Changes to building regs 1st October 2010
Tuesday 07 Sep 2010.
Author: Bob Robinson,
Author: Mary Rawlinson
Important changes to the Building Regulations effective from 1st October
In Building a Greener Future - Policy Statement (July 2007), the Government set the target for new homes at net zero carbon from 2016. To achieve this, energy efficiency standards for new homes are to be improved by 25 per cent in 2010 and a further 44 per cent in 2013 relative to current 2006 standards. These changes are to be implemented through the Building Regulations as part of their 3 yearly review.
New non-domestic buildings are also a target and are expected to be zero carbon from 2019. Steps for these changes will be introduced through the Building Regulations, starting on 1st October 2010 in England. These improvements form Part L [Conservation of Fuel and Power] of the regulations. It requires reasonable provision to be made for the conservation of fuel and power by limiting heat loss through the building’s fabric and addressing the efficiency of services such as heating, lighting and mechanical ventilation.
The tables below show how the changes are expected to impact on the development costs for both domestic and non-domestic buildings.
Building
Type |
|
Maximum Energy Efficiency
Improvement |
|
Approximate Cost To Meet 2013
Building Regulations |
| Retail |
|
10% |
|
9% |
| Office |
|
21% |
|
6% |
Year of
Application |
|
Energy Standard /Improvement
Over Existing |
|
Approximate Percentage
Increase on 2006 Building Regs |
|
|
Code Level |
Part L |
|
|
| 2010 |
|
3 |
25% |
|
4% |
| 2013 |
|
4 |
44% |
|
8% |
| 2016 |
|
6 |
100% |
|
28% |
Figures taken from - CLG: Cost Analysis of the Code for Sustainable Homes:
Final Report (2008) |
These proposals will only apply in England. Wales will take control of the Building Regulations on the 1st January 2012 Scotland has its own regulations as does Northern Ireland and both will go through amendments and changes in 2010/11.
Both the Welsh and Scottish Building Regulations changes are expected to go further, faster than the English equivalent.
From 1st October 2010 a new version of Part L of the Building Regulations will be in force and will replace the current 2006 version. The main change to the regulations is the 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.
| 1. |
In respect of a building notice, the application must have been submitted prior to 1st October 2010 and a contract entered into prior to this date. |
| 2. |
Applications submitted after 1st October 2010 or where the above exemptions do not apply, will need to comply with the new regulations. |
| 3. |
If works have started on your site by 1st October 2010 then the 2006 building regulations will apply. |
| 4. |
If works have NOT started but a full planning application has been approved and any conditions discharged then the 2006 regulations will apply. It is important to note that there will be a time limit on when the works must commence by. |
| What we advise you to do now |
- Review the viability of energy efficiency, low carbon and renewable energy technologies for your site. Speak to Mary Rawlinson at DPP for further information and guidance for your site.
- Consider how these changes will affect your current projects and speak to your DPP planning consultant for further help and guidance.
For further details please contact:
 |
|
 |
Bob Robinson
Senior Partner
0113 236 4574
|
|
Mary Rawlinson
Senior Sustainability Consultant
020 7092 3611
|