Changes to Part L of the Building Regulations that set maximum CO2 emissions for all types of building, will come into force in April 2006. The ECA welcomes the publication of the revised Part L, which contains within it many of the Association’s suggestions on the original consultation paper drafted last year.

Part L deals with the conservation of fuel and power in all types of buildings, both domestic and commercial. It has been updated because the UK government has a legal commitment to implement the European Directive on Energy Performance in Buildings (EPBD), which requires all buildings to be given an energy rating and for new buildings to meet a minimum standard for energy efficiency.

The objective of the revisions is to achieve an overall reduction in energy consumption of 25% for dwellings and around 27% for non-dwelling buildings.

Head of technical services, Giuliano Digilio, says: “While it is disappointing that some measures relating to existing buildings have been dropped, the ECA supports the ODPM in its efforts to drive up the energy efficiency of buildings.

“For the ECA, the key issues are compliance and cost-effective application. We particularly welcome the ODPM intention to introduce national qualifications ‘to ensure a high level of compliance and understanding of these new regulations’, and to promote the development of self-certification schemes.”

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor