Background

Focus DIY requested ESP create a generic model on which their future stores would be based on.

As their appointed services consultants ESP was engaged to review the way in which their DIY Stores were serviced and to investigate proposals for improving energy efficiency.

The resulting services schemes were modelled for Building Regulations Approved Document Part L2A compliance using iSBEM and further enhancements made in order to achieve the target C0₂ emission requirements.

Description

The model building comprised a ground floor sales area of approx 25,000 sq ft and a two level staff amenity block.

The sales area was provided with a mixture of natural daylight (via roof lights) and artificial lighting.  The staff amenity block was provided with artificial lighting only.

Gas fired multiburner radiant heaters satisfied the sales area heating requirements, whereas a LPHW radiator system serves the amenity block. The boiler used within this system is of a combination type, also generating and providing domestic hot water to all hot water outlets within this building.

Findings

The results showed the building achieved the required CO₂ emission target for Building Regulations Approved Document Part L2A compliance.

Further investigations were then carried out to see how changing the design parameters would impact this model, such as percentage of roof light area, air permeability, U-valves etc. The resulting options were presented to Focus DIY to evaluate the impact upon building construction, in order to achieve an optimised building and services design specification.