Part L

New Building Regulations for England and Wales relating to energy conservation and ventilation in new homes came into force on 6 April 2006.

There are now two new Approved Documents to replace the 2002 edition of Part L1 (Conservation of Fuel and Power) for dwellings:

Approved Document L1A for work in new dwellings

Approved Document L1B for work in existing dwellings

There is also a new Approved Document F covering ventilation.

The Government has imposed strict new deadlines for compliance with the new regulations. All major building work without full plans approval by 6 April 2006 must comply with the 2006 regulations, while any work that already had approval must begin within 12 months in order to comply with the existing 2002 regulations.

Part L - Comply without costing the earth

Approved Document L1A is significantly different from anything that has gone before.

It now requires a ‘whole house’ approach to demonstrating compliance – requiring developers to meet an overall energy performance target for the home.

This means the demise of the Elemental Method and Target U-Value Methodto demonstrate compliance. There is also a greater emphasis on ensuring that the building construction meets the standards assumed at the design stage and that the heating and hot water systems are correctly commissioned.

The new regulations provide a strong incentive for developers to make much greater use of low and zero carbon technology.

Consequently, timber frame is increasing in popularity as a construction method because of its suitability for modern buildings, and because it can help private and public sector housebuilders and developers comply with the new regulations so easily and cost-effectively.