Sustainable Design and Construction

Scott Wilson’s Sustainable Construction Team (SCT) is dedicated to improving levels of sustainability within the construction industry through the provision of practical, impartial advice, the application of recognised tools such as BREEAM and enthusiasm and belief in the principles of sustainable development. As Regulations have become more stringent, an ever-increasing need for such services has emerged.

Our services can be tailored to the needs of the client and the design team to ensure their designs provide a holistic and genuinely sustainable solution whilst recognising other project constraints.  The Design Advice Service could be carried out either in tandem with or independent of a BREEAM assessment and any statutory requirements.

Incorporating sustainability principles into a project results in better buildings, direct and indirect financial savings, provides greater satisfaction from our customers and improves quality of life.  We provide sustainable solutions for all types of new build and refurbishment projects from inception through design and construction to operation. Our aim is to provide more comfortable, productive and habitable spaces.

In order to achieve optimum sustainability performance, the application of sustainability principles should be integrated throughout the development process, from inception through outline and detailed design and to construction and operation. Our Sustainable Construction Team has dedicated professionals who specialise in Sustainable Design to provide project teams with advice at any stage in the development process.

These Include:

Sustainable Design – Guidance on passive design techniques, building simulation, policy and specification review, and other strategies to provide a holistic sustainability service and to ensure sustainable practices are an integral part of the design process. 

Energy Efficiency – Advise on design and specification of energy efficiency techniques and technologies to reduce the carbon footprint.

Renewable Energy Feasibility – Analyse and recommend appropriate renewable energy technologies and funding initiatives for integration into development projects.

BREEAM & Code for Sustainable Homes – Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a means of assessing and improving the diverse environmental impacts of a building and presenting them in a simple, easy to understand way. The new Code for Sustainable Homes replaces EcoHomes for residential development.

Sustainable Civil Engineering – Advice on all aspects of infrastructure projects including bridges, roads, ports, airports and harbours. Civil Engineering Environmental QUALity (CEEQUAL), scheme developed by the Institution of Civil Engineers, assesses the environmental quality of civil engineering projects and publicly recognises the achievement of high environmental performance. Our CEEQUAL track record includes the Thames Gateway Bridge and the Victoria Station Upgrade in London. 

Building Simulation – Computer simulation can be used to optimise occupant comfort and energy efficiency through design. Scott Wilson uses several suites of integrated software-based simulation tools, which enable all aspects of building design to be modelled cost effectively.Such tools quantify the implications of sustainable construction strategies and ensure low energy designs can be implemented effectively.

Daylight and Sunlight analyses – creating and evaluating designs to maximise the use of natural daylight and minimise reliance on artificial lighting.  Solar access for proposed designs can be analysed to determine the effects of overshadowing and seasonal variations.  Light intensity and the distribution of natural light within spaces can further be managed to reduce contrast and glare, thereby improving occupier comfort and reducing use of artificial lighting.

Thermal Comfort and Part L Compliance analyses – quantitative thermal analysis to understand the overall thermal performance of proposed developments and the interdependencies between the provision of daylight and the effects of solar access, thereby providing a means to minimise overall operational energy demand.

Computational fluid dynamics - detailed analysis of airflow, both within structures and externally, can be undertaken to quantify probable airflow patterns, effectiveness of ventilation strategies and impact on microclimate.

Sustainability Appraisals – Scott Wilson undertake assessments to ensure compliance with planning, funding or client requirements and the overall sustainability of a project.  Sustainability Appraisals are required as an integral part of the Defence Estates Project SLAM process for each development site.

Materials Advice – Provide holistic advice on materials selection, including embodied impacts, recycled content, demolition protocol, life-cycle analysis and whole-life costing using recognised tools.

Training and Awareness – Provide comprehensive seminars, CPD events and training on all aspects of sustainable construction.  Members of the SCT have presented on topics both internally and at national and international conferences.

Tailored sustainability evaluation tools – Produce fully tailored spreadsheets to guide you through the many aspects of sustainable construction.