, and who doesn’t like a bit of extra cash? Here are a few tips to help you use energy more efficiently in your home, saving you some of your hard earned money.

1. Upgrade your Old Appliances

I know that it may sound counterproductive to the original point about saving money, but hear me out! If you upgrade your microwave and fridge now, it will benefit you in the long run, as Energy Star rated appliances use less energy, and so will bring your

energy bills down.


2. Get Your Hands on Outdoor Solar Lights

If you like to sit in your garden in the evening with a nicely chilled beverage in hand, and a nicely ambient glow coming from your garden lights, why not try swapping electrical lights for a solar alternative? These lights are cost effective, and come in a variety of pretty designs. They charge during the day using energy from the sun, and come on at night with no additional charge for you.


3. Invest in Solar Panels

Solar panels are a great alternative energy source, and if they are situated on a roof facing towards the south, they can actually capture enough energy to supply your entire house with electricity. They come in a variety of tasteful designs, and although the initial investment may be a shock to the purse stings, the long term return can be incredibly satisfying.


4. Replace Your Incandescent Bulbs with Fluorescent Bulbs

Your old incandescent bulbs are inefficient and produce a substantial amount of heat. Switching to Fluorescent bulbs is a better way to light your home, as they use a quarter of the energy that your current incandescent bulbs too, and they actually have a longer life –

saving you money on your next energy bill!

Block Podcast Episode 7 - Solar Power, Biomass, Snake Oil Salesmen and, Sky Fitters

Podcast No.7 is a very interesting podcast indeed, not just for people involved in the construction industry but also for homeowners and people considering building a home in the future.  It's packed full of useful information on Solar Energy, Biomass, up to date building techniques and the most recent changes in regulations.

BLOCK PODCAST No.7
We have a full house with 8 people taking part in a lively discussion around the construction industry.  We have a wealth of experience and expertise round the table that makes for compelling listening; the participants are as follows:

• Terry Hawksby, Business Development Manager, Ewgeco
• Mike Smith, Sales, Director, Gerer8 Power Ltd
• Stephen Lynas, Land & Development Manager, Hadden Construction
• Ian Clark, Marketing Manager, Ewgeco
• Evelyn Laurie, Principal, Red Marketing
• John Stobbs, Director of Operations, Sap Service UK

Also on the podcast we have Kenneth Martin, Managing Director, Block Architects and Gordon White, Managing Director, fatBuzz Ltd

As you can imagine with 8 people round the table, the discussion was lively and fast paced with more than one person wishing to speak at once on more than one occasion! All in all it makes for a very informative podcast.  Here are some of the things we chat about:

• The up to date position with FIT and RHI Schemes
• The state of renewable energy in Scotland 
• Is Donald Trump right about the current Wind Energy policy in Scotland?
• Whose responsibility is it to educate users about renewable energy?
• Biomas - what is it?
• What are the benefits and who are ideal customers for Biomass?
• The negative factors around Biomass
• Will Biomass influence growers and encourage them to harvest fast growing wood?
• The difference between Fossil Fuel and Biomass 
• Where is the market for Biomass?
• Do tradesmen get adequate training on an ongoing basis in order to keep up to date with new materials and technologies?
• CCG Timber Kits and modern building techniques

HOUSING INNOVATION SHOWCASE 2012

During the podcast Terry Hawksby mentioned the Housing Innovation Showcase 2012 - to can find out more about the event and Ewgeco's involvement please click here

There's lots of great chat in this episode and lots of very interesting information for homeowners and people specifically involved in the construction industry, it's well worth a listen.  You can download Episode 7 on iTunes or, you can listen to it here on the blog:

Play the podcast here:

Download and subscribe to Block Podcast on iTunes HERE

We are extremely encouraged with the growth in subscribers and the feedback we have received so far.  Please continue to give us your feedback and any suggestions about topics you would like us to discuss.  Likewise, we are keen to have a range of people on the podcast who work in the construction industry, if you are interested in taking part please get in touch and we can have a chat.

We would also like to get some feedback from you about the podcast and suggestions for topics you would like us to cover; you can either leave them as a comment here on the blog or, on our Facebook Page.

If you have enjoyed this post or the podcast please use the Facebook, Twitter, and Share buttons below to share it with your online community, there's a good chance they will find it interesting too.  Thank you.

Please also remember you can follow Block Architects on our Facebook Page by clicking here.

McKirdy & Morrison, Dentist Surgery In Burnbank

A rainy Sunday afternoon is an ideal time to post a blog, so here goes. This is the second dentist practice that block have completed. The first was our refurbishment of a grade C listed former library building in Uddingston, South Lanarkshire for Mr Neil Simpson and this second surgery is a shell fit out for our great clients McKirdy & Morrison who were recommended to us by Mr Simpson himself.

