On 13th September 2005, the ODPM and DEFRA announced changes to Part F and Part L of the Building Regulations. Read the announcement and download the relevant new documentation here.
The changes to Parts F and L (ventilation and fuel conservation) of the Building Regulations two years ahead of schedule from April 2006 and the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will make a major contribution to the UK’s commitment to combat climate change. This will mean new homes will need to be better insulated and make use of more efficient heating systems.
The revised Part L will also make air pressure leakage testing of buildings mandatory, improving compliance with the regulations by showing where there is unacceptable leakage, which can reduce the energy efficiency of buildings.
These measures alongside changes to condensing boilers will deliver
increased energy standards for new buildings, including around 27% in non-dwellings, 22% in houses and 18% in flats. On average the increase in dwellings will be 20% which reflects the growing proportion of flats being built with more people now living alone. The new measures taken together with changes to strengthen Building Regulations in 2002 will improve standards by 40%, cutting fuel bills by up to 40% for new homes built from 2006.
The Government is also announcing a wide-ranging review to look at improving energy efficiency standards of existing buildings.
Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper said: “We are driving up standards for new homes so that housing can do its bit to combat climate change. These new standards are good news for consumers' energy bills and for the environment too. This is the latest in a line of improvements ranging from refurbishing social housing to tightening boiler regulations which are helping to cut carbon emissions. It shows that we can build new homes for the next generation, whilst improving protection for the environment as well.”
Part L of the Building Regulations sets out standards for building work in order to conserve fuel and power and minimise heat loss, raising energy efficiency standards through the use of more energy efficient materials and methods. The measures are performance-based which allows housebuilders flexibility about how the new
standards are met.
Environment Minister Elliot Morley said: “I welcome this important step to improve the energy efficiency of buildings which will not only cut harmful greenhouse gas emissions but will save people money on their fuel bills.
“These measures will improve energy efficiency in buildings hugely, essential if we are going to meet our targets for cutting carbon dioxide emissions. Every sector of society has to play a part in the effort to combat climate change, including the building industry by promoting energy efficient products and design.”
To ensure a high level of compliance and understanding of the new regulations ODPM is introducing nationally recognised qualifications for surveyors and will be promoting the development of self-certification schemes for Part L schemes to improve regulation. ODPM has already put in place a training and information programme.
To maximise the impact of Building Regulations on climate change these measures are being brought forward by two years from 2008 to April 2006. This includes a deferral of three months from the implementation date set out in the Energy White Paper, to give the building industry sufficient time to prepare.
In addition, from April 2006 all new residential development receiving government funding will need to meet a new national Code for Sustainable Buildings. The Code will go beyond Building Regulations covering not just fuel and power but also the efficient use of water, ensuring much higher sustainability standards.
The Government is also concerned to further improve energy efficiency in existing buildings. Households are responsible for about 30% of total UK energy use. We have already improved energy efficiencies in existing buildings through more efficient replacement boilers and windows, and the Decent Homes programme which has achieved substantial savings of carbon emissions per year through the refurbishment of social and rented housing. But we need to go further.
Therefore ODPM will be leading a review, in conjunction with HM Treasury, DTI and DEFRA, to identify measures to increase the sustainability of existing dwellings. The review will start urgently with a view to consulting stakeholders in Spring 2006. Consequential amendments for existing housing stock will not be implemented through these new Part L regulations. Instead, building regulations will be considered alongside other issues including the role of possible incentives, voluntary initiatives and Home Information Packs.
In 'Downloadable attachments' below you will find four interim Approved Documents relating to the new Regulations.
Additional Information
1. Announced on 13th September 2005 are amendments to Parts L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) and F (Ventilation) of the Building Regulations and the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) from April 2006. These changes are being implemented together because they are closely linked and to help the industry to comply with the changes.
2. The overall annual reduction in carbon emissions in 2010 resulting from the changes to Part L in 2005/06 will be 0.98 million tonnes (MtC), with contributions as follows:
Construction of new dwellings 0.08 MtC
Installation of new & replacement condensing boilers in dwellings 0.50 MtC
Construction of new non-dwellings 0.17 MtC
Refurbishment of existing non-dwellings 0.23 MtC
3. The revisions to Part L to be implemented in April 2006 will set maximum carbon dioxide emissions for whole buildings. This performance-based approach will offer designers the flexibility to choose solutions that best meet their needs, and that are cost-effective and practical. We shall not therefore be prescribing the use of solar panels or other "low and zero carbon" (LZC) technologies such as wind generators, heat pumps and wood pellet stoves. However, the revisions to Part L will raise performance standards to a level that will provide a strong incentive to designers to consider LZC systems. To help designers, we have published an interim guide to LZC technologies on the ODPM website.
4. The EPBD requirement that when existing buildings with a floor area over 1000 m2 undergo major renovation, their energy efficiency should be upgraded in so far as is feasible, will be implemented from April 2006. Implementation of the proposal affecting existing dwellings and buildings less than 1000 m2 is not included. Building regulations will be considered as part of the new review.
5. Savings from Part L 2005/2006 of 0.98 MtC per year by 2010 divided by 0.9 tonnes carbon per year equating to emissions (space and water heating, lighting and appliances) from a typical semi detached house constructed to current (2002) regulations is equal to 1,088,889 dwellings.
For a short overview of the content of the PDF documents, please see the slideshow below.