We all have a responsibility to protect the environment and by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, reducing water consumption and specifying materials from sustainable sources, we can have an impact. Increases in energy prices are in excess of inflation and hosepipe bans are being implemented to preserve water supplies. By considering these issues in the design stage of a project, real benefits can be provided to the future occupiers of these buildings, many of whom will not have the resources to meet rising energy costs.
Ridge considers the impact of all its designs on the environment and has achieved ISO14001 accreditation and has an Environmental Design Group which collates and disseminates information throughout the practice.
With our multi disciplinary team, we can provide as much or as little advice as you require including thermal modelling, cost in use, comparison exercises and general environmental consultancy.

Renewable Energy

Production of electricity from renewable energy flows requires technology that harnesses the power of natural phenomena such as sunlight, wind, moving water, and geothermal heat. Each of these sources has unique characteristics which influence how and where they are used. Ridge can advise on solar power, geothermal energy and other ways of incorporating energy efficient systems into new and old buildings.

Low Carbon Consultants

The Low Carbon Consultants scheme is managed by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and supported by the Carbon Trust. The Register of Low Carbon Consultants (LCCs) is a database of construction professionals that have demonstrated extra skills and abilities to be able to deliver more energy efficient buildings. They work in design of new buildings and refurbishment and also the more effective management of existing buildings.

BREEAM

For assessing and improving the environmental performance of office, retail, school and industrial buildings, and Ecohomes for housing .

BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) is the world's longest established and most widely used environmental assessment method for buildings. It sets the standards for best practice in sustainable development and measures achievement. Winner of the 'Best Program' Award at the influential 2005 Tokyo World Sustainable Building conference, BREEAM was acknowledged 'the most successfully executed programme for promoting sustainable building practices, and influencing other initiatives worldwide'. BREEAM certification is undertaken by Licensed Assessors - this ensures that the assessment is undertaken competitively by Assessors operating within a rigorous Quality Assurance Framework. BREEAM International has recently been developed to meet the increased demand for an environmental assessment rating overseas, whether by a large multi-national company, country or region.

Please contact Graham Blackburn or Andy Greenwood at our Oxford office or Steve Cooper at our Reading Office for more details.
Link to contact details