Sustainability Technical Lead profile – Rob Stubbings
14 February 2024
Role: Senior Sustainability Engineer
Office: Norwich
At QODA, we have a dedicated team of sustainability experts who work with design teams and industry leaders to provide design detail, guidance, and professional expertise. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing each of our leads.
Next up is Rob Stubbings. Read on to learn more about how he became a sustainability engineer, what his role at QODA involves, and a project that has inspired him.
What is your background?
I have been working in the new-build housing sector since 2007. My first role was as an air tightness tester, I travelled to sites all over East Anglia carrying out air tightness tests on residential developments and giving advice on how to comply with what was then a very new part of the Building Regulations.
I then went on to become a Project Coordinator at a medium sized property developer being involved with almost every aspect of the process from planning applications, building regulations compliance, sourcing materials and coordination of deliveries, appointment of subcontractors, even sales and marketing.
During this time, I became interested in how to design homes to be energy efficient and meet Part L of the building regulations so during the pandemic in 2020 I took an online course to start the process of becoming an On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (more commonly known as a SAP Assessor) and have been working in this role ever since achieving my qualification.
What do you do at QODA?
SAP Calculations mainly but I also prepare energy statements to satisfy planning conditions and carry out Part O (Overheating) Simplified Method Assessments. I also assist with energy modelling for colleagues using SketchUp and Design PH. I have some experience of Part O Assessments using the Dynamic Simulation Method and I intend to build on this in the new year, as this has been very much in demand lately.
“There has been a very significant change to Part L of the Building Regulations in the last couple of years as well as the introduction of Part O.”
I have been very busy working to understand the all the various implications of this and find the most effective ways of helping our clients meet the new requirements.
It’s now more important than ever to engage with a consultant that can assess for both Part L and Part O from the initial design stages of a project as we move towards zero carbon ready homes and the Future Homes Standard expected in 2025.
“There’s always a lot to learn and keep abreast of so it’s important to read publications, attend online seminars and confer with my very talented colleagues here at QODA.”
What is one project that has inspired you, and why?
I have very much enjoyed working with our client Abel Homes, who are a highly conscientious property developer in this region and are leading the way in offering a level of comfort and efficiency to their home buyers that cannot usually be found on developments of this scale. It’s extremely satisfying to have been able to play a part in that, and I look forward to working with them on their current developments at Swaffham, Dereham and East Harling.
Tell us something about your life outside QODA
I’ve always loved dogs and recently I’ve been able to realise my dream of owning my own, our Jack Russell terrier Maisie will be 2 years old in February and it’s been even better than I expected having her around. We like to explore the countryside here in East Anglia driving, biking, walking and sometimes even boating. I do like a petrol engine so I’m hoping that the sustainable fuels currently in development will allow me to enjoy my cars a lot longer. I’m a big motorsport fan and I have a small collection of mechanical wrist watches which fascinate me, especially chronographs.