The project consisted of the complete installation of 4 surgeries (fitted-out by specialist contractors - Henry Schein), an LDU room and associated staff and reception areas. Both the planning and building control processes went smoothly with South Lanarkshire Council and shortly thereafter the project was tendered and won by Alexander Braidwood Construction from Blantyre.

The Clients were very active in the selection of all of the finishing materials and fittings and the contractor was also instrumental in some key decisions assisting the smooth running of the site and aiding in the delivery of the design. All in all a great team effort, and that's the way it should be.

If you know of any dentist who is seeking advice on the refurbishment or relocation of their surgery please share this post with them and ask them to get in touch.

In finding this post interesting, please share this post using the buttons below. Thank you and join us on our facebook page.

Block Quantity Surveying

After great client demand to introduce an all encompassing service offering, we have now introduced a surveying service within block architects.

Block Quantity Surveying provides key services that cover all aspects of procurement, contractual and project cost management. No matter how large your project we can assist you with these elements of the build. Our professional team offers their services throughout the UK to all sectors including private clients, contractors and public bodies.

As one of many professional services offered within our business our Professional Consultants and Quantity Surveyors can work alongside any design team or with any contractor to ensure that our Clients achieve their stated objectives.

We understand that good communication and teamwork are key to the success of a project and we have invested heavily in our Information Technology to ensure we are always available to our Clients and they are kept informed at every step.



Meet Alex Reid our Consultant Surveyor

Alex Reid, is a professionally qualifed Quantity Suveyor who alongside his involvement in Block Quantity Surveying, is currently working towards his PhD in Construction Management at Glasgow Caledonian University.

His ongoing academic research has identified the tangible benefits that can be achieved when you combine construction knowledge, information technology and a networking platform to deliver the technical, clerical and administration functions of larger construction organisations into the small private client and contracting company.

It is with this in mind that Alex will bring his considerable surveying knowledge and expertise to the Block brand



What are the benefits or our surveying service:-

1.Up to 2hrs of our FREE time assessing your needs and advising you of the possibilities…
2.Realistic cost predictions for your project…
3.Learn the process of negotiating your way through the construction minefield…
4.Tap into our established network of professional consultants who understand the delivery process…
5.Stop wasting cash on other professional services which don’t meet your demands…
6.Stay enthused about your vision…



What Services Will We Provide:-

• Construction Cost Planning
• Advice on Contractor Selection
• Preparation of Tender Documentation
• Selection of Procurement Route
• Tender Reporting
• Tender Negotiation
• Valuation of Construction Works Completed On Site
• Financial Reporting
• Agreeing Final Accounts

If you have found this article interesting please feel free to share it using the buttons below.

SAP Energy Ratings - What are they all about?

What exactly are SAP ratings?
SAP ratings sound complicated, but in reality they can be relatively simple to understand. Here is a brief guide...

The acronym SAP stands for Standard Assessment Procedure, which is a procedure used to calculate how energy efficient a building is. All new buildings are required to have a SAP rating along with buildings that are undergoing major remodeling. This is a government created scheme, to encourage energy efficiency in homes.

How does the SAP work?
The Standard Assessment Procedure makes use of a scale from 1-120 based on the yearly energy costs for water heating, space and lighting as well as the carbon dioxide emission rate. There are several things needed in order to calculate the SAP rating for a property:
• Construction details, including U (heat loss) values
• The drawings of the building design
• Window and door details
• The boiler, hot water cylinder and control system information.

When all of the data has been collected, it is input into the authorized software by a accredited assessor, and a draft report is produced. If the building passes all of the criteria, an As-built final report is then given along with a Predicted Energy Performance Certificate and is submitted with the main application to building control before any building work has started.

If the project fails any of the criteria, it needs to be redesigned so that it complies with all of the regulations. Once it meets the regulation standards, the assessor is informed of any changes to the build and confirms that it now meets the standards. They then produce the As-built final SAP report, and the On Construction - Energy Performance Certificate (OC-EPC) if relevant, and then submit them to building control for the final sign off.

So there you have it, SAP energy ratings in a nutshell! Be sure to keep them in mind if you are thinking of renovating, or building a self build home.

CONTACT BLOCK ENERGY SERVICES NOW IF YOU REQUIRE A SAP ENERGY RATING

A Happy Fatbuzz Easter

Just wanted to drop a quick blog post to get you all into the Easter feeling. We have today received our Cadbury's Cream Eggs from our great friends at Fatbuzz.

If you have liked this short blog post please feel free to drop a note on their facebook page

Check out more about us on our facebook page