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Part O – Overheating Assessments

TM59 & TM52 Overheating Risk Assessments: Ensuring Comfort and Compliance in UK Buildings

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Why Overheating Matters

Overheating occurs when a building’s internal temperature rises to uncomfortable or even unsafe levels. This can be caused by a combination of factors, including:

Solar Gain: Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase indoor temperatures.
Internal Heat Gains: Heat generated by occupants, equipment, and lighting can also contribute to overheating.
Inadequate Ventilation: Poor ventilation can trap heat and prevent the natural flow of air, exacerbating the problem.
Urban Heat Island Effect: In urban areas, the concentration of buildings and infrastructure can create a “heat island” effect, where temperatures are significantly higher than in surrounding areas.

The consequences of overheating can be serious:

Discomfort and Reduced Productivity: Overheating can lead to discomfort, sleep disturbances, and decreased productivity.
Health Risks: In extreme cases, overheating can pose serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.
Building Damage: High temperatures and humidity can cause damage to building materials and finishes.
Regulatory Non-Compliance: Part O of the Building Regulations mandates that new residential buildings in England must be designed and constructed to mitigate overheating risks. Non-compliance can lead to delays, penalties, and reputational damage.

Part O – Overheating Assessments:

Frequently combined with the following additional services:

SAP Calculation - New Build

SBEM calculations

Energy Statement

Energy Statement - London Plan

Air Pressure Testing

Flood Risk Assessment

BREEAM Assessment

Water Consumption Calculation (Part G)

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TM59: Dynamic Thermal Modelling for New Residential Buildings

The comfort and well-being of its occupants are paramount in any residential building. With the increasing awareness of climate change and its impact on indoor environments, ensuring that new homes are designed to mitigate overheating risks is more crucial than ever.

That’s where TM59, or CIBSE TM59, comes in. It’s the industry-recognised methodology for assessing and addressing overheating risks in new residential buildings, and it’s even recommended for evaluating complex projects where the simplified method might fall short.

TM59 employs advanced computer simulations to create a dynamic thermal model of your building. This model takes into account a multitude of factors, including:

The building’s orientation and its exposure to solar radiation throughout the year.
The thermal properties of the building fabric, including walls, roofs, floors, and windows.
The type and efficiency of ventilation systems, including natural and mechanical ventilation strategies.
Internal heat gains from occupants, appliances, and lighting.
The impact of shading devices, such as overhangs or external blinds.
Local weather data, including temperature, humidity, and solar radiation levels.

By simulating these complex interactions, a TM59 assessment provides a detailed and accurate prediction of how your building will perform under various weather conditions and occupancy scenarios. This allows us to:

Identify Overheating Risks: Pinpoint specific areas within your building design that are most susceptible to overheating, allowing for targeted interventions.
Implement Effective Mitigation Strategies: Recommend design changes, such as optimising window sizes and orientations, incorporating shading devices, or improving ventilation strategies, to prevent overheating and ensure occupant comfort.
Ensure Part O Compliance: Demonstrate that your new residential building meets the requirements of Part O of the Building Regulations, which mandates measures to prevent overheating.
Create a Comfortable Living Environment: Design a building that prioritises occupant comfort and well-being, whatever the temperature is outside.

TM59 assessments are not just about compliance; they’re about building homes that are truly enjoyable to live in, year-round. By proactively addressing overheating risks, you can ensure that your buildings provide a comfortable and healthy environment for occupants, enhancing their quality of life and the overall value of your development.

Find out more about CIBSE TM59 Assessments for Domestic Properties here.

TM52: Tackling Overheating in Existing Commercial Buildings

The issue of overheating isn’t limited to new constructions. Existing commercial buildings, especially older ones or those with large glazed areas, can also be susceptible to uncomfortable and even unsafe indoor temperatures during warmer months. That’s where TM52 assessments come in.

TM52, or CIBSE TM52: Methodology for the Calculation of Energy Consumption of Buildings and their Services, is a specialised tool designed to assess and mitigate overheating risks in your existing commercial property.

Find out more about CIBSE TM52 Assessments for Existing Commercial Properties here.

