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Legislation - What do you need to know?

Building regulations

If you’re developing or extending a property you must comply with Part L1A of the Building Regulations. Implemented in 2005, Part L1A set out to reduce new-build carbon emissions by 20 percent. Part L1A gives developers actual permission to build, based on carbon emissions, with each new property having a carbon emissions target (TER: Target CO₂ Emission Rate).

To pass, and to be able to build, the dwelling’s actual emissions (DER: Dwelling CO₂ Emission Rate) must be the same or lower than the target ^***.

The Building Regulations do not stipulate that you have to install heating based on renewables, but do state the amount of carbon your property is allowed to emit. Therefore, including renewable technologies in your design might give you the scope to build a more interesting home by including things that might otherwise be denied – for example large glass windows.

If you upgrade your heating system or fit a new one, a high efficiency condensing boiler must be installed under Part L of the Building Regulations.

There are a few exceptions and exemptions to the legislation, where it is too costly or impractical to fit a condensing boiler, but this only affects a small percentage of properties. It is likely that boiler and radiator controls will need to be
upgraded too.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimates that homeowners can save up to 40 percent on their heating bills if a condensing boiler is installed, and recommends that homeowners should consider replacing their boiler if it is over 15 years old, even if it still works.

 

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