In the relentless drive for better air quality and greater energy efficiency in buildings, the latest edition of Building Regulations Document F went 'live' this October, and will begin taking real effect as from 6th April 2006. That's when planning applications for all new and existing buildings will need to demonstrate compliance with the new requirements.
By acknowledging the need for adequate means of ventilation and by specifying ventilation rates for the various occupied spaces within buildings, the original Document F-Means of Ventilation was an important step on the road to a healthier indoor environment. But the new Document F goes a step further taking a 'performance based approach' and encouraging best practice. Document F now also addresses the question of ensuring better indoor air quality by removing and preventing the ingress of gaseous and particulate pollutants, in addition to its original focus on condensation control.
Recommended types of ventilation are brought into the main body of the Document. Now 'Continuous mechanical extract', Single Room Heat Recovery Products and 'Wholehouse continuous mechanical supply and extract with heat-recovery' feature alongside 'Background ventilators and intermittent extract fans' and 'Passive stack ventilation'.
The new Document F also indicates a very significant shift towards energy efficiency and conservation of valuable indoor warmth during the heating season.
The 'General guidance' to Document F states that '...consideration should be given to mitigation of ventilation energy use, where applicable, by employing heat recovery devices, efficient types of fan motor and/or energy saving control devices in the ventilation system.'
This in turn points toward Buildings Regulations Document Part L and improving building SAP Ratings through the use of these techniques, showing the joined-up thinking now underlying the Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for the Energy Rating of Buildings.
The new Document F is doing a great deal to clarify building design requirements and means of compliance. Previously, Document L called for the best energy-efficient solutions, but Document F didn't offer them. Now Document F is 'filling the gap' by giving developers, specifiers and contractors practical choices when it comes to ventilation and energy conservation.
It gives true scope for specifiers to set a lead in energy saving, for property managers to improve their building stock, and for developers to add value in an increasingly competitive and energy-aware marketplace.
It all adds up to best practice, better choices and Simply Inspairational Vent-Axia solutions.