As urban areas like London continue to grow, ensuring comfortable and energy-efficient living spaces is more important than ever. The TM59 standard, set by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), provides crucial guidelines for assessing overheating risk in new residential buildings. In this blog, we will explore best practices for achieving TM59 compliance in new builds, ensuring a comfortable and sustainable future for London’s residents.
Understanding TM59 Compliance
TM59 is a set of guidelines aimed at reducing the risk of overheating in residential buildings. It offers a methodology for evaluating indoor temperature conditions and proposes design strategies to mitigate overheating. The criteria for TM59 compliance are centred around maintaining comfortable indoor environments during periods of high external temperatures.
To comply with TM59, new residential buildings must meet two main criteria:
- Criterion A: The number of hours during which the temperature exceeds a threshold should be limited to ensure comfort.
- Criterion B: The peak indoor temperature should not exceed a certain limit during heatwave conditions.
Buildings that meet these criteria are considered compliant with TM59, ensuring that they provide a comfortable living environment even during hot weather.
Best Practices for Achieving TM59 Compliance
- Optimised Building Orientation
The orientation of a building can significantly impact its thermal performance. Positioning the building to minimise exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours, can reduce the risk of overheating. In London, where space is at a premium, this might involve innovative architectural designs that balance natural light and shading.
- Effective Shading Solutions
Implementing effective shading solutions is crucial for reducing solar heat gain. External shading devices like brise soleil, louvers, and balconies can block direct sunlight while allowing natural light to enter. Internal shading solutions, such as blinds and curtains, can also be effective, especially when combined with reflective materials.
- High-Performance Glazing
Windows are a primary source of heat gain in buildings. Using high-performance glazing, such as low-emissivity (low-E) glass, can significantly reduce solar heat gain while maintaining visibility and natural light. Additionally, triple glazing can offer enhanced thermal performance, further reducing the risk of overheating.
- Natural Ventilation Strategies
Natural ventilation is a sustainable and effective way to regulate indoor temperatures. Design features like cross-ventilation, where openings on opposite sides of a building facilitate airflow, can help disperse heat. Stack ventilation, utilising vertical shafts to encourage air movement, can also be beneficial, particularly in multi-story buildings.
- Advanced Insulation Materials
Using advanced insulation materials helps maintain stable indoor temperatures by reducing heat transfer through walls and roofs. Materials such as aerogels, vacuum-insulated panels, and high-performance foam can provide excellent thermal resistance, contributing to TM59 compliance.
- Green Roofs and Walls
Green roofs and living walls offer natural insulation and reduce heat absorption. These features not only contribute to a building’s thermal performance but also enhance biodiversity and improve air quality. In an urban setting like London, green roofs can significantly mitigate the urban heat island effect.
- Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems
For buildings where natural ventilation and shading are insufficient, energy-efficient cooling systems can help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Systems such as variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and ground source heat pumps (GSHP) offer efficient cooling while minimising energy consumption.
- Smart Building Technologies
Integrating smart building technologies can optimise temperature control and improve energy efficiency. Smart thermostats, automated shading systems, and occupancy sensors can adjust indoor environments in real-time based on external conditions and occupant behaviour, ensuring TM59 compliance.
Implementing TM59 Solutions in London
Achieving TM59 compliance in London requires a collaborative approach involving architects, engineers, and developers. Considering the city’s unique climate and urban density, combining multiple strategies often yields the best results. Regular monitoring and adaptive management are also essential to maintain compliance over time.
Case Study: A TM59 Compliant Residential Building in London
Consider a new residential development in East London that successfully achieved TM59 compliance. By incorporating features such as high-performance glazing, green roofs, and advanced insulation, the building not only met TM59 criteria but also enhanced the comfort and well-being of its residents. This project serves as a model for sustainable and comfortable urban living.
Conclusion
Ensuring TM59 compliance is crucial for creating comfortable and sustainable living spaces in London. By following best practices such as optimised building orientation, effective shading, high-performance glazing, and natural ventilation, developers can design buildings that meet TM59 standards and provide a high quality of life for residents.
Implement these strategies in your next project to ensure compliance with TM59 and contribute to a cooler, greener future for London. Together, we can create living spaces that are resilient to climate change and enhance the well-being of our communities.
