Blog
- Details
- Hits: 951
In October, the government published its Heat and Buildings Strategy outlining the plan to cut emissions to net-zero by 2050. Part of this strategy includes a target for all new heating systems in residential properties to be low carbon by 2035 and introducing stricter EPC rules for commercial buildings and new-build properties. The end goal is to reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels and avoid the reliance on fluctuating global gas prices, hopefully preventing another energy crisis such as the one we are currently experiencing.
- Details
- Hits: 957
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations have been in place since 2015, but at the end of November 2021 the Government announced that they were planning on extending the legislation in domestic rented accommodation subject to parliamentary approval. We have no date yet as to when these changes will become official, but the government has said the update will be passed as soon as legislative time allows.
- Details
- Hits: 1021
Introduced in 2007, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating is used in England and Wales to measure the energy efficiency of a property on a scale from A - G, with A being the most efficient, and G the least. Currently, to legally rent out a property, it must have an EPC rating of an E or above (excluding exempt properties). However, the government are said to have plans to change the minimum energy-efficiency standards (MEES) to meet their net-carbon zero ambitions. Consultation documents released back in November 2021 suggest the government are planning to prohibit landlords from letting out properties below an EPC band C. Newly rented properties must achieve a rating of C or above by 2025, and any existing tenancies will need to meet this standard by 2028. In 2030, the MEES will then be raised again to a B rating.
- Details
- Hits: 1924
[Pronounced. Fuhng-shwey]
Feng shui is not a set of strict rules that need to be followed to the letter, it can be incorporated into any existing decorative style to complement your personal aesthetic taste. As we know, one of the main aims of feng shui is to encourage a healthy flow of energy, therefore if you don’t like the way something looks, you will find it impossible to create a positive energy towards it. Unfortunately, feng shui is not as simple as buying a load of Yin-Yang symbols and randomly placing them around your home. It’s about understanding how things in our environment relate to one another and ourselves, and arranging them in our space to create balance, and a positive flow of qi. There are a lot of differing practises in feng sui, and not every lesson from the vast schools of knowledge will work for you, so here is a room-by-room guide of some (relatively) easy ideas to implement feng shui, your way.
- Details
- Hits: 1143
[Pronounced. Fuhng-shwey] [Chinese. 風水]
[Definition. “A traditional Chinese practice, which uses energy forces to harmonise individuals with their surrounding environment”.]
We’ve all heard of the art of Feng Shui, but what does it actually mean? The philosophy dates back thousands of years, and to put it simply, Feng Shui sets out to create a balance between ourselves and our surroundings, through the arrangement of objects, use of colours, and the areas of your home that they are applied. A home with good Feng Shui will encourage a flow of nourishing energy that should allow you to feel relaxed, happy and healthy, leading to better relationships, increased productivity and having a positive effect on your personal growth. Translated literally, ‘Feng Shui’ means ‘Wind Water’ (feng = Wind, shui = water), with the philosophy teaching us that the wind carries and disperses energy, whilst the water attracts and collects it. This concept of flowing and stagnant energy can be seen throughout the basic principles of the practise, which we will explore in further detail, so you can apply Feng Sui to your home and flourish from the effects!
