Derwentside Environmental Associates

An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) indicates the energy efficiency of a building. The assessments are banded from A to G, where A (or A+ for non-domestic properties) is the most efficient in terms of likely fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions. An EPC is required when a building is newly constructed, sold or let.

The purpose of an EPC is to show prospective tenants or buyers the energy efficiency of the property. The requirement for EPCs was introduced in phases and fully implemented for domestic properties by autumn 2008. EPCs are valid for 10 years.

Retrofit is the introduction of new materials, products and technologies into an existing building to reduce the energy needed to occupy that building.

PAS 2035 is the British standard for retrofitting domestic properties. First published in 2019, the standard outlines how retrofit projects should be managed and delivered. Compliance with the PAS 2035 standard is a requirement of all retrofit schemes utilising government funding.

Domestic retrofit assessments cover various topics, including the building’s design, construction, and architectural elements. 

The Retrofit Assessor will consider the existing state of the property, including structural issues such as leaks, condensation and mould. The assessor will also assess current installations including heating, hot water, lighting and ventilation.

Our comprehensive inventory, check-in and check-out services are designed to provide both landlords and tenants with peace of mind. We offer a detailed and impartial inspection of the property, documenting the condition and contents at both the start and end of a tenancy.

Check-In Service: Before a tenant moves in, we conduct a thorough inspection of the property, recording the condition of every room, fixture, and fitting. A detailed inventory report, supported by photographs, ensures that both parties have an accurate and fair record of the property’s state at the start of the tenancy.

Check-Out Service: At the end of the tenancy, we revisit the property to compare its current condition with the original check-in report. Any changes, damages, or wear and tear are carefully documented, providing a fair and transparent basis for any discussions.

By offering impartial, detailed reports, we help to ensure smooth transitions between tenants and safeguard the interests of both landlords and tenants. Our professional service ensures that both parties are protected, avoiding disputes and ensuring fair resolutions.

An energy audit can provide a clear overview of a company’s current usage, providing insights into the areas that may be wasting money and producing excessive carbon emissions.

Identifying the areas where energy is being wasted can save significant money in the long term, freeing up funds for reinvestment into the business while offering a clear pathway towards reducing a business’ carbon footprint. This not only demonstrates to clients a strong commitment towards sustainability and the environment but also reduces client’s Scope 3 emissions within their own carbon budgeting.

Typically an audit will consider the building’s interior, exterior, fixtures and equipment and how these systems interact with each other.

A successful audit can not only generate significant cost and carbon emission savings, but it can be great for company morale and the wider culture of the organisation. If staff can be brought along on the journey, this can help foster innovation amongst employees resulting in new ways of working and fresh ideas, helping reinvigorate a business. If organisations demonstrate a willingness to put employees’ ideas in place, engaged employees may be keen to identify even more efficient ways of working, developing teamworking and collaboration skills in the process.

Calculating a carbon footprint is an essential starting point in identifying the baseline needed to implement an effective sustainability and carbon reduction strategy. This can drive both financial savings and a reduction in carbon emissions, helping mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Derwentside Environmental Associates can measure your carbon emissions and offer advice on how to reduce emissions.

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of small droplets of contaminated water containing Legionella bacteria. Where conditions are favourable then the bacteria may multiply thus increasing the risk of exposure. The organism will colonise both large and small systems so both require risks to be managed effectively.

The law is clear that if you are a landlord and rent out your property (or even a room within your own home) then you have legal responsibilities to ensure the health and safety of your tenant by keeping the property safe and free from health hazards.

We can carry out a full legionella risk assessment to your property which will highlight any issues with the hot & cold water system and advise on any remedial works if necessary.