New £7m Substation for Birkenhead

New £7m Substation for Birkenhead

by | Oct 21, 2024 | Blog, Uncategorized

Ameon Utilities have commenced construction of a new, £7m substation in Birkenhead, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing  regeneration of the Wirral.

Hannan Associates worked alongside Ameon and the client, the Wirral Growth Company, to develop a utilities infrastructure strategy that would support rising energy demands and help future proof Birkenhead and its neighbouring towns for future development plans.

The Birkenhead substation is set to play a crucial role in upgrading the region’s energy capabilities, meeting the demands of its expanding population and commercial activities. By providing a stable and efficient power supply, the substation will significantly reduce the likelihood of power outages, ensuring a more reliable service for both residents and businesses. This enhanced infrastructure is essential for supporting the area’s continued growth and regeneration, enabling new developments and economic opportunities.

The substation stands to deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits. The new power will deliver all electric buildings using heat pump technology to take advantage of the decarbonisation of the national grid. This focus on efficiency will help reduce carbon emissions, contributing to the area’s broader sustainability targets.

With its capacity, it will facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient power grid. This forward-thinking approach not only addresses current needs but also positions Birkenhead and the broader Wirral area for long-term success.

Fellow project team members for the new sub-station includes: Ameon Utilities;  Buro Four and Abacus.

This development is part of the Wirral Growth Company’s wider masterplan for Birkenhead town centre. Hannan Associates have been involved with the scheme since 2017 providing Utilities Infrastructure, Building Services Engineering and BREEAM consultancy. The Wirral Growth Company is a joint venture between Wirral Council and Muse.

Previous phases of work included the construction of two new Grade A office buildings, totalling 150,000 sq ft, one of which is now occupied by Wirral Borough Council.  During this phase, the project included the demolition of 27 retail units, for which we organised multiple complex infrastructure diversions of HV, LV, BT, Virgin, Drainage, Gas and Water services. 

 

Ian Joyce

Ian Joyce

Director

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

Wirral Regeneration

Liverpool Waters

DWP Hub, Talbot Gateway Blackpool

BREEAM Version 7 Coming Soon – Are You Ready?

BREEAM Version 7 Coming Soon – Are You Ready?

by | Sep 5, 2024 | Blog

BREEAM Version 7, planned to be released later this year, sets new standards for building performance, aligned with global decarbonisation efforts. The comprehensive overhaul has adopted new minimum standards for achieving BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and ‘Outstanding’ ratings, with an emphasis on operational & embodied carbon reduction and wellbeing.

We have summarised some of the key changes below.

We are keen to help you understand the implications these changes will have on your future projects so please let us know if you would like to discuss BREEAM Version 7 with our team.

It may also be an opportunity for you to register any existing projects against the current BREEAM version to shield you from the more onerous requirements and costs of the new standard. We can of course help you with registration and progression of these projects.

Energy and Carbon

Reduced emphasis on the demand metric and more focus on performance outcomes.
New credits that focus on the prediction of a building’s operational energy use and carbon emissions aligned with NABERS.
Change to EV charging requirements that require a minimum allocation of 10% of parking spaces for EV charging stations and installing cable routes for 20% of parking spaces is required.
A new credit related to flexible demand response that recognises installed electrical building systems which have the capability to automatically modify their electricity consumption patterns in response to signals from the electricity supplier there by supporting grid stability and reducing peak energy use.
A new credit that requires installed controls that enable building servicing systems to respond more efficiently to the demand for energy services.

Health and Wellbeing

New credits rewarding advanced lighting control systems that enhance both comfort and energy efficiency and the benefits of lighting that supports a healthy circadian rhythm. Updated approach to daylight calculations.

Ecology and Pollution

New requirements promoting sustainable site selection practices and updates that include new benchmarks to align with English Biodiversity Net Gain law.
New prerequisite that mandates all refrigerant gases have zero ozone depletion potential.

Carbon and Materials

BREEAM ‘Excellent’ now requires LCA and embodied carbon reporting, while ‘Outstanding’ ratings require a minimum of five credits to be achieved.
A new methodology for Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that includes calculations and reporting of LCA and Embodied carbon at building level during concept design, technical design, and post-construction.

Water

A new credit that requires projects to predict water consumption based on expected occupancy rather than standard occupancy.
Projects can earn up to two standard credits and two exemplary credits for accurately predicting water use, setting targets for in-use water consumption, and committing to measuring actual water use post-occupancy.

