BRE BR489 PDF

Introduction

This guide has been prepared to help architects and builders understand the new energy performance requirements in Part L of the Building Regulations, Conservation of fuel and power. To satisfactorily deliver these new requirements, much closer collaboration will be needed between building clients and all members of the design team.

The guide covers the major changes to Part L introduced in April 2006, including:

• the background to the changes

• the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

• the Regulations and approved guidance that implement the changes

• designing buildings to meet the new carbon dioxide emission targets

• new standards for work in existing buildings.

In addition, annexes cover:

• the new tools for calculating carbon dioxide emissions from buildings – SAP 2005 and SBEM

• limiting the effects of overheating in buildings

• air pressure testing

• low and zero carbon energy sources

• introductions to the Domestic heating compliance guide and Non-domestic heating, cooling and ventilation compliance guide.

The Building Regulations are made under powers provided in the Building Act 1984, and apply in England and Wales. The current edition is The Building Regulations 2000, as amended (most recently in April 2006), and most building projects must comply with them. Separate regulations apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The formal ‘Requirements' of the Building Regulations are listed in a schedule (Schedule 1) to the Building Regulations 2000 and are grouped into 14 Parts. Further information about the Regulations is available in a booklet published by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.¹

¹Building Regulations Explanatory Booklet, ODPM, 2006. Available from www.odpm.gov.uk