So here it is, an end of year review from BRE Academy. Whilst many of our courses haven’t been running for more than a year, our Bookshop has – and we can now reveal our top ten BRE digital downloads for 2016:
Designed for builders, designers and planners, this practical publication examines different types of retaining walls, soil classification, walls in sloping ground, materials, foundations, construction and safety.
- Radon: Guidance on protective measures for new buildings (BR 211- 2015 edition)
Intended for use in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, this report offers thorough practical guidance for reducing radon in new buildings, extensions, conversions, and refurbishments.
(There’s an accompanying online course, also available here.)
Prepared as part of a Partners in Innovation project funded by the Department of Trade and Industry, this digest offers guidance on the mechanical installation of roof mounted integrated and stand-off photovoltaic systems on roofs. The guidance refers only to, ‘it provides best practice guidance on installation requirements’ (not fixing instructions).
A classification system for photovoltaic systems is included, with illustrations of commercially available systems. Care, maintenance and inspection are also covered.
- Non-traditional houses: Identifying non-traditional houses in the UK 1918-75 – DIGITAL EDITION (AP 294)
Now available in a new digital edition that offers remarkable value for money, this comprehensive and highly illustrated reference, offers a wealth of information and advice from leading experts. For each house type there is an isometric drawing that provides a clear explanation of the construction detail.
Most ground-supported working platforms perform well, but overturning of rigs has occurred more frequently than it should. This guide is intended to promote safety in the design, specification, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of working platforms. The Federation of Piling Specialists instigated preparation of this guide as part of a drive to improve practices related to the use of piling and associated specialist plant – so vital for plant stability and safety.
This short guide considers the causes of dampness in walls and how to remedy rising damp if found.
It covers finding the source of the dampness and appropriate remedies, and further includes information on how to provide a new complete moisture barrier.
- Lifetime Homes Design Guide (EP 100)
Habinteg Housing Association created this publication to describe the design requirements for homes to meet the differing and changing needs of households, including guidance on the Lifetime Homes Standard, principles of inclusivity, accessibility, adaptability, sustainability and good value.
- Wind loads on roof-mounted photovoltaic and solar thermal systems (DG 489 revised 2014)
This digest includes wind loading guidance for a wide range of roof-mounted solar installations, and example calculations, applicable to both PV and ST systems. It includes guidance for installers, designers and manufacturers of such systems, as well as local authorities, architects and specifiers, on the wind loads to be used for the design of roof-mounted solar systems in the UK based on the Eurocode for wind actions (BS EN 1991-1-4:2005) and the UK National Annex.
This is the latest edition of a highly regarded BRE guide offering assistance on site layout for good sunlighting and daylighting; safeguarding of daylight and sunlight within existing buildings nearby; and the protection of daylight of adjoining land for future development.
A special section deals with passive solar site layout. Sunlighting of gardens and amenity areas. Issues like privacy, enclosure, microclimate, road layout and security are also reviewed.
This invaluable calculator “does what it says on the tin” and can be used to calculate U-values for walls, roofs, floors etc. It is an essential first step that underpins energy performance models such as SAP.
What, we wonder, will top the chart for 2017?
Have a Great Year!