BUILDING REGULATIONS
ENGLAND & WALES

Because of our extensive experience of thermal insulation and air leakage performance, we can provide a fully-integrated service with regards to the Building Regulations Part L. This integrated service allows us to provide the very best envelope solutions for all construction projects.

Amendments to Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power)

Part L2 of Building Regulations 2000 was amended in accordance with the government’s manifesto commitment to reduce CO² emissions in the UK, and came into force on 1st April 2002. Further amendments came into force on April 6th 2006 and the original aim - to reduce the energy load required for heating and cooling buildings - remains key.

The principle amendments in relation to the building envelope performance in 2006 included:

• The introduction of national calculation methodologies in accordance with the European Performance of Buildings Directive (SAP for L1 and SBEM for L2);
• The Introduction of mandatory air pressurisation testing of a sample of new domestic buildings in addition to the established requirements for non-domestic buildings;
• An overall requirement for an improvement in the energy performance of buildings over 1000m² (floor area), whenever these buildings are subject to major works;
• Paving the way towards the energy certification of buildings;
• A widening of scope in the area of self-certification through the Competent Person scheme, and;
• A tightening of requirements related to the commissioning of fixed building services.

Building Sciences can assist design and construction teams to comply with, or exceed, the envelope performance requirements of Part L.