Welcome to NBS

NBS topic areas

 

Keep up to date with industry developments

NBS solutions

 

Products and services for all construction projects

Sustainability

Sustainable development

Gas boilers
Gas Emissions
General design information

General planning information
General purpose sheets
Geographic information systems (GIS)

Gas boilers

Building Research Energy Conservation Support Unit

Good Practice Guide 16 Guide for installers of condensing boilers in commercial buildings, 1990
View in The Construction Information Service

New Practice Final Report 20 Low oxides of nitrogen condensing boilers in large residential buildings, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 32 Condensing boilers: applications manual, 1991
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 38 Energy efficiency in schools: condensing gas boilers, 1991
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 39 Energy efficiency in offices: condensing gas boilers, 1992
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 40 Energy efficiency in hospitals: condensing gas boilers, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 41 Energy efficiency in hotels: condensing gas boilers, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 42 Energy efficiency in higher education buildings: condensing gas boilers, 1993
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 43 Energy efficiency in sports and recreation buildings: condensing gas boilers, 1994
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 84 Domestic oil-fired condensing boilers, 1994
View in The Construction Information Service

General Information Report 16 High efficiency condensing boilers (domestic applications) for installers in the UK, 1994
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Case Study 262 Condensing gas boilers for low temperature systems, 1995
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Practice Guide 284 Domestic central heating and hot water systems with gas and oil fired boilers - guidance for installers and specifiers, 2000
Aims to assist installers, specifiers and purchasers of boilers and central heating systems for use in housing. It provides guidance on selecting boilers and heating systems to improve energy efficiency, reduce running costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The Guide covers gas (including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)) and oil-fired 'wet' ('hydronic') central heating systems, i.e. those in which water is circulated to heat emitters from a boiler. It does not include solid-fuel or electric boilers, or ducted warm-air heating systems.
View in The Construction Information Service

Building Research Establishment

Information Paper 14/89 Performance of condensing boilers in non-domestic buildings, 1989
This paper describes the results of monitoring a highly successful refurbishment project in which a set of gas-fired condensing and standard boilers replaced obsolete boilers at a hospital. The boilers served the existing conventional space heating system in the 60 buildings at the site. The energy savings achieved in 1 year recouped the extra capital cost of the condensing boilers compared with the cost of conventional high-efficiency boiler plant. The data collected are used to illustrate the cost effectiveness of condensing boilers for non-domestic buildings and their particular suitability for hospital refurbishment projects.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 19/89 Condensing boilers: reduced space-heating costs in large residential buildings, 1989
Owners of buildings in which space heating is provided by centralised, gas-fired heating plants can reduce their heating costs through the use of highly efficient heating appliances known as condensing boilers. This paper is based on a monitoring programme in sheltered housing in which condensing boilers were used to provide the space heating.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 6/91 Condensing boilers: how they compare with other systems in the BRE low-energy office, 1991
The BRE low-energy office (LEO) at Garston was among the first buildings constructed in the UK with the aim of minimising energy use. In the summer of 1989 the original heating system, now ten years old, was refurbished, using up-to-date technology. This paper reports on the performance of the condensing boiler based wet heating system in the LEO during the 1989/90 heating season, and compares it with other performances in previous years, including that of the electric heating system installed in the building.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 19/94 Condensing boilers: a review of their performance in practice, 1994
Condensing boilers are more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than conventional plant. This paper summarises the results of extensive studies of condensing boiler installations, and demonstrates that they can be a highly cost-effective way of saving energy.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Repair Guide 26 Part 2 Improving energy efficiency: Part 2 - boilers and heating systems, draughtstripping, 1999
View in The Construction Information Service

Digest 339 Condensing boilers, 1990
For both commercial and domestic use condensing boilers represent a new generation of heating appliance. They can be used in most buildings, new and existing, large and small, with valuable savings in energy. Payback of the additional capital cost over conventional boilers usually occurs within one to five years. There are some cases where condensing boilers are not economically attractive, but these are the exception rather than the rule. This digest summarises selection, system design, installation, commissioning and maintenance and gives advice on economic appraisal.
View in The Construction Information Service

Gas Emissions

Association of Environmental Consultancies

Contaminated land: code of practice for registered contaminated land consultancies, 1994
This code of practice is designed to ensure that; all contaminated land work is undertaken to a high standard; the principal actions are fully documented and can be independently assessed.
View in The Construction Information Service

Building Research Establishment

Measurement of gas emissions from contaminated land, 1987
View in The Construction Information Service

