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A

Additionality

A key concept in carbon accounting, which assesses whether a carbon-saving project or scheme is truly additional and would not otherwise have happened – it’s thought likely to be a key criteria in the acceptance of Allowable Solutions

Advance

The mortgage loan.

Adverse credit

A term used to describe applicants with a poor credit history

Aggregates

Sand, gravel, crushed rock and other bulk materials used by the construction industry

AI (Approved Inspector)

An AI is a qualified and experienced private sector building control professionals or consultancy able to assist developers, designers and contractors achieve Building Regulations approval

Air Permeability

Air permeability is expressed as volume flow per hour (m3h) of air supplied to the space per square metre (m2) of envelope area for an internal to external pressure difference of 50 Pa, i.e. 25 mhr-1 m2 at 50Pa.

Air source heat pump (ASHP)

Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside to heat buildings.

Airbrick

Perforated brick used for ventilation, especially to floor voids (beneath timber floors) and roof spaces.

Allowable Solutions

A project or scheme which will deliver verifiable carbon savings and meet additional national acceptance criteria. On-site, near-site and off-site projects may qualify for inclusion on Government and National lists.

Annual Percentage Rate

See APR

Approvals

Building Regulations set the standards which have to be met. The approvals are ways of showing compliance.

Approved Documents (Building Regulations)

Provide help and guidance in complying with the Building Regulations. However; there may well be alternative ways of achieving compliance.

Approved Inspector

See AI

APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

This shows the true cost of a mortgage by showing you the interest rate paid over the course of a year. Use it to compare mortgage offers when you're shopping around.

Architrave

In Classical architecture, the lower part of a moulded cornice. Commonly used term for the moulded surround of a door or window.

Armoured cable

Used for outdoor wiring. Two insulated conductors are surrounded by steel wires which act as the earth conductor. There is an outer sheath of PVC.

Arrangement Fee

A fee that sometimes applies to mortgage deals with fixed or discounted rate. It may be payable up front or added to the total loan amount.

Arris

The sharp external edge where two surfaces meet at a point.

Ashlar

Smoothed, even blocks of stone masonry - finely dressed natural stone: the best grade of masonry.

ASHP

See Air Source Heat Pump

Asphalt

Black, tar-like substance, strongly adhesive and impervious to moisture. Used on flat roofs and floors.