For more details of our BREEAM related services please visit our BREEAM page.

 

Tim Bell

Tim Bell

Head of Sustainability

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200
Matthew Dalley

Matthew Dalley

Senior Energy & Sustainability Consultant

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200
Charlotte Becker

Charlotte Becker

Graduate Sustainability Engineer

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200
Sustainability Consultancy – Meet the Team

Sustainability Consultancy – Meet the Team

by | Jun 7, 2024 | Blog

We are very pleased to introduce you to the Hannan Sustainability team.

As Building Services Engineering Consultants sustainability has always featured at the heart of our design process.

Hannan provides a wide range of sustainability consulting services to support our clients to shape and define strategies to achieve site specific and corporate Sustainability targets including:

  • Net Zero Carbon
  • NABERS UK & Energy Performance Modelling
  • Building Certification
  • LCA and LCC Studies.
Name: Tim Bell
Role: Head of Sustainability
How did you end up working in sustainability?

A long time ago, I worked with my Dad in California, where we designed and built bespoke homes. It really piqued my interest in construction. From there I took an MSc In Construction Management and Economics at UCL, where sustainability was touched on, before moving into consultancy working on Life cycle costing projects. It just happened one day that I supported a project team on a BREEAM project and found the various subject areas to be very interesting. From there I haven’t really looked back, and my focus was fixed firmly on sustainability.

What do you enjoy the most about your job and what do you find the most challenging? 

The variety of project types makes the job interesting and certainly as more of our clients are looking at Net Zero and decarbonisation there is a wider variety of sustainability topics to focus on rather than purely certification. This allows us to add value. Managing several projects can be challenging whilst ensuring that what Hannan provides to our clients is of the very highest quality.

How has the industry changed since you first started your career?

Well it’s changed dramatically. I remember sitting in meetings 20 years ago and being asked ‘Sustaina…what?’ Now obviously, climate change, decarbonisation and net zero are everyday terms and key drivers for the built environment. Importantly all these issues are being discussed, taught in schools, highlighted in the media and the younger generation, on the whole, are much more aware of the situation we find ourselves in and keen to make a difference. The built environment is now defined by sustainability and developers and investors are motivated to deliver and invest in ‘green’ assets as tenants become more particular about the buildings they want to work in.

What changes do you foresee for the next 20 years?

Embracing innovation, sustainable supply chains and procurement, the continued rise of the circular economy and more focus on the economic and social impacts of sustainability such as community engagement. As the climate crisis becomes increasingly complex, customers will also be more cautious about their own carbon footprint and will question if a product is sustainably sourced or produced.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I try to live a relatively active lifestyle and have recently taken up Padel and play as often as my knees allow. I’ve basically got all the gear and no idea! Just being with my wife Sarah and daughter Esme. Long walks in Formby Pinewoods and on the beach with Indy our dog. And got to put it out there, I’m a lifelong LFC supporter so try to get to Anfield when I can and having grown up in California, I also have a great passion for baseball and American Football. 

Name: Charlotte Becker
Role: Graduate Sustainability Engineer
Which training route did you take?

I completed a BSc (hons) in Environmental Science and an MSc in Environmental Sustainability and Green Technology both at Keele University, before spending a year gaining industry experience working in environmental consultancy.

What do you enjoy about your job?

I enjoy the fact that I am able to apply my passion for the environment to projects that can produce real-world positive impacts such as preventing greenhouse gas emissions or making improvements to the local environment which can be very rewarding. I also enjoy the wide variety of tasks and projects I get to work on in the role of Graduate Sustainability Engineer, as well as being able to play a part in the transition towards sustainable development that encompasses all aspects of sustainability from material efficiency to ecological enhancement. 

What do you enjoy about working at Hannan Associates?

I enjoy the friendly and supportive atmosphere at Hannan Associates and being able to work with, and learn from, a range of different people who are very knowledgeable in their respective disciplines. I also enjoy the variety of training opportunities I have been given since working at Hannan Associates which have enabled me to develop my skills and understanding and have put me on a path to becoming a recognised sustainability professional.

What do you enjoying doing in your spare time?

I like to spend much of my spare time with my family and friends as well as staying active by going running and doing gym classes.