Pollution Control Guide 4 Controlling particles, vapour and noise pollution from construction sites. Materials handling, storage, stockpiles, spillage and disposal, 2003
Intended to assist with the control of air pollution and noise emissions from construction sites. Sets out guidance on controlling pollution emissions associated with handling materials, storage, spillage and disposal. Although techniques have not been validated under controlled conditions and therefore must be used with care, recommendations are drawn from cases where they have been found to be effective.
View in The Construction Information Service

Pollution Control Guide 5 Controlling particles, vapour and noise pollution from construction sites. Fabrication processes and internal and external finishes, 2003
Intended to assist with the control of air pollution and noise emissions from construction sites. Sets out guidance on controlling pollution emissions associated with construction fabrication processes and internal and external finishes. Although techniques have not been validated under controlled conditions and therefore must be used with care, recommendations are drawn from cases where they have been found to be effective.
View in The Construction Information Service

Pollution Control Guide 2 Controlling particles, vapour and noise pollution from construction sites. Site preparation, demolition, earthworks and landscaping, 2003
Intended to assist with the control of air pollution and noise emissions from construction sites. Sets out guidance on controlling pollution emissions associated with site preparation, demolition, earthworks and landscaping. Although techniques have not been validated under controlled conditions and therefore must be used with care, recommendations are drawn from cases where they have been found to be effective.
View in The Construction Information Service

Pollution Control Guide 3 Controlling particles, vapour and noise pollution from construction sites. Haulage routes, vehicles and plant, 2003
Intended to assist with the control of air pollution and noise emissions from construction sites. Sets out guidance on controlling pollution emissions associated with haulage routes, vehicles and construction plant. Although techniques have not been validated under controlled conditions and therefore must be used with care, recommendations are drawn from cases where they have been found to be effective.
View in The Construction Information Service

Pollution Control Guide 1 Controlling particles, vapour and noise pollution from construction sites. Pre-project planning and effective management, 2003
Intended to assist with the control of air pollution and noise emissions from construction sites. Sets out guidance on controlling pollution emissions through effective pre-project planning and management issues that are an essential part of any construction project.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 2/90 Greenhouse-gas emissions and buildings in the United Kingdom, 1990
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon caused by the absorption of infra-red radiation in the lower atmosphere by certain gases, including carbon dioxide. Man's activities are increasing the atmospheric concentrations of many of these 'greenhouse gases'. This paper explores the relationship between building energy use and the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. It also considers the scope for reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the application of energy efficiency measures in existing buildings.
View in The Construction Information Service

Information Paper 15/05 Scope for reducing carbon emissions from housing, 2005
Evaluates the scope for cost-effective reductions in emissions through energy efficiency measures in housing. From a starting point of 2001, it considers the potential for reductions by 2010, 2020 and 2050.
View in The Construction Information Service

Report 211 Radon: guidance on protective measures for new dwellings. 1999 edition, 1999
Gives guidance for reducing the concentration of radon in new dwellings, hence reducing the risk to occupants of exposure to radon. Provides practical details on methods of protecting new dwellings.
View in The Construction Information Service

Report 212 Construction of new buildings on gas-contaminated land, 1991
Incidents involving landfill gas in buildings have increased in recent years and these are of concern to developers and builders who are faced with the problem of developing sites where this gas is present. The principal components of landfill gas are methane (which is flammable) and carbon dioxide (which is toxic), but these two gases are also associated with coal strata, river silt, sewage and peat. The report provides a brief background on the production of landfill gas, its properties and how it migrates off-site. It then goes on to discuss assessment of gas-contaminated sites and outlines the construction principles that need to be followed when ground where methane and carbon dioxide are present is built on. The types of construction covered in this report are a concrete slab with a granular venting layer, and a ventilated subfloor void. It is recommended that private houses should be protected using only passive measures, and that active measures, which include gas monitoring, are only appropriate where there is a responsible body which can provide continuing maintenance for these measures. The report gives minimum recommended areas of ventilation and the standard for gas-proof membranes. It also recommends that service pipes and cables should be directed into buildings above the floor but that if this is unavoidable then all entry points should be properly sealed against gas ingress.
View in The Construction Information Service

Report 267 Major alterations and conversions: a BRE guide to radon remedial measures in existing dwellings, 1994
This report is one of a series giving practical advice on methods of reducing radon levels in existing dwellings. It deals specifically with dwellings. This report offers advice on radon-protective measures than can be taken during the planning and implementation of major alteration or conversion works to a building in radon-affected areas. It describes how certain precautionary measures can help to reduce indoor radon levels, and can make it easier to resolve any future radon problem. This is particularly relevant when converting redundant farm or other out-buildings into living accommodation, or carrying out major works such as floor replacement in older properties.
View in The Construction Information Service

