Building Regulations Part L and the new changes

Part L of the Building Regulations in England aims to improve the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings. In 2013, the UK government updated Part L with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint of new buildings. The updated regulations came into effect in 2014 and were further revised in October 2015. The new changes to Part L focus on energy efficiency standards for new dwellings, non-domestic buildings, and existing buildings that undergo a major renovation. The new Part L regulations now require new homes to be 31% more energy-efficient compared to the previous standard. Non-domestic buildings such as offices, shops, and schools will be required to have CO2 emissions that are 37% lower than the previous standard. In addition, the new changes to Part L also include new standards for building fabric and services such as heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting systems. To comply with the new Part L regulations, designers and builders will need to incorporate energy-efficient features into their buildings. This may include using low-energy lighting systems, installing high-performance insulation, fitting energy-efficient boilers, and incorporating renewable technologies such as solar panels or wind turbines. The requirements and specifications for these features are outlined in Part L of the Building Regulations. When designing and constructing new buildings or carrying out major renovations, it is important to work closely with an experienced building control professional to ensure compliance with the new Part L regulations. A building control professional can help ensure that the design and construction of the building meet the energy performance requirements set out in the regulations. This may include carrying out site inspections, reviewing plans and specifications, and providing advice on energy-efficient building solutions. In conclusion, the updated Part L regulations provide clear guidance on the energy efficiency standards that new buildings must meet. The new changes require designers and builders to incorporate a range of energy-efficient features into their buildings, in order to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency. By working closely with a building control professional, designers and builders can ensure that their buildings meet the new Part L energy efficiency standards.