It’s been a few months since Steven Dunn, our Scotland Director joined us at Wallace Whittle. To get a deeper insight into his experiences and thoughts on his journey so far, we caught up with him over coffee at our favourite local spot in Edinburgh.  

We first caught up with Steven in our Edinburgh office to see how he is settling in and to discuss the projects that have significantly shaped his first 100 days. With major initiatives underway across Scotland and across various sectors, Steven highlighted the Monklands Replacement Project as particularly noteworthy. This project stands out not only for its internal task force within Wallace Whittle but also for the external collaboration involved and the overall importance of this state-of-the-art healthcare facility. 

The Monklands Replacement Project, one of our current healthcare endeavors, involves a significant team effort from multiple offices. Steven shared: 

“Without a doubt, Monklands Replacement Project is one of my project highlights, the level of collaboration involved across the Scottish and English businesses has been fantastic, and it’s a testament to the teams and the technical quality that has gone into it so far.”  

Recently, we reached a significant milestone on the Monklands Replacement Project with full planning approval granted by North Lanarkshire Council for the digital and Net Zero Hospital in Airdrie. The progress of Monklands has generated significant buzz, not only within our offices but across the industry as a whole. 

Culture & Ethos

Steven joined our existing team of Directors in the Scottish region, which includes Glasgow Director Barry McKeane, Edinburgh Director Stephen Osborne, and Aberdeen Director Andy Forbes. Based out of our Edinburgh office on Thistle Street in the heart of the New Town, Steven has quickly integrated into our vibrant company culture.  

At Wallace Whittle, we pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment, and the ongoing growth across our regions has brought several fresh faces to our offices. Including new team members in sustainability, MEP disciplines, and even a few trainees and work experience participants. When asked about his transition to Wallace Whittle, Steven shared: 

“From Day One, I’ve been made to feel welcome, the whole team has been great to help get me settled in quickly, and that is not just in Edinburgh and Glasgow, it’s across the whole Scottish region. To the guys in Northern Ireland, to the team down in the newly opened Manchester and Birmingham office, it has just been a seamless transition, and it feels like I have been here more than 100 days” 

Collaboration is at the core of our company culture, with the welcoming of new faces into our team showcasing this as we work seamlessly across our eight offices in the UK. Our optimised systems and standardised approach allows our newer staff, and established team members alike, to collaborate effortlessly with clients and fellow colleagues. This interconnectivity not only strengthens relationships across disciplines and regions but also ensures that every team member, new and old, can contribute to our overarching success. 

Future Growth

With Steven joining the team in February, and with the addition of our recent expansions in Birmingham led by Darren Wright and Manchester led by Paul Dean, this signifies promising growth within the UK. With vast expertise shared amongst our directors covering numerous sectors and industries, Wallace Whittle’s future growth plans sound both promising and exciting. 

“I think growth plans across Wallace Whittle, certainly in the Scotland region, well-established business, we’ve got really good coverage across all sectors, and we definitely have plans to expand further, but we can’t give it all way now…” Steven shared. 

In addition to our significant geographical growth, our teams across offices are also continually expanding, encompassing MEP, sustainability, and head office staff. This ongoing growth not only enhances our capabilities but also strengthens our position in the market, ensuring that Wallace Whittle remains at the forefront of industry developments. 

Experience & Expertise

Steven brings extensive experience and market insight to our team of Directors in Scotland. In his previous role, he was instrumental in delivering projects across various sectors, such as commercial fit-outs & refurbishments, retail developments, data centers, and education. This background aligns perfectly with the key sectors that Wallace Whittle focuses on in Scotland. 

“I was brought on board by the existing directors to assist with the company’s growth plans. Wallace Whittle is a well-established brand with a distinguished network already, and I hope to complement that, support further growth, and help diversify our portfolio.” 

Within Wallace Whittle, Steven has joined our team of directors with a focus on developing the Central Belt in line with our strategic plans. His commitment to assembling a fresh team of industry leaders further aims to drive innovation and success within the region. 

Future of Wallace Whittle

As Wallace Whittle continues to expand throughout Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland, we are excited about the opportunities ahead, including team expansion and potential growth across regions. 

“i think we’re well established in Scotland, we’re evolving and expanding down south in England with established offices now in Manchester and Birmingham, we’re expanding into new regions, and hopefully we’ll continue that theme for many years to come!” 

Our recent expansions in Birmingham and Manchester highlight our dedication to providing innovative solutions and exceptional service nationwide. With a current team of over 30 staff members in central England, we look forward to the opportunities ahead as we expand our team and strengthen our presence, making a positive impact across the UK. 

