Merchants House, Bristol

Energy assessment services were carried out for the refurbishment of Merchants House, a multi-occupancy building. The EPC assessment encompassed the building’s non-domestic areas, including office spaces, circulation zones, and communal facilities. The project involved significant upgrades and reconfiguration of the existing structure, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of both retained and improved building fabric and services. The analysis considered regulated energy uses such as space heating, hot water, ventilation, and lighting. The assessment modelled the thermal performance of the refurbished building envelope and the efficiency of both new and existing building services to ensure compliance with Part L of the Building Regulations. Special attention was given to challenges inherent in refurbishing existing structures, including thermal bridging, air permeability, and the integration of enhanced insulation measures within the constraints of the original construction. System selection, control strategies, and operational performance were carefully evaluated to optimise energy efficiency across all building zones. The resulting EPC assessment confirmed that the refurbished building meets required regulatory standards, supporting improved energy performance, reduced operational costs, enhanced occupant comfort, and a more sustainable commercial environment.