As of 15th of June 2022, the new Part L & O Building Regulations (conservation of fuel and power) came into effect in England. This means that all new buildings will need to meet higher energy efficiency standards, in order to help tackle climate change. If you’re a private or commercial landlord, an independent investor, an estate agent, a local authority, a builder, developer or architect, this change will have affected you. Here’s what you need to know about the new standards and how they might impact your business or projects. The main changes are as follows:
- A new target for CO₂ emissions of 45kg/m² for new dwellings
- A requirement for all new dwellings to be ‘zero carbon ready’, meaning that they must be designed and built to be capable of achieving zero carbon status through the installation of renewable energy technologies such as solar PV or heat pumps
- An extension of the ‘fabric first’ approach to include a requirement for all new buildings to meet a minimum ‘energy performance certificate’ (EPC) rating of B
What do the Part L & O Building Regulation changes mean for builders, developers and homeowners?
The new energy efficiency standards will have a big impact on builders, developers and homeowners. The changes mean that all new build homes will need to be zero carbon by 2025. This means that builders and developers will need to use more energy efficient materials and construction methods. Homeowners will also need to make sure their homes are well insulated and have low energy lighting. The main changes that will be introduced concern energy efficiency, with a focus on preventing heat loss in buildings. These include measures to improve the thermal performance of buildings, and the most effective approach will vary depending on the specific building and its location. However, some common methods include increasing insulation levels, improving airtightness, installing high-performance windows and doors, and using passive solar design principles.
What the changes mean for our building designs
The changes to Part L & O Building Regulations will have a significant impact on the design of our buildings. The carbon emissions target has been increased by 31%, and the maximum allowable & notional U-values have altered, and the introduction of a new Dwelling Primary Energy Rate target has been implemented to monitor and lower the energy usage for new developments moving forward. With Part O, two options are available. A simplified checklist method can be used to minimise the risk of overheating or alternatively a Dynamic Simulation Model can be created to review the risk of overheating against the guidance set out in CIBSE TM59 Guidance.
How can Focus 360 Energy help?
As we can see, the new Part L & O Building Regulations came into effect on Wednesday the 15th of June 2022. This means that all new buildings constructed in England will have to meet certain standards for energy efficiency and conservation of fuel and power. Focus 360 Energy provides multiple energy assessment services that can help private and commercial landlords, independent investors, estate agents, local authorities, builders, developers, and architects meet new energy standards. Enforcing these standards will help to reduce emissions and save energy, which is beneficial for both the environment and your bottom line. Our easy-to-use online quote system makes it easy to request a quote for our services, which include residential and commercial property assessments, new build services, and more. With our expert knowledge and friendly service, we’ll help you make your property more energy-efficient and compliant with the latest standards. If you’re thinking about constructing a new building, make sure you get a quote from us so that we can help you comply with the new regulations. We can carry out SAP calculations, SBEM calculations, Energy Statements, BREEAM assessments, Air Testing, Sound Testing, Ventilation Testing, Thermographic Surveys, Water Consumption Calculations, Heat Loss Calculations and U-Value Calculations. Now that we know the new energy standards, we need to make sure our homes are up to par. That’s where we come in. We are experts in home energy efficiency and can help you make your home as energy-efficient as possible. Get a quote from us today and see how much you can save on your energy bills.
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