Important updates to the Building Regulations in England came into force this week (15 June 2022).
With the country’s net zero target in mind, the changes are expected to help improve the energy efficiency of buildings. The new rules are a step towards the new Future Homes Standard, which comes into force in 2025.
The updated Building Regulations apply to building regulations submissions made on or after 15 June 2022 and will affect proposals for new homes as well as plans to renovate existing ones. Here, Associate Architect Richard Mather-Jones outlines some of the key points:
- The updates came into force on 15 June 2022. Any developments registered with the building control body before this date must start on site by 15 June 2023 to be able to use the previous regulations. For developments of more than one dwelling, work on each dwelling must have started before the 2023 date and beginning roadways does not constitute a start. Note that this rule does not apply to Part S regarding electric car charging.
- Updated building regulations parts F and L consider ventilation in buildings and energy use respectively. New building regulations parts O and S are introduced which concern overheating and electric car charging respectively.
- Ventilation regulations have been simplified to a room-by-room basis, with greater attention given to cross-ventilation.
- The updates to part L are a stepping-stone to improving energy efficiency on the route towards the Future Homes Standard. Part L now includes a requirement for the contractor/builder to issue geo-located time and date stamped photos of all building junctions of every dwelling to demonstrate continuity of thermal insulation.
- Part O, which concerns overheating in new buildings, looks particularly at window size and orientation.
- Part S legislates for the provision of electric car charging points in all new buildings as well as those undergoing major renovation.
Commenting on the changes, Richard says: “As consultants who help shape the world around us, we take the issue of climate change seriously and we carefully consider the impact our work can have. While the new Building Regulations are a step in the right direction from a climate perspective, others may say they don’t extend far enough. We know we can expect further changes in the Future Homes Standard, but in the meantime, and with the net zero clock ticking, these updates are a useful move forward.”
To discuss how the updated Building Regulations may affect your project, contact Richard.
