Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) aims to conserve and enhance the community's natural resources. The ecological processes on which life depends are thereby maintained and the total quality of life, now and for the future generations, can be increased.
Heggies has a long history of involvement in environmentally sustainable engineering, including passive solar design and ESD/energy efficiency studies. Over the course of many years, we have earned a respected and highly credible reputation with regulatory authorities, clients and with the broader community. Most importantly, we have a very practical understanding of the engineering and cost constraints applying to energy and water efficiency design and management for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Being and engineering-based practice, we are familiar with the engineering practicalities and both the direct and indirect costs associated with the implementation of resource conservation and ESD measures.
Heggies has a broad experience base in building simulations, energy rating assessments and the effects of glazing and facade design on sustainable outcomes. We optimise passive thermal design to minimise air conditioning loads, optimise mechanical services requirements and to allow development of water and waste minimisation strategies. We have been involved in providing energy rating and ESD assessments and design advice on numerous private and public sector projects to achieve targeted energy and water savings. Heggies ESD consulting services operate from within the Building Technologies group as a “one-stop” integrated service solutions provider - resulting in buildings which consume fewer natural resources and are more comfortable environments in which to live or work.
Heggies personnel regularly assist clients with the following tasks:
- BASIX Assessments
- Façade Reflectivity
- Solar Ingress Studies
- Overshadowing Analysis
- NatHERS Energy Studies
- Sustainable Development
- Efficiency and Conservation
- Wind Turbine Shadow Flicker
- Annoyance from Lighting
- Indoor Illumination
- Energy Audits
Solar Studies - Overshadowing & Glare
Glare caused by building reflections can produce traffic and pedestrian disability glare, both of with which can have serious risk consequences. Heggies consultants are able to prepare impact reports for the building approval process providing design advice aimed at optimising use of natural light and limiting the impact of façade reflection, glare and “annoyance” lighting from advertising signs and the like.
Heggies can also assess potential impacts from the shadow flicker and blade glint associated with rotating wind farm turbine blades.
Many consent authorities have regulations governing the extent to which proposed building developments are able to overshadow neighbouring buildings (especially residential buildings) or public spaces of civic importance. These are normally handled by Heggies via 3-D AutoCAD studies which can generate building shadows for any specific time of the day on any day of the year.
Lighting/Illumination in Transportation and the Built Environment
A key requirement in modern construction and transportation systems is an understanding of how architectural design can affect available light within the structure. Heggies services in this area include illuminance studies (Artificial Lighting Simulation), Illuminance studies (Day-lighting), light flicker, solar access analysis and on site illuminance measurements.
If you would like to receive more information about these services or speak with a consultant, please contact us here.