Name: Matt Dalley
Role: Senior Energy & Sustainability Consultant
How did you end up working in sustainability?

The Kyoto Protocol was signed in December 1997. In 1998, at the age of 16, I applied to study A-Levels in Environmental Science, Geography and Geology.  This led me to study for a degree in Environmental Protection and then read for an MSc in Sustainable Development.

What do you enjoy the most about your job and what do you find the most challenging? 

I enjoy seeing the evolution of sustainable building design and the finished building.
The challenge is changing the existing mindset of designers and contractors towards sustainability.

How has the industry changed since you first started your career?

Sustainability has gone from being a fringe concept to a core requirement. Clients and tenants now understand the climate issues and expect a high level of sustainability in their buildings.

What changes do you foresee for the next 20 years?

The move to zero carbon and the use of operational energy models / in-use energy data will become a driving factor in building design.

Any advice for people looking at starting a career in building services engineering?

A career in sustainability can be rewarding, but there are still many challenges. As with many things, the barrier of cost requires a compromise between sustainability and affordability.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Hiking/camping /DIY.

Hannan Sustainability Services

Strategy

  • Sustainability Strategy (Building and/or portfolio level)
  • Net Zero Carbon Pathways
  • Bespoke Sustainability Framework & KPI development
  • Planning – Energy & Sustainability Reports
  • ESG and Sustainability Policy development 

 

Certification & Assessment

  • BREEAM
  • BREEAM Communities
  • CEEQUAL / BREEAM Infrastructure
  • NABERS
  • LEED
  • WELL – Early stage advice
  • GRESB Consultancy
  • EPC

Decarbonisation

  • Operational Energy Modelling
  • Passive Design Analysis
  • Low Zero Carbon – Renewables Feasibility Studies
  • Embodied Carbon Assessments

Additional Services

  • Indoor Air Quality Plans
  • SBTI Consultancy Services
  • Life Cycle Costing Assessments
 
Please reach out to our team to discuss how we can support your organisation on your sustainability journey.
Tim Bell

Tim Bell

Head of Sustainability

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200
Greenhaus wins at the Insider NW Residential Awards 2024

Greenhaus wins at the Insider NW Residential Awards 2024

by | Jan 30, 2024 | Blog

We are delighted to be a part of the team working on Greenhaus Salford, winner of the Sustainability Award at the Insider North West Residential Awards 2024.

Greenhaus is the latest chapter in the regeneration of the Chapel Street area of Salford Central, led by The English Cities Fund. This scheme has been developed alongside Salix Homes who will be the housing association partner for the scheme.

The Hannan residential team are the MEP design consultants for Greenhaus, which will provide 96 eco-friendly, affordable apartments designed and built to Passivhaus standards,  making it the largest scheme of Passivhaus accredited, affordable homes in the UK.

Our duties on the project have included:

  • Technical review and development of MEP strategy options and plant space requirements to achieve Passivhaus Certification
  • MEP design input into the PHPP assessment
  • Building Regulations Part L Design Stage Compliance Assessments
  • Limiting Overheating Analysis
  • Ongoing site inspections & reporting during the construction period

The Passivahus accreditation will be achieved by employing an all electric strategy including residential ventilation via high efficiency MVHR units, heat pump technology, in addition to passive measures such as enhanced building fabric performance including triple glazing, and significantly improved air tightness.

Other members of the team include:  Buttress Architects; Appleyard & Trew; Alan Johnston Partnership; Max Fordham; Design Fire Consultants; Planit IE; main contractor Eric Wright Construction and MEP Contractor Ameon Building Services.

Greenhaus is part of ECF’s wider £1bn regeneration scheme transforming the area of Salford Central.  The masterplan contains commercial, retail and residential buildings creating a new and vibrant destination for people to live, work and relax.

The English Cities Fund is a joint venture between Muse Places, Legal & General and Homes England, in conjunction with Salford City Council.

“‘The overarching aim has been to reduce energy demand and to employ highly efficient, sustainable services design to address fuel poverty and the cost-of-living crisis. In doing so, the scheme is also a positive step in the right direction for achieving carbon targets, offers improved levels of thermal comfort, and will improve residents’ health and wellbeing. The success of the scheme has been driven by each discipline’s attention to detail throughout the design and construction period”.

