Archives for February 2024

Launching our new ‘Healthy Buildings Guide’

The onset of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent move back to office working has placed a spotlight on the importance of healthy buildings. Companies are increasingly prioritising spaces with credentials that support the well-being of employees. Sustainable development, meeting present needs without compromising the future, aligns with the broader concept of well-being – providing mental and emotional, social, and physical resources to face current and future challenges.

To guide us through these challenges, Envision has developed a comprehensive Healthy Building Guide. The guide defines the three pillars of healthy building design as physical health, social health and mental & emotional health, and how these should be explored holistically with the aim of designing and delivering more people-centred and health-enhancing places.

The guide also includes a useful comparative matrix of various Healthy Building accreditations prevalent in the UK market, as well as exploring how these align with established green building certifications like BREEAM.

Crucially, the guide emphasises the integration of healthy building principles across the building’s life cycle, and recognises the synergy between sustainable practices and the wider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework. Amidst the myriad sustainability and healthy building jargons prevalent in the market, Envision grounds these concepts in real-world design solutions.

Read our Healthy Buildings Guide.

BRE Fee Increases – April 1st 2024

The BRE will be increasing prices for BREEAM/HQM registration, QA and certification across a number of schemes from 1st April 2024.

The existing fees can be locked in with the current prices where your schemes are registered before 1st April 2024. So, the last date for registration with the current fees is the 31st March 2024.

The tables below show the current fees, future fees and differences between them for BREEAM New Construction, BREEAM Refurbishment and Fit-out and Home Quality Mark.

Please get in touch with a member of the Envision team should you require your project registered in advance of this deadline.

Envision is pleased to announce that we have been shortlisted as a finalist for Consultants of the Year – Strategic at this year’s HealthInvestor Awards.  As a specialist advisor within the healthcare sector, this recognition shows the strong emphasis given to ESG in health investment.  

Why have we been nominated?

Environmental, Social and Governance considerations are becoming a major factor in health investing. Ensuring that care portfolios are fit for the next 30 years, Envision is leading the way in which property funds are analysing and managing ESG related risks and opportunities. Our support helps specialist funds, developers and care home operators embed ESG system thinking in their activities, enabling them to transition the UK health sector towards net zero faster than other countries. 

How are we supporting the specialist healthcare industry?

Envision specialises in providing strategic support to its clients and employs ESG analysts, low carbon consultants, life cycle specialists and BREEAM assessors, alongside a team of engineers who design and implement low carbon strategies.  We bring together a range of technical disciplines to evaluate sustainability opportunities available to a building or property portfolio. We specialise in asset benchmarking and apply our own bespoke techniques for appraising the performance of existing care home assets.  We help put in place cost effective strategies and action plans for improvement, taking account of payback and carbon reduction. We are leading providers of BREEAM in Use (BIU) benchmarking for the elderly care sector and have developed streamlined approaches to benchmark homes using BREEAM in Use Criteria to help achieve high ratings across property portfolio, whilst identifying priority issues for investment. 

ESG strategy – We continue to be a trusted advisor for many UK care developers, operators and funds. Helping to define best practices in care home investment and embed these practices in day to day operations.  We have helped a number of smaller operators who are developing a care portfolio to define ESG ambitions, including policy and process development fit for their business operations. We have drafted design guides to ensure that sustainability is a key factor in new care home design, facilitating sustainable outcomes in new buildings being brought forward. At the strategic level we continue to be a trusted ally of the largest UK heal care funds, retained to manage ESG related risk in existing portfolios, whilst ensuring that new investments are brought forward in ways which limit long term risk and maximise ESG benefits.  

Transactional Support – Our support has included the development of investment standards for ESG, enabling robust consideration of ESG related considerations through the acquisition process. We have been engaged in the due diligence of over 30 care home transactions over the past 12 months ranging through forward funding;’ standing assets and dept offers. Envision undertake detailed reviews of each transaction and provide diligence reports for investment committees to ensure that appropriate consideration is given to ESG, alongside the more conventional financial and legal issues dealt with already.  Our support helps to identify strengths and weaknesses of an investment from an ESG perspective and helps drive ESG consideration into the future of care homes in the UK. 

Disclosures and Transparency – We help various funds with their annual disclosures, including against the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), which has seen significant uptake since its formulation. We are experts in this disclosure method and help portfolio owners to produce accurate and verified submissions which offer investment grade data. Over the past 12 months we have helped new entrants with their first disclosures within the non-listed healthcare sector, as well as supporting long standing clients achieve 5 star ratings, which represent exemplary performance within the industry. 

