For some time now the industry has recognised the gap between office building design and performance that is largely to do with a design for compliance approach dictated by the likes of Building Regulations and EPCs.
To bridge that gap between design and performance, the practice has been working with a number of clients on operational energy analysis typically involving advanced thermal dynamic simulation modelling. As part of this we have been engaging with the Better Buildings Partnership associated with their Design for Performance initiative. This has resulted in the practice becoming a DIP Delivery Partner, which means that we are committed to supporting the initiative, advocating it to clients and upskilling our team to support developers who seek to deliver energy performance outcomes for future office schemes.
This work involves addressing the performance gap by setting targets at project inception and embedding them within the project through design, procurement, construction and operation. As the Design for Performance initiative is expected to change the industry approach, much like the NABERS system in Australia, Watkins Payne is at the forefront in supporting clients going forward.