Our initiatives for staff also show promising results, with record attendance at our recent academy sessions. This growth will continue as we onboard new staff at all levels, ensuring we maintain a strong and capable team ready to meet the demands of our expanding operation that provide a high quality of service.

At Wallace Whittle, we pride ourselves on Quality of Product and Quality of Service.

Our Building Information Modelling (BIM) verification, is just one of the many ways we re-assure our clients that we have the in-house expertise to deliver BIM Stage 2 projects, in compliance with the RIBA stages and industry standards.

We have had another successful BIM Stage 2 Verification Audit, conducted by BSI (British Standards Institution), for our 8th year in a row!

The audit, conducted on Wednesday, May 15th, and Thursday, May 16th, 2024, has reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality assurance, standardisation and the implementation of BIM processes. This audit is a crucial evaluation of an organisation’s ability to adhere to industry standards and deliver high-quality products and services through the virtual construction process.

The audit covered multiple projects within Wallace Whittle, ensuring compliance with BIM processes and the effectiveness of our BIM Standards. Our experienced digital engineers utilise BIM from the early concept stages of projects, to visualise design intentions and make informed decisions. We use an in-house suite of standards, in conjunction with powerful BIM authoring software, to build our design within a 3D environment which we are then able to share with our design partners to provide the process with an efficient means of communicating information.

Our ability to work in this manner allows our design to be passed on to the construction phase, adding value & support to such things as offsite project management, reducing abortive time on site and avoiding re-design resulting in waste materials.

Our experience integrating data into our models at the design phase provides our clients with the option to develop progressive operational data which assists with future aspects of the project, providing a full audit trail which lays the foundations for digital building asset management.

The auditor’s attention to detail was thorough over the two days. Throughout the audit evidence was reviewed to verify the implementation of our BIM processes across various projects. The feedback received regarding our BIM Standards was overwhelmingly positive, reflecting the dedication and hard work put in by the team. 

The Auditor noted that during the assessment it was clear that working processes were well managed and aligned with local processes and the applicable standards, and some of the key positive elements observed during the assessment were: 

1. The BIM processes reviewed across the organisation are in line with the business strategy.
   
2. The retention and accessibility of records which were reviewed and accessible for the remote assessment must be commended.
   
3. The dedication of staff is seen during this assessment.
   
4. There were no non-conformances highlighted during this assessment 

Paul Hargreaves, Associate Director & Academy Manager, Paul Underhill, Associate BIM Technician and Andrew Masson, Senior BIM Technician, played crucial roles during the audit, which was overseen by our Quality and Standardisation Manage & Associate Director, Raymond Kelly. Their expertise in navigating through our systems and processes, and ease of guiding the auditor to the required evidence were instrumental in the successful outcome. 

“It was really pleasing to see that when our systems are put under scrutiny by an external auditor, we, as a business, can prove that we are delivering our projects to the ISO 19650 industry standard.  This is a reflection of the hard work of all the staff day in, day out across the offices.”  Paul Underhill and Andrew Masson 

As a result of the audit, Wallace Whittle has achieved re-verification of its BIM Stage 2 for another year. 

This achievement is a testament to everyone within the Wallace Whittle team, it demonstrates our dedication to maintaining high standards, delivering quality products and services, and a consistent approach to applying BIM processes. 

Raymond Kelly our Quality and Standardisation Manager shared “Achieving BIM Re-Verification following the 2-day Audit by BSI once again demonstrates our commitment and indeed supports our commitment to continually focus on delivering quality of product, quality of service, standardisation and consistency across all projects and aspects of the business.” 

This is the 8th year running we’ve received this verification with no non-confomaties, further demonstrating our commitment to ongoing excellence and our will to continue to push the boundaries of quality within the construction industry.   

WWith our Warrington Office celebrating its 10th birthday this year, we thought we’d start the celebrations by looking at some key projects!  Over the past decade, our Warrington office has made a lasting impression with its innovative designs and hard work. Operating primarily in the North of England but serving far beyond, the office has seen tremendous growth and has contributed to some incredible projects. 

