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 Salford – Passivhaus, Affordable Homes

Greenhaus Salford – Passivhaus, Affordable Homes

by | May 1, 2024 | Blog

Completed in March 2024, Greenhaus is the first and largest Passivhaus certified, affordable development in the North West.

The highly sustainable residential development on Chapel Street, Salford includes 96 eco-friendly, affordable apartments designed and built to Passivhaus ‘Classic’ standard.

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

Building Services Engineering Strategy

Hannan Associates provided the role of Building Services Engineering Consultant on the design team, working in collaboration with the Passivhaus Designer to develop the most effective design Strategy. Our duties included:

  • Technical review and development of MEP strategy options and plant space requirements to achieve Passivhaus Certification
  • Building Services 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 Passivhaus certification was achieved by prioritising passive measures such as enhanced building fabric, triple glazing, and significantly improved air tightness. This was complemented by an all-electric strategy incorporating heat pump technology used to generate domestic hot water and employing high efficiency MVHR units for residential ventilation.

Other members of the team included:  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.

 “The overarching aim with Greenhaus 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. Greenhaus has set the blueprint for our next certified scheme, ‘Willohaus’, which is now on site and being developed as part of the Salford Crescent masterplan”.

Tom Cutt  – Hannan Associates

 

English Cities Fund and Salford Central

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, Legal & General and Homes England, in conjunction with Salford City Council. 

What is Passivhaus

Passivhaus is an international energy standard, originating in Germany, which emerged in the 1990’s and is regulated by The Passivhaus Trust.  Passivhaus is typically applied to residential developments, however commercial buildings can also achieve certification . There are 3 levels of certification: Classic, Plus and Premium. 

 

Why Design a Passivhaus Project? 

Benefits of designing a Passivhaus Project include; improved thermal comfort, improved indoor air quality & reduced energy demand, which results in lower running costs.

A building designed to achieve Passivhaus Certification will typically outperform current 2021 Part L requirements and will more closely align with the anticipated Future Homes Standard and LETI target. Passivhaus design can result in energy savings of between 60 – 90% for the end-user.

 

For further information about key design requirements, MEP Strategy and cost considerations of Passivhaus projects please get in touch ………

Tom Cutt

Tom Cutt

Associate Mechanical Design Engineer

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

Willohaus Salford

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
Refurbishment Plans for Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey

Refurbishment Plans for Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey

by | Nov 3, 2023 | Blog

Image Courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK

Our client, Ronald McDonald House Charities UK have revealed plans for the multi-million-pound refurbishment of its 83 bedroom house at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

The refurbishment works will include a complete refit of all bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms and the addition of family kitchens to each floor. Interconnecting rooms will be created for larger / blended families and the dayroom facilities will be improved to offer complimentary services such as hairdressing, yoga and family support. There will also be a re-landscaped garden for all age groups. 

We are providing Building Services Engineering consultancy for the project, which will include the complete replacement of the heating and domestic hot water system with a new system incorporating a micro CHP unit supplemented by gas fired boilers.

LED lighting will be installed throughout along with roof mounted photovoltaics. 

We are working alongside AEW Architects, MAC Construction, Urban Green, Heyne Tillett Steel, Hydrock and Mike Jackson Associates on the project design team.

 

Image Courtesy of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK

Ronald McDonald House Charities UK provides free ‘home away from home’ accommodation for families whose children are undergoing treatment, giving them a warm and welcoming environment where they can stay for as long as they need. The RMH Alder Hey will benefit more than 900 families who will stay there each year.

The charity have raised the majority of the funds needed but have launched a public appeal to help raise the remaining required. If you would like to donate please visit https://rmhc.org.uk/liverpool-appeal/ 

 

“We are delighted to be part of the team involved in the refurbishment of RMH Alder Hey and to have the opportunity to continue our work with this brilliant charity who do such a good job of supporting families during the most difficult of times”

Andrew Carrington

Andrew Carrington

Director

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

Ronald McDonald House Oxford

Ronald McDonald House Manchester

40 Years of Hannans: Q&A with Ian Joyce

40 Years of Hannans: Q&A with Ian Joyce

by | Sep 6, 2023 | Blog

Name: Ian Joyce

Role: Director

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

Hannan Associates was formed after Bill Hannan left Thermal Transfer and i joined within 6 months of the inception when there were only 3 staff and we were working in Bills dining room at his house in Charlesworth. 

 We were working on various schemes involving Energy Efficiency schemes for factories including decommissioning Oil and Steam plant and replacing with decentralised gas fired plant.  We also worked on a quite a few projects in Saudi Arabia at that time including some historic Mosque redevelopments. For the first two years we stayed in Charlesworth but space became an issue and we had to find new accommodation.  Hannan’s initially rented then bought a building in Marple which required conversion to offices.  In a short space of time after that the staffing levels reach over 40 and i had a remote office set up in another building

There was a breakthrough into larger projects when we were invited to assist in early stages of a very large London Docklands development.  This was pre curser to the Canary Wharf scheme but it kicked off all the major development in the area of London.

Over the next few years after an initial scheme to replace the floodlighting at Old Trafford, we also got involved in numerous stadia projects for Bolton, Manchester United, Manchester City, Blackburn and others.

How has the business changed since you joined?

The world has changed and whilst we started with energy saving schemes that would also be saving carbon, the extent of change of emphasis and the responsibilities of the Building Services Engineer are much greater and more significant in the design of buildings.

Nearly all projects now have a multitude of targets, modelling and reports to meet the various standards. In the 80s for a typical office scheme we would just need to meet building regulations but now we have to consider much tougher building regulations, Development Briefs, BCO Guidance, BREEAM Certification, Wired Score, Well Building, Low Carbon Targets, NABERS rating, Passive Design, Indoor air quality, LCA reports, Fire engineering strategies and Specific Planning requirements.

Then there are new requirements under the Golden Thread which are starting to be included.

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

It’s about being thorough and listening to what clients want and dealing with any problems quickly and honestly.

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

It difficult to imagine but the next planned changes to building regulations and the golden thread are going to make a big difference to the work in getting a job out of the door and built.  The services engineer is going to have to be even more  involved in building design strategies.

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

It’s just great to know that we were part of developing buildings which will be around for years to come and are used by thousands of people.  

 

Ian Joyce

Ian Joyce

Director

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

Pin It on Pinterest