Report 343 BRE Guide to radon remedial measures in existing dwellings. Dwellings with cellars and basements, 1998
This guide is one of a series giving practical advice on methods of reducing radon levels in existing dwellings. It is intended to help surveyors, builders and householders who are trying to reduce indoor radon levels in houses with cellars or basements. The guide is based on a large body of remedial work carried out to advice given by BRE, and on discussions with others working in the field. The measures it describes are applicable, in principle, to all dwellings and other buildings of a similar scale and construction which have cellars or basements. Basements and cellars are relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom but where they do occur they are likely to be major contributors to the radon problem within a building. Experience shows that most houses with high indoor radon levels can be remedied through the use of straightforward building works. These can be carried out by a builder or householder competent in DIY. The cost should not be excessive.
View in The Construction Information Service

Digest 482 Contaminated land: ingress of organic vapours into buildings, 2004
Contains the main sources of information and gives examples of using risk assessment tools and measuring air pollutants that are applicable to evaluating and controlling risks due to the ingress of organic vapours from the ground into buildings. Describes the technical risks and financial risks that are important to any development or remediation project.
View in The Construction Information Service

Good Building Guide 59 Part 2 Building on brownfield sites: reducing the risks, 2004
A national target has been set to build 60% of new housing on brownfield sites. These sites can contain a variety of hazards that can pose significant risks for developers, designers, house builders, insurers and house owners. In Part 2, the ways in which the risks can be managed and, where necessary, reduced, are outlined. Risk mitigation can include ground remediation techniques which are implemented before building and defensive measures which are adopted in the design of foundations, substructure and services. Also lists regulations which can impact on the development of brownfield sites.
View in The Construction Information Service

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

Contaminated land: Development of contaminated land - professional guidance, 1990
This publication is designed to provide a broad overview of the following; descriptions of contaminated land, government polices, legislation, grant aid, experiences of other countries, site investigations, interpretation of data, guidelines, remedial treatments, and waste disposal.
View in The Construction Information Service

Chemical Industries Association

Contaminated land and land remediation - guidance on the issues and techniques: Booklet 2. Avoiding contamination, 1993
This publication on contaminated land is presented in three separate booklets. They offer background and guidance, in a staged approach, and are primarily directed towards small to medium sized companies. Booklet 2 provides a summary of how soil and groundwater contamination can be avoided.
View in The Construction Information Service

Contaminated land and land remediation - guidance on the issues and techniques: Booklet 3. Assessment, data evaluation and review, 1993
This publication on contaminated land is presented in three separate booklets. They offer background and guidance, in a staged approach, and are primarily directed towards small to medium sized companies. Booklet 3 presents a more detailed guide for company specialist and consultants.
View in The Construction Information Service

Contaminated land and land remediation - guidance on the issues and techniques: Booklet 1. The overview, 1993
This publication on contaminated land is presented in three separate booklets. They offer background and guidance, in a staged approach, and are primarily directed towards small to medium sized companies. Booklet 1 covers legislation, potential liabilities, site remediation concerns, outline of the assessment process and magnitude of cost.
View in The Construction Information Service

CIRIA

Report R 131 Measurement of methane and other gases from the ground, 1993
Methane and the gases often found with it can cause many problems during construction operations such as tunnelling and building in the vicinity of landfill sites. At whatever stage of construction process, from initial investigation to the operation of the completed works, if there is reason to suspect the presence of these gases, it will be necessary to be sure of safety. This report describes the methods and techniques that are available for the detection of these gases, for sampling them and for taking measurements relevant to mitigating the problems the gases pose. While centred on methane and landfill gas, the report also covers carbon dioxide and other hazardous gases. Within the context of safe working, there is comprehensive guidance on detecting gas, identifying the source, measuring and sampling different gases, and on the interpretation of the results. Factors which affect the investigation of gas, e. g. meteorological conditions, gas in groundwater, are discussed. The use of monitoring systems on a site and within buildings is described.
View in The Construction Information Service

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

CO2 emission figures for policy analysis, 2006
Presents 2001 energy emission figures. Sets out to describe how delivered energy emission figures relate to other emission factors in the public domain, and to review the currently proposed SAP 2005 emission factors and describe their provenance. It considers more recent data on emissions arising from LPG that has been provided by the Liquid Petroleum Gas Association (LPGA) and makes recommendations as to how these emission factors should be adjusted, based on more recent information, but using the existing methodology.
View in The Construction Information Service

