We provide services in four interrelated areas.
building physics: analysing and optimising building form and fabric
mechanical, electrical & public health engineering: designing systems for buildings
energy infrastructure: decarbonising heat and power
building performance: closing the gap between theory and practice
Building physics is the science of analysing and optimising energy flows through and around buildings, in the form of heat, moisture, air, noise and light, to achieve high standards of comfort and amenity with low levels of resource consumption and emissions.
We test and iteratively develop architects' design proposals, to achieve the required performance. A key objective is usually to limit the scope and usage of the MEP engineering systems needed to deliver appropriate conditions.
Initial guidance, based on experience and sample modelling, is used to establish the passive design principles. More detailed and comprehensive virtual modelling, including dynamic thermal modelling, computation fluid dynamics and climate-based daylight modelling, is used to develop and refine the design.
Our analysis is typically used to support planning applications, demonstrate compliance with building regulations, or to secure credits under environmental rating schemes such as BREEAM.
Mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) systems bring buildings to life, moving fluids, gases and electrons through pipes, ducts and wires to create the environments we take for granted in the modern world.
We are primarily involved in the design and construction of buildings, at the core of the design team alongside the architect and structural engineer.
Our scope is typically defined by the ACE's Schedule of Services, which is fully aligned with the RIBA Plan of Work and organises the process of briefing, designing, constructing, maintaining, operating and using building projects into eight sequential work stages. The scope can be tailored to suit project-specific requirements.
We also provide technical advisory services, including acquisition and condition surveys, feasibility studies, project due diligence and stakeholder representation.
Comprehensive rethinking of our energy infrastructure is needed to support the transition to a zero-carbon economy while maintaining resilience. The shift from fossil fuels to decarbonised grid electricity for heating and transport in particular has profound impacts on the infrastructure needed at building and estate/campus level.
We undertake feasibility studies and design of energy infrastructure, covering the following.
Energy demand profiling
Demand reduction measures
Load shedding, thermal and electrical energy storage
Resilience
Heat networks and private wire networks
Heat sources/sinks including air, ground and water
Fuel choice, including natural gas, biofuels and grid electricity
Low and zero carbon technologies, including combined heat and power, heat pumps, photovoltaics, solar thermal and wind turbines
BSRIA proposes the following key indicators of building performance.
Building running costs
Reliability of the building and resilience to failure
Flexibility of the internal space
Building and systems complexity
Productivity of occupants
Contribution to corporate image
Environmental impact
While our key services focus on design, we acknowledge the importance of closing the performance gap by engaging in handover and post-occupancy evaluation.
By focusing on real outcomes, we want to improve the environmental, social and economic performance of buildings over the long term, going beyond compliance to best practice, and working towards positive-impact buildings.
