A review of the proposals for amending the energy efficiency provisions in the building regulations for dwellings

Todd, S

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the main requirements of the Building Regulations Part L1A (2006) for new dwellings. An explanation of the technical basis for energy rating is given including how they are calculated, how fuel costs are used, the role of the standard occupancy pattern, and an appreciation of the Building Research Establishment Domestic Energy Model (BREDEM). The aims and requirements of the European Directive on the Energy performance of Buildings and its implementation for new and existing domestic buildings is also considered, together with the new home-buying process due in 2007. Design/methodology/approach ? The requirements of Part L1A of the Building Regulations are developed. These relate to the thermal properties of the building fabric including insulation, thermal bridging, air tightness and glazing, the efficiency and responsiveness of heating and hot water systems, ventilation and lighting. The procedures for demonstrating compliance of a design for a new dwelling are demonstrated using the new NHER <IT>Plan Assessor</IT> software. The methodology for calculating thermal transmittance coefficients (U-values) is also demonstrated with the aid of an example. Findings ? The changes in the Building Regulations will make new dwellings 20 per cent more efficient than current practice. The approach is now performance-based where the carbon dioxide emissions are considered for the whole building and there is some design flexibility. The U-value calculation is more accurate and allows for thermal bridging. The example demonstrated that in some cases the difference in U-values calculated can be small but where the bridging effect is large this would not be the case. Pressure testing will be virtually mandatory and will have the effect of improving the air tightness of dwellings. Originality/value ? This paper identifies the main changes in Part L1A and the implications for designers and other professionals who will be involved with compliance issues. Guidance is also given on how compliance might be achieved.

Citation

Todd, S. (2006). A review of the proposals for amending the energy efficiency provisions in the building regulations for dwellings. Structural survey, 24(3), 181-200. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630800610678841

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: May 1, 2006
• Deposit Date: Oct 5, 2007
• Journal: Structural Survey
• Print ISSN: 0263-080X
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 181-200
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/02630800610678841