Independent Certification – Envision are leading providers of assessment services using the Building Research Establishment’s BREEAM Method. We have benchmarked over 140 care homes within the UK  against the BIU Framework on behalf of property funds, developers and care operators, many of which occurred over the past 12 months. The findings of these assessments provide independent certification which is recognised to have value across the industry from a leasing and investment perspective. Our expertise in this area has given Envision a unique insight into the sustainability challenges that are faced and enables us to provide costed and pragmatic advice for improving a care homes sustainability across a range of considerations, including energy and carbon performance, occupant wellbeing, biodiversity and climate resilience. 

Green Leases – a key challenge to achieving real world change is ensuring that clear agreements are in place between owners of healthcare real estate and their operators. In collaboration with leading property law firms, Envision has been working with funds and operators to develop meaningful lease terms which promote mutually beneficial outcomes for driving improvements in buildings over time. 

Net Zero Carbon Pathways and climate resilience – Like all sectors of the UK, the care home sector needs to move onto a pathway for achieving net zero to 2050. We have defined trajectories for care homes to be aligned with the Paris agreement pathways, limiting a homes contribution in line with a 1.5 ^oc climate scenario.   Envision employees building services engineers and experts in low carbon buildings to support this. Over the last 18 months the care sector has been hit hard with rising energy prices, meaning that transition towards energy efficiency has become a strategic imperative for care home operators and funds alike. Our analysis involves a review of existing utilities data for a care home to examine trends in consumption. We undertake a survey of the property and provide costed recommendations for reducing energy consumption whilst tackling carbon emissions. Our assessment includes feasibility of switching from gas led systems to heat pumps and opportunities for on-site energy generation to avoid stranding risks. We have undertaken considerable assessments over the past 12 months for care home funds and operators. 

The awards will be held on 5^th June 2024 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London. 

https://healthinvestorawards.com/finalists/

We are currently seeking an Associate Energy Consultant to work within our sustainability & energy team, based in our office in London. The position is an immediate start.

The Company

Envision is a leading sustainability, energy and building services design consultancy that provides specialist support towards sustainability within the built environment. We were founded in 2012 by directors of a multi-disciplinary planning and engineering consultancy and have steadily grown into a well-established company. Unlike many sustainability consultancies that have developed as a ‘support service’ to larger practices, Envision specialises in providing end-to-end support to its real estate clients. We pride ourselves on fostering a flexible, creative and fun working environment.

We bring together a range of technical disciplines to advise clients on their ESG policies, to manage their real estate portfolio and develop sustainability and energy strategies for new and existing developments. We combine this with our expert team of building service engineers to deliver low carbon solutions for our clients.

As part of our sustainability offering, our services include the provision of a full range of environmental assessment methods for both new and existing developments, BREEAM (including In-Use), Home Quality Mark, CEEQUAL, WELL and Building with Nature. We also undertake Whole Life Cycle Assessments, which feeds into our strategies for achieving Net Zero.

We take pride in our pro-active approach, supporting our clients with close and tailored support. Our pragmatic and hands-on approach means that we are retained by the largest UK property funds, publicly listed developers as well as leading constructors.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an Associate Energy Consultant looking to take the next step in their career. You will join our growing team to work on a diverse range of projects in the UK and internationally. The role is very wide ranging, working on building physics, energy strategies, Net-Zero strategies, and operational energy analysis in support of whole life cycle carbon assessments.

Working closely with colleagues of various disciplines across our two offices, you will take the lead on energy & sustainability projects – developing concepts, reports and presenting to clients. You will ensure the successful delivery of innovative sustainable and low-carbon design solutions to quality standards and deadlines. You will receive continual support from more senior members of staff, along with access to our in-house training programme allowing you to continue your professional development.

You should have highly technical background with an eye for detail, the role will involve significant review of junior staff deliverables.

This role will enable you to have an impact across a variety of sectors such as Education, Commercial, Healthcare, Retail and Residential, and ensure that over time you have the opportunity to assume greater levels of responsibility and autonomy. We regularly undertake works for which are GLA referable so authoring and undertaking the calculations related to these will be expected experience.

Specific work deliverables expected to be project managed and delivered by the consultant in this role will include:

1. Planning-Stage Energy & Sustainability Reports
2. Net-Zero Energy Strategies
3. ESG Site Acquisition Reviews
4. Dynamic Simulation Modelling (TM52, TM59, TM54, TM63, Daylight)
5. SAP & SBEM Energy Modelling
6. BREEAM Support

About You

Educated to degree level in the field of engineering, sustainability or environmental science, you will have gained significant demonstrable experience in a sustainability and energy consultancy role within the built environment.

