From 15 June 2022, Part L of the current building regulations in England are changing to set ambitious improvements to the energy efficiency in new homes, self-builds, and home renovations and extensions whether planning permission is required or not.
The amended Part L document tightens minimum efficiency standards and stipulates a 31% reduction for operational energy in comparison to 2013 regulations. This provisional guidance sees minimum efficiency standards reduced, particularly for home extensions, loft conversions, and dormers.
The new U values required are:
New Builds:
Walls – from 0.3 to 0.26
Roofs – from 0.2 to 0.16
Floors – from 0.25 to 0.18
Extensions:
Walls – from 0.28 to 0.18
Roofs – from 0.16/0.18 to 0.15
Floors – from 0.22 to 0.18
The changes to the regulations play a vital role in a longer-term plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions and are a stepping stone to ensure a smooth transition to the 2025 Future Homes Standard.
The Government is taking steps to reduce current carbon emissions, and as housing is a major contributor, measures need to be introduced to help increase energy efficiency.
Source – FMB
How does this impact planning?
From 15 June 2022, all plans submitted for planning permission must meet the new regulations.
For all plans submitted before this date, building work must commence prior to June 2023 to remain under the previous standards.
The 2025 Future Home standards (FHS), specify at least a 75% reduction in operational energy than the current standards. There is a new methodology referred to as SAP 11 being developed to measure this, which will become increasingly important in the planning and design stage to reduce complications and additional costs further into your project.
With the 2022 Part L changes imminent and the 2025 Future Home Standards following soon, many builders and designers are already designing to the limiting standards in the expected FHS to reduce the need for retrofitting in the future.
Sarah Gazzola, Sales and Marketing Director, comments: “Given the current climate emergency, it is critical each sector plays their part in reducing carbon emissions. With housing contributing significantly, it is great to see the long-term plans to reduce emissions generated to create a better future.
At Hemsec, we have been working with both Architects and Builders to provide alternative insulation solutions to traditional brick and block methods. Hemsec’s Structural Insulated panels (SIPs) meet the required U Values without compromising on internal space.
We believe that designing with SIPs moving forward will help to ease the burden of future regulation changes.”
To talk about how Hemsec’s team can help partner with you, and get you started with SIPs, please contact us.
Rainhill Factory
Stoney Lane, Rainhill, Prescot, Merseyside.
L35 9LL
Huyton Factory
Huyton Business Park,
Stretton Way, Liverpool
L36 6JF
Tel: 0151 426 7171
Email: contact@hemsec.com