Department of the Environment

Contaminated Land Research Report 2(1) Guidance on preliminary site inspection of contaminated land. Volume 1, 1994
This is volume 1 of a two volume report providing guidance on the identification and interpretation of visual and other sensory indicators of the possible presence of contamination on a site. This volume is intended to be a manual for use on site and includes a check list and assessment forms.
View in The Construction Information Service

Contaminated Land Research Report 2(2) Guidance on preliminary site inspection of contaminated land. Volume 2, 1994
This is volume 2 of a two volume report providing guidance on the identification and interpretation of visual and other sensory indicators of the possible presence of contamination on a site. This volume provides a detailed review of the relevant literature on these indicators.
View in The Construction Information Service

Waste Management Paper 27 Landfill gas. 2nd edition, 1991
A technical memorandum providing guidance on the monitoring and control of landfill gas.
View in The Construction Information Service

Elsevier

Carbon dioxide utilization for global sustainability: proceedings of the 7th international conference on carbon dioxide utilization, Seoul, Korea, October 12-16, 2003, 2006
Addressing global environmental problems, such as global warming is essential to global sustainability. Continued research leads to advancement in standard methods and produces new data. 'Carbon Dioxide Utilization for Global Sustainability: Proceedings of the 7th ICCDU (International Conference on Carbon Dioxide Utilization)' reflects the most recent research results, as well as stimulating scientific discussions with new challenges in advancing the development of carbon dioxide utilization.

Environment Agency

Landfill Technical Guidance Note 03 Guidance on the management of landfill gas, 2004
Sets out the legislative requirements of the Landfill Regulations, the PPC Regulations, the Waste Framework Directive and current good practice. This guidance will form the basis for setting conditions in PPC permits (including landfill permits) that provide for all appropriate measures to be taken against pollution, to limit emissions and impact on the environment, and when setting appropriate conditions in waste management licences.
View in The Construction Information Service

RDTR P5-035/TR/01 Assessment and management of risks to buildings, building materials and services from land contamination, 2001
Buildings, building materials and services (BBM and S) are just one of a number of different receptors that may be damaged if they come into contact with contaminated ground. These risks should be taken into account when; New buildings are to be erected on the contaminated ground, Materials are to form part of a remediation scheme, or There is reason to believe that existing structures have been adversely affected. This report considers the risks to BBM and S in four principle ways; The presence of aggressive substances, The presence of combustible materials, The presence of expansive slags, and The presence of unstable fills.
View in The Construction Information Service

RDTR P331 Risks of contaminated land to buildings, building materials and services. A literature review, 2000
Reviews currently available guidance on the assessment and management of risks to buildings and other structures, building materials and services from land contamination. Intended to provide information for use in developing guidance on risk assessment and management for building on contaminated land.
View in The Construction Information Service

National Radiological Protection Board

Radon affected areas: Northern Ireland - 1999 review, 1999
Board advice on radon in homes issued in 1990 specifies that areas of the UK where 1% or more of homes exceed the Action Level of 200 becquerels per cubic metre of air should be regarded as Affected Areas. Results of radon measurements in more than 15,000 homes in Northern Ireland are mapped and used to complete the delineation of Affected Areas.
View in The Construction Information Service

Radon in dwellings in England, 1994
Radiation of natural origin is responsible for most of the exposure of the population of the United Kingdom. This report gives the information on radon in homes in England from work carried out by NRPB up to the end of 1991.
View in The Construction Information Service

Exposure to radon in UK dwellings, 1994
Doses from radon are the largest component of the average radiation exposure of the UK population. This report outlines the risks of radon exposure, the factors affecting radon concentrations in buildings and how these concentrations can be measured.
View in The Construction Information Service

Report W 26 Radon atlas of England and Wales, 2002
Brings together and updates the information in three earlier reports on radon levels in English and Welsh homes. In particular, data from measurements in over 400,000 homes in England and Wales are presented in tabular format. The tables give the data by various administrative divisions, down to electoral wards for Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and council areas elsewhere and to sector level of the postcode system. The radon probability maps are based on the national grid system and show significantly more locational detail than the previous publications on Wales and the rest of England.
View in The Construction Information Service

Transport Research Laboratory

Viridis Publications - Report Managing odour risk at landfill sites, 2002
The management of odours from landfills is an aspect of landfill operations and management that is of continuing concern to both the public, regulatory authorities and waste management companies. The objective of the study was to produce guidance on odour control for site managers by identifying the key parameters associated with odour and prioritising the effectiveness of existing odour control techniques and practices. Six landfill sites with different waste inputs and geographic locations were selected for the study
View in The Construction Information Service

General design information

Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd

Urban design: green dimensions. 3rd edition, 2005
This book aims to relate the main components of urban design to a general theory or urban structuring with a strong design emphasis but within the general field of sustainable city development.
Buy this title from RIBA Bookshops

