Double vs. Triple Glazing: A Financial Comparison Over 25 Years

Posted on April 2, 2025

When upgrading their home, homeowners often face a crucial decision regarding windows. Many will remember the rise of double-glazing windows in the 1990s and 2000s. Now, however, we are presented with a new option: double glazing or triple glazing? While triple glazing is widely considered a premium upgrade, it remains relatively uncommon. But is it worth the additional cost? Should more people be considering it? In this article, we compare the differences between double and triple glazing and conduct a financial assessment over a 25-year period to determine which option...

Changing EPC rules for Landlords

Posted on March 19, 2025

by Russell Selby

The UK government is proposing significant changes to the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rules for landlords, set to take effect in 2026. These changes are designed to provide a more accurate and comprehensive reflection of a building’s energy efficiency of all properties. They also come with new rules that could substantially impact landlords in the private rental sector (PRS). Below, I explore these proposed changes, their potential impact, and what landlords and property investors need to consider moving forward.A New EPC Rating System for 2026 One of the major changes is...

PHPP vs. SAP: The Path to Low Energy Excellence

Posted on March 5, 2025

by Russell Selby

When it comes to assessing the energy efficiency of homes in the UK, two primary methodologies are often discussed, PHPP vs. SAP. the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) and the Passivhaus Planning Package (PHPP). While both aim to evaluate a building's energy performance, they differ significantly in their approaches, applications, and outcomes. SAP: A low Bar for Energy Efficiency SAP is the UK government's approved method for assessing and comparing the energy and environmental performance of dwellings. It is primarily used to demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations and to produce Energy Performance Certificates...

battery storage in manchester attic (purple)

Powering Manchester’s Future: Saving more with Battery Storage Solar PV

Posted on February 19, 2025

by Russell Selby

Adding battery storage to your solar photovoltaic (PV) system can significantly enhance its utility and financial returns. But is it worth the extra investment, especially in a city like Manchester, where sunshine is scarce and energy markets are increasingly volatile? Let’s delve into the practicalities and economics of incorporating batteries into your PV system while considering the shocks that affect energy prices and market dynamics. Please first read the previous blog PV in Manchester for background understanding prior to this supplementary discussion. Solar Alone Isn’t Enough—Why Batteries Are the Missing Piece Battery...

beebrick and wildflowers for biodiversity net gain in greater manchester

Biodiversity Net Gain in Greater Manchester: What Developers Need to Know

Posted on February 5, 2025

by Russell Selby

Biodiversity Net Gain in Greater Manchester (BNG) is a relatively new policy that requires developers to ensure their projects enhance biodiversity, leaving the natural environment in a better state than before. While its goals are commendable, for many developers BNG represents yet another hurdle in an already challenging planning process. Resolve can support developers in meeting these requirements efficiently, even in the face of mounting pressures. In Greater Manchester, a region committed to sustainability, BNG has become a key consideration for development projects of all sizes. The mandatory requirement for...