Latest on the Building Regs 2013
As you may be aware, updates to the Building Regulations took place in January and April this year with further changes being implemented in July.
Timeline
The changes to the Approved Documents (AD), except for ADL and ADR7, took effect on 6 April 2013 for use in England. Changes to ADL and the new ADR7 will enter into force in July 2013.
The previous editions of the ADs will continue to apply to work started before 6 April, including work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before 6 April.
The Changes
AD L has been updated to take account of revisions to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2010/31/EU), which came into force on 9 January 2013 for all public buildings and will come into force on the 9 July 2013 for all other buildings.
- ‘Nearly zero-energy requirements for new buildings’ will not now come into force until 2019 at the earliest.
- High efficiency alternative systems must now be considered for all new buildings. This will require an analysis to be undertaken of the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of using high-efficiency alternative systems such as decentralised energy supply systems based on energy from renewable sources; cogeneration (Combined Heat & Power), district or block heating or cooling and heat pumps. The Local Authority must be notified that assessment is completed prior to construction and they may require production of the documentation for verification.
- Design standards are unchanged but the requirement for ‘consideration of high efficiency alternate systems’ has been added to this section.
- Energy from renewable sources defined as wind, solar, aerothermal, geothermal, hydrothermal and ocean energy, hydropower, biomass, landfill gas, sewage treatment, plant gas and biogases.
- The requirements for the renovation or replacement of thermal elements in existing buildings has been clarified, major renovation is where 25% or more of the building envelope is being renovated and individual thermal elements need to be improved if the renovation applies to 50% of the elements surface area.
- Instigation of ‘Consequential Improvments’ for dwellings was being considered to improve energy efficiency of a dwelling when other defined building work was being undertaken, such as extensions, increases in habitable space, replacement of boilers or windows. These have not now been incorporated at this time and it is hoped the ‘Green Deal’ will promote energy efficiency in the domestic market.
- Energy Performance Certificates were provided with recommendation reports to improve energy efficiency, the content of these has been clarified and they are now only required where there is a reasonable potential to reduce energy usage.
- Materials and Workmanship; now required to be in accordance with Regulation 7.
- Local Authorities to provide a ‘completion certificate’.
AD R7 (Materials & Workmanship); Regulation 7 is a new document to reflect the implementation of European Regulations covering construction products, comes into force 1 July 2013.
AD P (Electrical safety – Dwellings); the main changes are to the legal requirements, with minor additions to the technical guidance. These changes include a reduction to the range of electrical installation work that is notifiable, installers who are not registered competent persons may use a registered third party as an alternative to using building control and it now refers to BS7671:2008.
AD K (Protection from falling collision and impact); updated to amalgamate AD N (Glazing) as well as some overlapping guidance from AD M (Access to and use of buildings). No new technical requirements.
Source
The Government has published the ‘Amendments to the Approved Documents – 2013’ which contains the amendments to the following Approved Documents:
A, B volume 1 & 2, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, L1A, L1B, L2A, L2B and M.
The amendments to ADs A, C, D, E, F, H and J are consequential to the introduction of the new Approved Document to support Regulation 7.
What Flatt Consulting can do for you
We can provide your Energy Strategy and Sustainability Policy for your new development.
Future Benefits
Complying with legislation to improve the energy performance of buildings will reduce a buildings energy usage and carbon emissions, and make your development more marketable and profitable in the long term.
By taking action now you will ensure your business has a strong foothold in the greener property market of the future.
For further information please contact:
Mark Sales – msales@flattconsulting.com 01883 331630