From life sciences to luxury hotels, the Warrington Office displays a diverse array of expertise across sectors, including: 

• Kadans Upper Brooke Street, Manchester – Life Science. R&D facilities complemented by a mix of ground floor uses and enhanced public realm. We are providing MEP, Energy & Sustainability design services to deliver an all-electric low carbon solution.
• The Store Oxford – Leisure/Hotel. The Store Hotel project involves the refurbishment and extension of the former 1738 Boswell & Co. department store in the centre of Oxford, into a 4-star boutique hotel. We provided full MEP, energy, and vertical transportation design services and construction support. 
• Victoria Infirmary, Northwich – Healthcare. The works involve the creation of a new department which will house two operating theatres and related support accommodation, at the Grade 2 listed Victoria Infirmary conservation site in Northwich. We are providing full MEP, Energy, BREEAM and NZC services.
• BT Warrington – Data Centre & Commercial Office. Wallace Whittle developed the design in line with BT’s MEP, IT, BMS and Security standard requirements. With 6000m² commercial office, staff welfare and resilient infrastructure facility.
• Prestwick Educational Campus – Education. We provided full MEP design and Sustainability consultancy services to one of the first all-electric educational campuses. The campus is comprised of classrooms, multi-purpose & communal rooms, welfare facilities, a nursery & sports hall. MEP environmental services included ASHPs (Air Source Heat Pumps) and an extensive PV Array. 
• North Boddingtons – Residential. We are providing full MEP, VT & Energy design consultancy services to Boddingtons, Manchester. The scheme consists of 28 storeys and comprises 505 residential apartments above ground floor commercial and ancillary spaces.

Reflecting on a decade marked by triumphs, challenges, and an unwavering dedication to quality, Warrington’s journey symbolises our commitment to progress.

As Wallace Whittle continues to chart its path in the north of England, we look forward to the next 10 years in Warrington and the newly opened Manchester and Birmingham offices!

You can read more about our expansion here.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project or to learn more about our expertise in England – [email protected]

Our directors from across the UK recently participated in the 2024 UKREiiF conference in Leeds. Organised by the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, this three-day event serves as a platform where industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders meet, exchange insights, and investigate collaborative opportunities that shape the future of Real Estate and Infrastructure across the entire country. Over three days, our delegates had ample opportunities to contribute to thought leadership and into ongoing projects across the UK and engage with industry speakers. 

The annual gathering featured a compelling agenda, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, workshops, networking sessions and some great guest speakers. With a strong emphasis on exploring the latest trends, innovations, and investment strategies, our objective was to gather valuable insights and cultivate strategic partnerships within the industry. 

“My main takeaway was how Energy Performance and ESG was mentioned as a factor in almost every session I attended, especially now from funders who require well performing assets going forward. Buildings and their occupant’s wellbeing are going to be smarter and more integrated and ever more efficient.” Craig Robertson – Director, England  

Craig also shared his experience attending the session hosted by JLL on Day Two, which outlined the development plans for West Edinburgh. We are currently part of the team on the incredible West Town project, a development by Drum Property Group, which is set to deliver 7,000 New Homes and an array of amenities.  

“The plans for West Edinburgh, including the West Town development was a highlight for me, especially since its in my home city. On the back of delivering St James Quarter, Wallace Whittle are Building Services Consultants, providing MEPH services engineering and energy performance expertise, on two of the biggest developments in Edinburgh this century so far.” 

With our recent expansion into Birmingham and Manchester, our Regional Leads, Darren Wright and Paul Dean, found immense value in exploring up-and-coming projects and attending sessions focused on the region’s infrastructural growth and development. The West Midlands UKREiiF sessions highlighted the transformative power of the West Midlands as a driving force for real estate and regeneration opportunities. These discussions underscored how the region is poised to become a central hub for innovation and economic growth. 

The session “Devolution: Where does the UK go?” chaired by Phil Laycock, provided diverse regional perspectives and crucial updates following the 2023 trailblazer deals impacting Manchester and the West Midlands. Our projects in Birmingham and Manchester are directly influenced by these trailblazer deals, which aim to decentralise power and to provide more autonomy to local authorities.  

For instance, our ongoing project High Street in Digbeth exemplifies this approach. This development includes 481 residential units across two cores, ranging from 8 to 34 storeys, with a mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom dwellings. This project not only reflects our commitment to sustainable and innovative design but also aligns perfectly with the opportunities highlighted by the 2023 trailblazer deals. 

“We are once again delighted to work with a valued client and trusted partner to provide not only a much-needed affordable housing led scheme but also modern energy efficient homes for Digbeth and its community. Sharing our expertise, we hope to create and contribute to a vibrant neighbourhood.”  Darren Wright – Director, Birmingham 

As we continue to contribute to projects within this region, we are excited to be part of the positive changes and opportunities these deals bring to the West Midlands and Manchester.  