Key Features of TM52 Assessments:

In-depth Analysis of Existing Conditions: TM52 takes a deep dive into your building’s current state, evaluating factors like the thermal properties of its construction materials, the effectiveness of its ventilation strategies, and typical occupancy patterns and behaviours. This comprehensive analysis helps pinpoint vulnerabilities and areas where overheating is most likely to occur.
Realistic Modelling: Unlike simpler methods that rely on basic assumptions, TM52 utilises dynamic thermal modelling to simulate how your building will respond to real-world weather conditions and occupancy patterns. This allows for a more accurate prediction of overheating risks and helps identify the most effective mitigation strategies.
Tailored Recommendations: A TM52 assessment doesn’t just highlight problems; it provides solutions. Based on the analysis, you’ll receive detailed recommendations for retrofitting measures that can significantly reduce overheating risk. These might include improving ventilation, adding shading devices, upgrading insulation, or even exploring innovative cooling technologies.
Improved Occupant Comfort and Productivity: Overheating can lead to discomfort, decreased productivity, and even health issues for occupants. By addressing overheating risks through TM52 assessments, you can create a more comfortable and productive working environment, leading to happier and healthier employees.
Cost Savings and Energy Efficiency: While the primary focus is on thermal comfort, TM52 assessments can also identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvements. By addressing issues like poor insulation or inefficient ventilation, you can reduce energy consumption and lower operating costs.
Compliance and Peace of Mind: In some cases, TM52 assessments may be required to demonstrate compliance with certain energy efficiency regulations or to meet the requirements of green building certifications. Even if not mandatory, a TM52 assessment provides peace of mind, knowing that you’ve taken proactive steps to address overheating risks and create a comfortable and safe working environment.

Why Choose Focus360 Energy?

Expert Assessors: Our team of accredited assessors has extensive experience in conducting both TM59 and TM52 assessments.
Tailored Solutions: We understand that every building is unique. We’ll work closely with you to develop customised solutions that meet your specific needs and budget.
Comprehensive Approach: We offer a range of complementary services, including SAP calculations, SBEM calculations, BREEAM assessments, and air tightness testing, to ensure your building performs optimally across all aspects of sustainability and compliance.
Proactive Risk Mitigation: We’ll help you identify and address potential overheating risks early in the design process or during renovations, saving you time and money in the long run.
Peace of Mind: With our expert assessments, you can rest assured that your building is designed to provide a comfortable and healthy environment for occupants, while also complying with the latest regulations.

Take the First Step Towards a More Efficient and Comfortable Building

Don’t let overheating compromise your building’s performance or occupant well-being. Contact Focus360 Energy today to discuss your overheating risk assessment needs and ensure your project’s success.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I comply with Part O building regulations?

To comply with Part O building regulations in the UK, you need to ensure that your building meets the requirements related to resistance to the spread of fire. Here are some key steps to comply with Part O:

1. Use fire-resistant materials: Make sure that the materials used in the construction of the building, such as walls, doors, and floors, have the required fire resistance rating.

2. Install fire protection measures: Include fire protection measures such as fire doors, fire-resistant glazing, and fire barriers to prevent the spread of fire.

3. Plan escape routes: Ensure that the building has adequate and safe escape routes, including stairways and exits that are easily accessible in case of a fire.

4. Provide fire detection and warning systems: Install fire alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency lighting systems to alert occupants in case of a fire.

5. Regular maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain fire protection measures to ensure they remain effective and compliant with regulations.

6. Seek professional advice: Consult with a fire safety expert or building control officer to ensure that your building meets all the necessary requirements of Part O regulations.

By following these steps and ensuring that your building adheres to the guidelines set out in Part O of the building regulations, you can ensure the safety of occupants and minimise the risk of fire spread in your building.

Does Part O apply to extensions and conservatories?

Yes, Part O of the Building Regulations in the UK does apply to extensions and conservatories. Part O deals with the resistance to the passage of sound, ensuring that adequate measures are in place to minimize the transmission of noise between different parts of a building. This is important for maintaining a comfortable and peaceful indoor environment. When constructing an extension or conservatory, it is important to comply with the requirements of Part O to ensure that the sound insulation performance meets the necessary standards.

Where can I find detailed information on Approved Document O: Overheating?

Where can I find detailed information on Approved Document O: Overheating?
You can find detailed information on Approved Document O: Overheating on the official UK government website. The document provides guidance on preventing overheating in buildings and is part of the Building Regulations in England. You can access Approved Document O on the government’s Planning Portal website or by searching for it on the government’s official website.