The successful candidate should be highly motivated, possess excellent communication skills and look to develop their ongoing professional qualifications. This will be a technical role involving mentoring of junior staff, therefore applicants should expect technical questions during the interview.

Essential Requirements:

• 6+ years’ experience in a similar energy & sustainability role
• Expert knowledge of energy & sustainability related statutory legislation, standards, and
  drivers in the construction industry.
• NDEA or LCEA qualified.
• Exceptional knowledge of regulatory and dynamic simulation modelling (e.g. DesignBuilder).
• Expert knowledge of BREEAM support reports.
• Given the collaborative and client focused nature of this role, good communication skills and experience of using your initiative to overcome challenges are essential.
• Strong analytical skills and proficient in mathematics and English.

Preferential:

• ESG strategies.
• Whole life carbon assessments.
• M&E Design Background.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Salary: £DOE
Benefits: Company health insurance and pension, social events, flexible working.
Contract: Permanent
Location: London

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short description of your career expectations, any relevant experience and pertinent information about yourself by mail to:

Envision
8-9 Stephen Mews
London
W1T 1AF

Or by email to joinus@envisioneco.com

We politely request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this position.
We are currently seeking a Junior Sustainability Consultant to work within our sustainability team, based in our office in central Oxford. The position is an immediate start.

The Company

Envision is a leading sustainability and energy consultancy that provides specialist support towards sustainability within the built environment. Unlike many sustainability consultancies that have developed as a ‘support service’ to larger practices, Envision specialises in providing end-to-end support to its real estate clients. We pride ourselves on fostering a flexible, creative and fun working environment.

We work with a diverse group of clients, ranging from leading private and publicly listed development companies, real estate funds, institutional investors, hospital trusts, universities, and national infrastructure providers. Our support tracks the lifecycle of these projects, where we ultimately help to deliver our client’s visions by working alongside contractors.

We bring together a range of technical disciplines to advance sustainability throughout the built environment, from investment, to planning, right through to build-out with an ‘end-to-end’ sustainability approach, unique for a company of our size. Envision’s services include the provision of a full range of sustainability deliverables, employing energy consultants, specialist life-cycle assessors, building services engineers, licensed BREEAM Assessors and Accredited Professionals, WELL Accredited Professionals, Fitwel Ambassadors and licensed NABERs Assessors. We take a pro-active approach to projects and support development projects with close and tailored support. Our pragmatic and hands-on approach means that we are retained by some of the largest UK property funds, publicly listed developers and property agents as well as leading construction contractors.

We are actively engaged in some of the industry leading bodies developing pioneering approaches to net-zero, including the UK Net-Zero Building Standard and UK Green Building Council task groups.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for a new graduate or junior sustainability consultant looking to take the next step in their career. You will join our growing team to work on a diverse range of projects in the UK and internationally. The role is very wide ranging, working on ESG and sustainability accreditation strategies, planning applications and live construction projects. This role will enable you to have an impact across a variety of sectors in the built environment, with the opportunity for greater levels of responsibility and autonomy.

Working closely with colleagues of various disciplines across both our Oxford and London offices, you will be involved in delivering a range ofsustainability projects – developing concepts, preparing reports and working with more senior members of the team to present to clients. You will ensure the successful delivery of innovative sustainable and low-carbon design solutions to quality standards and deadlines. You will receive continual support from senior members of staff, along with access to our in-house training programme allowing you to continue your professional development.

Your key deliverables over the first 9-12 months for this role will be:

• Completing evidence reviews and preparing/updating programmes and trackers for BREEAM, HQM, WELL and FitWel Assessments.
• Completing BREEAM and HQM Site Inspection Reports based on construction site visits.
• Completing Local Planning Authority policy searches to determine the works required when submitting planning applications.
• Completing Sustainability Statements to accompany planning applications.
• Completing data reviews for energy, water and waste performance monitoring for real estate asset management funds to support their GRESB Real Estate benchmark submissions.

The role is based in our central Oxford office, to work very closely with the teams both in Oxford and London.

About You

Educated to degree level in the field of sustainability and environmental science, you will be highly motivated and be looking to develop your ongoing professional qualifications.