Another key takeaway was the focus on securing viable and sustainable funding and the promising future of the funding landscape over the next few years. The conference highlighted particularly promising prospects for projects related to PBSA, Co-Living spaces, and hotels. These sectors are expected to present significant investment opportunities over the next 18 months. 

“My first time at UKREiiF was a hugely positive experience. The event programming, content, and particularly the delegates that made the time to be available across the various days was truly first class.” Steven Dunn – Director, Scotland  

“Whilst acknowledging and discussing some of the key issues our industry faces right now and in the coming years with funding and the availability of capital, there was also a great deal of positivity and opportunity.

It was reflected in many conversations had during the debate sessions and casual conversations across my two days in Leeds – the future is looking bright.”

Our UK & Ireland Healthcare Leads Paul Cooper and Jonathan Blackhurst joined our regional Director for Ireland, Gavin McCausland to represent Wallace Whittle as we grow our presence in the healthcare sector within Northern Ireland.

The conference served as a platform to exchange ideas and insights with fellow industry professionals. Discussions on topics like the journey to net zero were particularly impactful. Chris Matthew from the Department of Health for Northern Ireland delivered a talk titled “Unlocking the Potential, the Passion, and the Commitment,” which covered the decarbonisation of the estate. This resonated deeply with our commitment to sustainable healthcare infrastructure and our ongoing projects with health trusts across the NHS estate.

“The informative presentations on Procure 23 and the New Hospitals Programme were a couple of favourites that gave a great insight into the progress of the NHP and the toolkits procure 23 provides for project success.” Jonathan Blackhurst, England Healthcare Lead.

Helen Sturdy, from NHS England, delivered a thought-provoking talk on the first day, focusing on the new NHS Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Toolkit. She emphasised that “the new NHS Modern Methods of Construction Toolkit and accompanying User Guide are intended to provide a framework and key themes to create a coherent Modern Methods of Construction strategy.” At Wallace Whittle, we have extensive experience with MMC with the imminent handover of the new Surgical Centre for NHS Golden Jubilee, a facility designed from the ground up to fully utilise Modern Methods of Construction.

“It was a great couple of days in Belfast seeing the importance that is being placed on healthcare by IHEEM NI and the local Trusts and delivery partners.  I was particularly impressed with the talks that were put on looking to receive knowledge and lessons learned from other parts of the UK on their healthcare programmes.” Paul Cooper, Scotland & Ireland Healthcare Lead.

Eamon Sullivan and Alpa Patel, from the New Hospital Programme, delivered a fantastic presentation on the first morning, with a particularly compelling discussion. They explained that “Hospital 2.0” is a standardised design for future hospitals, which will benefit patients and staff through digital solutions and optimised hospital layouts. This approach aims to decrease the average time required to develop and build hospitals while also reducing costs through economies of scale. 

While there are challenges in implementing repeatability and standardisation for MEP services in a healthcare environment, Wallace Whittle has extensive experience in this area. Our ongoing design for the Monklands Replacement Project is a prime example of how we effectively utilise repeatability to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. To find out more about some of our processes, read our piece on Ceiling Coordination.

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At Wallace Whittle, our dedication to healthcare engineering excellence is unwavering. With 20+ years experience within the industry, we specialise in designing and optimising HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, water management, and all crucial components for the efficient operation of healthcare facilities.

Moreover, sustainability is at the forefront of our approach. We prioritise green energy solutions and employ innovative practices to minimise environmental impact.

“We had a great time meeting with different healthcare clients and introducing them to Wallace Whittle’s healthcare knowledge and experience in Scotland, England, and Ireland. We are looking forward to strengthening these relationships in the healthcare industry as we expand our Belfast office!” Gavin McCausland, Ireland Director.

As we continue our commitment to supporting trusts and projects across the UK and Ireland, especially towards sustainability, Wallace Whittle remains dedicated to driving positive change in the healthcare industry.

We are expanding our presence in England with the opening of not one, but two new offices, and the appointment of a new Director. This strategic expansion of our operations in the North West and West Midlands mark a significant milestone in our growth trajectory, bolstering our national presence and allowing us to better serve our clients across the UK.

Having focused on organic growth in Scotland and Ireland, we are now venturing into new territory in Birmingham, alongside expanding our already well-established Warrington office with a new city centre space in Manchester. 

“We are proud to launch our new offices in Birmingham and Manchester,” said Allan McGill, Managing Director at Wallace Whittle. “These expansions signify a pivotal juncture for our company as we execute our growth strategies and extend our reach across the UK.” 