Thomas Cutt

Thomas Cutt

Associate Mechanical Design Engineer

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

Congratulations! Hannan Team Promotions News

Congratulations! Hannan Team Promotions News

by | Nov 30, 2023 | Blog, Hannan News

We are delighted to announce the following promotions within the Hannan team…..

 

Andy Carrington – Director 

Andy joined Hannan Associates as an apprentice mechanical design engineer 25 years ago. He has developed consistently and is a key member of the Hannan team contributing to the success of a wide range of projects and some of our longest-standing clients. Andy has helped the business progress, improving standards and methods of working to ensure we meet changing industry needs.

Vicky Priestley – Marketing Director

Vicky joined Hannan Associates 20 years ago as a Marketing Assistant and PA to the directors. Her continued loyalty and enthusiasm has led to her growth within the business and she has become an integral part of the leadership team, driving the marketing & business development related activities and supporting the other main business operations.

Tom Cutt – Associate Mechanical Engineer

Tom joined Hannan Associates eight years ago as a Graduate mechanical design engineer and during this time he has worked hard to progress as a design engineer, team player and team leader. He is driven and focused, with a keen interest in sustainability. He has played a key role in the successful delivery of many projects.

Juan Carlos – Head of BIM

Juan joined Hannan Associates eight years ago to develop our in-house BIM capability to meet changing industry standards . He continues to maintain high standards within the BIM department whilst developing the skills of other team members.

Shaun Wilkinson – Head of Construction Monitoring  

Shaun joined Hannan Associates ten years ago and has 25 years industry experience.  Shaun’s eye for detail and excellent communication skills lends themselves to the project monitoring role and he now leads our in-house monitoring service. Shaun is a positive team player and leader, who brings enthusiasm and a sense of humour to his teams. 

 

 

Vicky Priestley

Vicky Priestley

Marketing Director

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200
40 Years of Hannans: Q&A with John Walker

40 Years of Hannans: Q&A with John Walker

by | Nov 23, 2023 | Blog

Name: John Walker

Role: Director

Tell us a little bit about how you came to join Hannan Associates and what it was like when you started.

The previous director decided to emigrate to New Zealand and I responded to a Hannan advertisement for an Electrical Director Designate.

I was interviewed by Bill, Heather and Ian and was lucky to land the position.

Hannan Associates was a successful business with a good reputation when I joined but I could see there were areas of improvement needed to underpin the success and move it forwards.

There was too much focus on Bill Hannan as an individual and not enough on the other talented people in the business so we began to market the wider skills base with clients.

How has the business changed since you joined?

The Business relocated to a new office in Denton which showcased some of the ideas and technologies we were recommending to clients at the time.

The design processes and the skills we require have evolved, driven by the availability of design software and faster computer technology.

Sustainability and the need to improve the performance of buildings has significantly enhanced our role within the design teams and our relationship with the architect.

The increased complexity of developments and buildings has resulted in more specialists being required within the team and we now offer a much wider range of services to clients to meet this demand.

We now operate successfully in a wider range of sectors some of which have been planned and some has been in response to repeat client requests.

What do you think has been the key to keeping so many long-term clients happy over the years?

Everyone in the business is aware of how important it is to keep repeat clients happy and has a good understanding of what it takes but I think it goes beyond that because our people are genuinely interested in delivering what is needed for success on the projects even if that means stepping outwith our scope and I think clients recognise this.

In terms of the process for us it includes; helping to define our own scope, self management, building relations with the team, flexibility, commercial awareness, technical competence, meeting deadlines, good communication and delivering value on fees.

What do you think the next ten years holds for Hannan Associates and the industry?

The focus on sustainability will continue to offer significant opportunities as we approach the worldwide carbon deadlines for 2030 and beyond.

The pace of change looks like it will be the main challenge for us over the coming years. If we are to take advance of the opportunities we will need to embrace and master the new technologies and design tools which are likely to include AI.

Construction needs to be more diverse and whilst we have moved forwards there is much more to do.

What are you most proud of in terms of your contribution to the business? 

The systems and processes which we have implemented to help us deliver our services.

The successes we’ve had with the people who joined us a graduates and trainees – even the ones who moved on.

The freedom enjoyed by the staff and the absence of red tape and bureaucracy.

The stability of the company and the way we have responded UK and World recessions.

John Walker

John Walker

Director

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44(0)161 337 2200

Pin It on Pinterest