Build Sustainable Awards 2016

Build 2016 Sustainable Building Awards 12 pert Energy offers turnkey solutions for both residential and commercial properties to improve their energy efficiency, as well as providing maintenance services for renewable energy systems, with a focus on heat pumps. The firm’s range of products includes air, ground and water source heat pumps, under floor heating, MVHR (mechanical ventilation heat recovery), insulation, solar thermal, photovoltaic, thermal stores, efficient radiators, and biomass. Sarah provides more detail on the firm’s vast offering and how it aims to ensure that every client receives the solution they need. “Xpert Energy support clients with all of their energy needs, whether its an existing building or a new build. Thanks to our dedicated, professional team, we can provide services throughout the project, from conception to completion. Our team include designers, 3D modelling specialists and energy consultants. We also have an in-house installation team. Acting as a one- stop-shop for our clients, which means that we are able to ensure that the quality of our work is second to none.” According to Sarah, in the UK sustainability market there is currently a severe lack of knowledge in the provision of integrated energy saving solutions. Xpert Energy is able to offer the spectrum of its services in-house, from SAP calculations right through to installation and commissioning of systems, so that clients receive the support that they need in all elements of the project, with tailored solutions provided at each stage. “Currently there is a major lack of knowledge and experience on how to create integrated energy saving solutions in this country. We learn from European countries such as Sweden and Germany where we see the true scope of what can be done. Over here very little is known about these techniques so clients often miss out on the solution which is right for them. We aim to ensure that our solutions are tailored to meet the client’s needs, budget and individual property. Many of the residential buildings we work on are listed, and this limits the changes we are able to make, but our trained and knowledgeable staff are able to work around such challenges to produce a range of solutions for the client. We then showcase these and provide the client with the pros and cons for each, allowing them to make an informed decision. In design, our focus is to determine the heating load for each individual room with pinpoint accuracy. Equal emphasis is given to designing heating to maximise the efficiency of (for example), heat pumps or gas boilers, which will in turn minimise running costs making this a valuable investment for our client.” One of the firm’s recent projects is supporting the conversion of a 1960s detached family home, helping the client to reduce their energy requirement from 24kw to just 5.93kw, despite the house increasing in size by 40%. This says Sarah, was calculated using Xpert’s own heat loss calculator to determine exact heating load requirements of the building. This takes into account the air infiltration rate which can account for 30/40% of the physical heating requirement of a property.” Xpert Energy acts independently, not tying itself to any one manufacturer so that it can match the products most appropriate to each client’s needs. This is what sets the firm apart, according to Sarah. “Our employees have varied qualifications in sustainability and energy efficiency, many at degree level and we are accredited by several governing bodies, including the AECB, MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme), REAL Assurance Scheme, IDHEE and CHAS Health and Safety, as well as being Passive trained. This vast amount of technical knowledge enables us to make an accurate assessment of every client’s individual requirements and then create a solution which will fulfil these needs.” The firm is currently inundated with bespoke projects thanks to the quality of its service offering. Looking to the future, Sarah stated that she had high hopes for the improvement of the UK sustainability market, and that her firm aimed to be at the forefront of these developments. “The governing bodies in our industry are currently looking into providing more rules and increased inspections of those who provide energy saving solutions, in order to protect both clients and those who work in the industry. I am optimistic that the industry will improve in the coming years. Xpert Energy is dedicated to help move the industry forward and we are looking to provide training courses to provide opportunities for other professionals to broaden this knowledge, so when specifying energy saving solutions, they have a full understanding of all of the factors involved. We are keen to offer advice and support to builders, architects, project managers and the public so that they can offer the same high standard of construction that we pride ourselves on.” Best Renewable Energy Consultants 2016 – UK Xpert Energy design, supply and install bespoke energy saving solutions for commercial and domestic properties. We invited Director Sarah Jones to talk us through the company and its service offering. X