“Growth in England is pivotal to our Next Level aspirations for the company,” Allan added. “We are steadfast in our commitment to becoming a prominent player in the region, building upon our strong foundations in Scotland, Ireland and London.” 

Heading up the Manchester office is experienced Director, Paul Dean, whose wealth of experience and leadership will guide operations across both the Warrington and Manchester offices. Under his stewardship, Wallace Whittle aims to provide comprehensive regional coverage and deliver tailored solutions to clients in the Northwest of England. 

Paul said: “Having seen our success in the north-west grow during recent years thanks to our well deserved reputation for quality, innovation and delivery, opening an office in the centre of Manchester is a logical next step for our expansion as a business. With nearly 150 team members across Wallace Whittle, we’re perfectly placed to deliver quality on a wide range of project types, and this new office solidifies our recent growth.”

In Birmingham, we welcome Darren Wright as the new Director, leveraging his profound knowledge of the region to spearhead the establishment and growth of the office. Darren and his local team are primed to expand Wallace Whittle’s presence in the West Midlands and contribute to the company’s ambitious growth objectives. 

Darren, who previously served as Associate and Birmingham team leader at chapmanbdsp, expressed his enthusiasm about joining Wallace Whittle: “It’s a privilege to be joining an established brand in Wallace Whittle at such an exciting time and playing a key role in the expansion and growth plans within Birmingham and the wider central UK region. Promoting the company’s proud history of delivering quality of product and service is fundamental to maintaining our local existing client base and shaping relationships with new clients alike.”

The new offices in Birmingham and Manchester underscore Wallace Whittle’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to clients nationwide. With a current team of over 30 staff across central England, we eagerly anticipate the opportunities ahead as we continue to expand our numbers and presence, and make a positive impact across the UK. 

We have a strong track record of supporting and developing new offices from zero to £1-2m in just a couple of years -if you are looking for a new challenge, like Darren, get in touch in confidence with our Managing Director, Allan McGill – [email protected]

If you would like to have a chat about joining the teams either of our new offices, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or check out the roles below.

In an industry where convention often dominates, Greg Smart is a testament to the different pathways that can exist into the world of engineering.

Settled within our Aberdeen Office, Greg, now one of our brilliant Mechanical Engineers, brings a unique perspective shaped by over a decade of hands-on experience with Wallace Whittle. We recently spoke to him to delve deeper into his story, exploring the path to his apprenticeship and the insights he has gained along the way.

Having embarked on his engineering journey at 16, Greg is now a fully-fledged Mechanical Engineer with over a decade of work experience and his Honours Degree in Building Services Engineering, all before the age of 26.

“I joined Wallace Whittle in 2014 as a 16-year-old straight out of school. I always had an interest in technical work, but I knew I did not want to continue in full-time education, so the potential to gain a degree, whilst working full time was a big appeal.”

Coming straight from school, Greg spent time shadowing senior staff members, getting a grasp of the ropes, and leaning as much as possible. Gradually getting involved in larger projects and utilising tech.

“I was given proper responsibility on real tasks which was great, I began using IES (Integrated Environmental Solutions) a lot, and over time, I got more involved in design work, helping with interesting projects.”

We prioritise the continuous professional growth of our apprentices. We offer various avenues for development, including weekly CPDs and fully funded further education opportunities. In Greg’s case, he embarked on a journey to obtain his HNC by attending college one day a week for two years, all while maintaining his employment with Wallace Whittle, before moving on to University.

“In 2019, I began working towards my degree in building services engineering on a part time basis at Glasgow Caledonian University, graduating in 2023. During that time, I worked on a variety of projects for our Aberdeen office.”

At Wallace Whittle, we provide a supportive environment for our staff to thrive and further develop, and with our apprenticeship schemes, our junior staff have room to learn, question and make mistakes.

“The company is more than happy to enroll you in college and university, while exposing you to a variety of projects to help you develop as an engineer. They also have an Academy development program which offers in house training and a clear route to progress within the company.”

Our Academy is our internal training initiative designed to foster growth across four levels, each tailored to address specific areas of development within our workforce. At level three, Greg aspires to move towards level four soon. Levels three and four are dedicated to mentoring and cultivating our mid-level engineers and managers, nurturing them into future leaders in both management and business.