Thames and Hudson

ArchiLab's earth buildings: radical experiments in land architecture, 2003
The first part of the book consists of a series of essays relevant to earth buildings. The bulk of the book, however, consists of ideas by thirty innovative architects practices which offer potential proposals for ways to address issues such as dwindling resources, land engineering, sensitive development of brown field sites, and city ecosystems. Various ideas are developed in the form of a series of computer rendered drawings, plans and photographs.
Buy this title from RIBA Bookshops

Ecological architecture: a critical history, 2005
After an introduction to the terminology of ecological architecture including terms such as green and sustainable, the book identifies recurring themes in ecological architecture. Features twenty-five case studies each focusing on a specific architect, movement or topic. Some of the names are familiar in this context, Rasem Badran, Hassan Fathy, but there are also plenty of surprises Also looks to the future as ecological architecture struggles to deal with global urbanisation.
Buy this title from RIBA Bookshops

Town and Country Planning Association

Urban housing capacity and the sustainable city 1: the costs of reclaiming derelict sites, 1998
This project has six main themes; the cost of reclaiming derelict sites; design solutions for increasing urban capacity; monitoring, evaluation and appraisal of urban housing development; institutional arrangements for maximising capacity; legal and liability issues preventing urban housing development and; the wider picture: barriers to and critical success factors for, urban renewal.
View in The Construction Information Service

General planning information

European Environment Agency

Environmental benchmarking for local authorities from concept to practice, 2001
This report addresses the use of benchmarking as a management tool in the context of municipal and local community actions towards sustainability management.
View in The Construction Information Service

General purpose sheets

Building Research Establishment

Information Paper 4/04 Recycling fibre reinforced polymers in the construction industry, 2004
Reviews fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) recycling initiatives and techniques, materials usage and current practice. Technical, economic and policy issues necessary to improve the future recyclability of FRPs are discussed, and the refurbishment potential and possibility of re-use of FRP components are investigated.
View in The Construction Information Service

Report 467 Recycling fibre reinforced polymers in construction: a guide to best practicable environmental option, 2004
This best practicable environmental option (BPEO) guide provides information on the disposal and recycling options available for Fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) waste, uses of FRP recyclate, ecocomposites, and composite recycling facilities. The aim is to enable the construction industry to make informed decisions about material choices at the specification stage, consider factors to enable easier deconstruction at the design stage and assess the relative merits of the disposal options available at the end of the service life. Gives details of legislation which will impact on choices for material re-use, recycling or disposal, discusses research into the recyclability of FRP building materials, describes products that can be manufactured from FRP recyclate, and presents a financial assessment.
View in The Construction Information Service

Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers

Technical Memoranda TM 35 Environmental performance toolkit for glazed facades, 2004
Report based on a 2 year Partners-in-Innovation (PII) project sponsored by the DTI, that conducted a comprehensive study on the overall performance of highly glazed facades. Covers; Building environmental performance criteria, Thermal Modelling and the facade selector, References, and an appendix - Facade classification matrix.
View in The Construction Information Service

English Heritage

Practical building conservation. Volume 5: Wood, glass and resins, 1988
The sections on wood analyse the problems of fungi, insects and timber distortion and explore the use of substitute materials and finishes for external surfaces. Techniques for conservation of historic glass include an evaluation of cleaning methods, treatment of paint loss and how to protect glass from vandalism, breakage and the problems of variable climatic conditions.
View in The Construction Information Service

Gypsum Products Development Association

Advice Note Building regulations part E (England and Wales) proposals for amending the provisions for sound insulation, 2003
Provides practical guidance on meeting the requirements of Schedule 1 and Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations. Part E gives guidance with suggested constructions on how to provide reasonable levels of sound insulation between and within dwellings and other residential buildings (e.g. hotels and buildings providing residential care).
View in The Construction Information Service

New Society Publishers

Natural plaster book: earth, lime and gypsum plasters for natural homes, 2003
Provides detailed information on three natural plasters (earthen, lime, and gypsum), as well as natural finishes. Clear and understandable in style and plentifully illustrated with black and white line drawings and photographs.

Geographic information systems (GIS)

GeoInformation International

Spatial analysis: modelling in a GIS environment, 1996
This book is about the ways in which quantitative geographical methods and techniques can be used within a digital environment, thus enabling the development of rigorous models of spatial distributions, the analysis of locational patterns and problems, and the investigation and forecasting of space-time dynamics. Its focus is on human and social systems.
View in The Construction Information Service

BackToTop

Email Updates

Receive regular email
updates from NBS