Essential Requirements:

• Good knowledge of energy & sustainability related statutory legislation, standards, and
  drivers in the construction industry.
• Good knowledge of sustainability and environmental assessment methods (e.g. BREEAM).
• Given the collaborative and client focused nature of this role, excellent communication skills, good attention to detail, and experience of using your initiative to overcome challenges are essential.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills and proficient in mathematics and English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and its functionality for calculations.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Preferential:

• Good knowledge of the principles of Net Zero Carbon and its application in the built
  environment.
• Knowledge of Home Quality Mark and WELL/FitWel assessments.
• Understanding of Part L & Dynamic Simulation Modelling.
• Own car for business travel use.

Salary: £26,000+
Benefits: Company health insurance and pension, social events, flexible working, 25 days
holiday.
Contract: Permanent.
Location: Central Oxford

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short description of your career expectations, any relevant experience and pertinent information about yourself by email to joinus@envisioneco.com

We politely request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this position.
We are currently seeking a Senior Sustainability Consultant to work within our sustainability team, based in our office in central London (with flexibility to work remotely 2 days a week and opportunities to work from our Oxford office when needed). The position is an immediate start.

The Company

Envision is a leading sustainability and energy consultancy that provides specialist support towards sustainability within the built environment. Unlike many sustainability consultancies that have developed as a ‘support service’ to larger practices, Envision specialises in providing end-to-end support to its real estate clients. We pride ourselves on fostering a flexible, creative and fun working environment.

We work with a diverse group of clients, ranging from leading private and publicly listed development companies, real estate funds, institutional investors, hospital trusts, universities, and national infrastructure providers. Our support tracks the lifecycle of these projects, where we ultimately help to deliver our client’s visions by working alongside contractors.

We bring together a range of technical disciplines to advance sustainability throughout the built environment, from investment, to planning, right through to build-out with an ‘end-to-end’ sustainability approach, unique for a company of our size. Envision’s services include the provision of a full range of sustainability deliverables, employing energy consultants, specialist life-cycle assessors, building services engineers, licensed BREEAM Assessors and Accredited Professionals, WELL Accredited Professionals and licensed NABERs Assessors. We take a pro-active approach to projects and support development projects with close and tailored support. Our pragmatic and hands-on approach means that we are retained by some of the largest UK property funds, publicly listed developers and property agents as well as leading construction contractors.

We are actively engaged in some of the industry leading bodies developing pioneering approaches to net-zero, including the UK Net-Zero Building Standard and UK Green Building Council task groups.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced sustainability consultant looking to take the next step in their career. You will join our growing team to work on a diverse range of projects in the UK and internationally, with responsibility for delivering your own projects and working with the team across both the London and Oxford offices. The role will focus on the delivery of BREEAM; from feasibility work and planning support through to certification. In addition, depending on your technical background, the role will offer wider opportunities, e.g. energy modelling, LCA, sustainability & energy statement and Net-Zero strategies.

Working closely with colleagues of various disciplines across both offices, you will take the lead on BREEAM and sustainability projects – developing concepts, reports and presenting to clients. You will ensure the successful delivery of innovative sustainable and low-carbon design solutions to quality standards and deadlines. You will receive continual support from more senior members of staff, along with access to our in-house training programme allowing you to continue your professional development.

This role will enable you to have an impact across a variety of sectors in the built environment, with the opportunity for greater levels of responsibility and autonomy. This is a pivotal role within our growing company, and we are looking for someone with the right skills and experience to champion BREEAM and wider sustainability within Envision.

About You

Educated to degree level in the field of sustainability and environmental science, you will have gained significant demonstrable experience in a sustainability consultancy role within the built environment. The successful candidate should be highly motivated, possess excellent communication skills and look to develop their ongoing professional qualifications.

Essential Requirements:

• 3-5 years’ experience in a similar sustainability role (although applications from exceptional candidates with less experience will also be considered).
• Experience of working on BREEAM assessments through to certification, with BREEAM
  Assessor and/or BREEAM AP qualification.
• Good communication/presentation skills and excellent report writing skills.
• Understanding of client requirements/project objectives.
• Good knowledge of the sustainability related statutory legislation, standards, and drivers in the construction industry.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Preferential:

• Knowledge and experience of applying one or more of the following:
• Life Cycle Assessment methodologies.
• Home Quality Mark.
• WELL/FitWel assessments.
• Part L & Dynamic Simulation Modelling.
• Energy & Sustainability statements in support of planning.

Salary: £45k+
Benefits: Company health insurance and pension, social events, flexible working.
Contract: Permanent.
Location: 8-9 Stephen Mews, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1AF

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a short description of your career expectations, any relevant experience and pertinent information about yourself by mail to Envision, 8-9 Stephen Mews, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 1AF or by email to joinus@envisioneco.com