Our dedicated staff also play an integral role in guiding our apprentices along their journey, offering support both professionally and personally. With a team of 130 professionals spanning across the UK, we are fully devoted to embracing and assisting our apprentices as they navigate their path to growth and success! As Greg reflects on his decade-long tenure, he highlights the invaluable support he received from fellow Wallace Whittle staff, particularly his colleagues in the Aberdeen office.

“Over the last 10 years, I have been fortunate enough to work with several highly skilled engineers within the company who have helped me massively. Particularly, my colleagues in the Aberdeen office have been incredibly supportive during my time here, particularly Derek Andrew, Brian Doyle, Kevin Milne, Scott Paterson and of course, Andy Forbes our Director.“

With 10 years at Wallace Whittle under his belt, we wanted to know what Greg sees for himself next in his career, from leaving school to now having a degree and a chosen discipline in mechanical engineering.

“There have been numerous people who have been supported through university by Wallace Whittle who have gone on to have very successful careers, and I hope to continue my progress within our Aberdeen Office.”

As our conversation ended, we asked Greg’s for his tips for those contemplating an apprenticeship or a career at Wallace Whittle:

“For anyone who does not see themselves staying in school or going straight into further education, joining Wallace Whittle is a fantastic opportunity to pursue a challenging, but rewarding career, all whilst still having the chance to go gain a degree through the company sponsored trainee/apprenticeship scheme.

It was the best decision I could have made! Also ask as many questions as you can, you can never ask too many questions”

Aspiring engineers, like Greg, are welcomed to join our dynamic team and embark on their own fulfilling careers through our apprenticeship programs.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards a rewarding career in engineering, we invite you to apply for our apprenticeship opportunities today! Applications are accepted year-round, with our primary intake window occurring during the summer months.

Visit: Apprenticeships at Wallace Whittle

Or get in touch to discuss your experience and let’s see how we can bring you on board, email [email protected]

Section 6 of the Scottish Building Standards Technical Handbooks is set to be updated from April 2024. The change is being named ‘The New Build Heat Standard’ (NBHS) and will affect the type of heating system that new build homes and buildings will be allowed to use. Any project where a building warrant is submitted from 1st April 2024 will be subject to the new regulations. So what does this mean for us, and what does it mean for you?

Heating Scotland’s homes and buildings is one of the biggest contributors of Scotland’s carbon emissions, with around 22%* of greenhouse gas emissions coming from our homes and workplaces, and the equivalent of 73.9% of Scotland’s total greenhouse gas emissions are associated with energy (i.e. the electricity, heat, transport and industry sectors)** The NBHS will help ensure new buildings will not contribute to emissions. Meaning people who buy new homes will know its future-proofed against the need to switch heating systems in the future. 

NBHS is part of the Scottish Government’s wider Heat in Buildings Strategy, which aims for zero emissions buildings by 2045

The use of direct emission (or polluting) heating systems such as gas/oil boilers and biofuels will be banned, and alternative systems such as heat pumps and heat networks will be required instead. However, it is important to note the Build Heat Standard (NBHS) will not apply to emergency heating systems, or systems solely for frost protection. At Wallace Whittle we see this as a step in the right direction in terms of sustainability and a positive step forward industry wide. 

The Future Homes Building Standard has been created with the aim of decarbonising new residential buildings through enhancements in heating and hot water systems. This goal can be achieved by replacing current technologies with low-carbon alternatives.

Notably, the replacement of outdated and less efficient counterparts with high-quality building fabric and the adoption of low-carbon heating via heat pumps. The implementation of these changes, combined with supplementary regulations addressing existing homes, is expected to play a significant role in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions, contributing to the achievement of our 2050 net zero target. 

The landscape of sustainability is constantly evolving, and we see each challenge as an opportunity for growth and innovation. At Wallace Whittle we are used to navigating the complexities of change, but we take pride in actively shaping a future where our commitment to sustainability is not just a professional obligation but a shared ethos that drives positive impact. 

Sustainability is central to everything we do. We have been strongly advocating for these measures for years and we are delighted that the rest of the industry is moving in the right direction. We will continue to work with our clients to deliver the exemplary quality of service they have come to expect from us. We have a proven track record of delivering buildings which are best in class with respect to energy performance. Creating sustainable environments is crucial to our approach as a business. We know that we can only fulfill our purpose as designers if we can deliver sustainable and environmentally conscious buildings that support the wellbeing of all its occupants.  

At Wallace Whittle, we’re prepared for the New Build Heat Standard to come in in April in Scotland – We’d love to bring our expertise to your next project, get in touch with our Sustainability team today by emailing [email protected] or head to our LinkedIn to find out more about what we do.