Approved Document L Proposals for 2013/2014

DCLG have confirmed the proposals 2013 / 2014 Part L (England).  Balancing the issues of regulatory burden, the green agenda and promoting economic growth there are a number of changes to the proposed consulted standards.

Please note these standards do not apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

The long awaited announcement on the 2013 Part L has been confirmed. This is the next step in enabling the delivery of Zero Carbon homes by 2016 and Zero Carbon non-domestic buildings by 2020. The timetable has been confirmed and legislation and guidance will be published Oct 2013. This will come into force on 6th April 2014 (requiring registration of the Scheme by Initial Notice). There will be a period of 12 months to commence works on site. There are a number of changes to the Consultation proposals.

The targets for new buildings have been set as 

·         6% cut in allowed carbon emissions for new build homes with the introduction of Fabric targets based on Energy (TFEES)

·         9% cut in allowed carbon emissions for non domestic buildings

The targets are based on the 2010 standards of compliance (SAP2009 and SBEM 2010), however there are new (beta) versions of the updated software for you to test on schemes –  www.2013ncm.bre.co.uk

There will be a new L1A and L2A with limited changes to the requirements on existing buildings – mainly plant and services replacement efficiencies.

This is part of a 3 tier package of measures – combined with   

·         Allowable Solutions. This resolves the issue where on-site solutions will not deliver the full “Zero Carbon” or “Zero Energy” target within the site boundaries as defined by the 2010 Regulations. It is a form of offsetting the energy use against a more practical or alternative solution by making a payment towards a Green initiative such as a wind farm or Biofuel plant. 

·         Housing Standards Review - on the back of the Red Tape Challenge the DCLG will shortly be consulting on a further package of measures to abolish unnecessary rules imposed on housebuilders, cut red tape and support housing growth. This could see the removal of Planning conditions for Code for Sustainable Homes or BREEAM requirements.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-measures-to-save-200-in-fuel-bills-for-a-new-home

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/housing-standards-review-consultation

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/next-steps-to-zero-carbon-homes-allowable-solutions

Butler & Young are offering free seminars on the proposals please contact either your normal Butler & Young office / contact or Andy Thomas  on 07968 725075 and andy.thomas@byl.co.uk              

 

Building Regulation Changes for 2013/2014

The Minister Don Foster has just announced the changes to the Building Regulations planned in 2013 / 2014.

While changes to Parts A and C will be brought in in 2013 the long awaited announcement on the next Part L has been confirmed. This is the next step in enabling the delivery of Zero Carbon homes by 2016 and Zero Carbon non-domestic buildings by 2020. The timetable has been confirmed and it will come into force in April 2014.

The Targets for new buildings have been set as  

·         6% cut in allowed carbon emissions for new build homes

·         9% cut in allowed carbon emissions for non domestic buildings

These targets are based on the 2010 standards of compliance.

These figures are different to those consulted on – the Government is “responding to Consultation views” and have decided on a lower target than initially preferred by the Government. It would seem that there has been appreciation of the burden on the industry and a full appreciation of the difficult times in the Housebuilding market.

It is considered that these targets will be able to be delivered without the essential contribution of renewables. Services efficiency and Fabric performance have been researched and shown to be able to provide the necessary energy savings without having to install PV or other renewable sources of energy.

A further interesting part of the announcement is the highlighting of the issue of Allowable Solutions. This may be seen as an acceptance that some situations will not deliver the full “Zero Carbon” or “Zero Energy” target within the site boundaries as defined by the 2010 Regulations. It is a form of offsetting the energy use against a more practical or alternative solution by making a payment towards a Green initiative such as a wind farm or Biofuel plant.  

Further to this and on the back of the Red Tape Challenge the DCLG will shortly be consulting on a further package of measures to abolish unnecessary rules imposed on Housebuilders, cut red tape and support housing growth.

 

Link to Minister statement - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/energy-measures-to-save-200-in-fuel-bills-for-a-new-home

Butler & Young Summary of changes to Part L - Wales

Key Changes to Part L Wales –
The consultation identifies key concepts and proposals which are different to theproposals for England -

Delayed Implementation Dates – introduction of parts in 2013, 2014 and 2015

– reducing the impact on SME’s, Housing market and the Building Industry

Increased efficiency Targets – up to 40% increase in targets (housing) and

20% on non-domestic

New Target method for Non-domestic using a split approach – e.g. 10% fabric

and 10% renewables

New Target method for Housing – split approach as above with Guidance on

the need for Generation to meet targets (PV used as example – e.g. 30% of

foundation area required)

New Aggregate approach for different Housing types (Detached / Terrace /

Flat / Semi)

Removal of Planning Requirements for Code for Sustainable Homes and

BREEAM to simplify requirements and approval

Consequential improvements – new criteria for application and simple process

for Domestic works – will now apply to all buildings (previously over 1000m2)



New Modelling Software - new Versions of SAP and SBEM for Wales

(cSAPw and cSBEMw)

www.2013walesncm.bre.co.uk

Improved standards for Extensions and refurbishments – links to Green

Deal

Design Guidance – simple “recipes” for compliant solutions - and model design

documents

Advanced integration of modelling different building types (domestic and

non-domestic) to balance impact

Sympathetic approach to fuel type – not penalising off grid development

Tougher “backstop” U values and new efficiency standards for services

Introduction of TPEC – Target Primary Energy target – to prevent

“Greenwashing” (*Wales will not be using FEES as in England)

Permitting “domestic style” commercial buildings to have alternative and

simpler guidance

Home improvements – simple upgrade checklist – window and boiler

replacement

Explanations of the Notional and SAP model software standard to compare

designs and appreciate areas requiring improved performance

4 New Approved Documents with a new format based on work type – e.g. new

build / extension / refurbishment / repairs etc.

Requirement for “quick start guide” for domestic occupiers information

Training – education – information programme to ensure industry and

stakeholder awareness

Flowcharts for compliance

Definitions of Delivered / Primary and Renewable energy

Future development of the Zero Carbon initiative via “Allowable Solutions”

Wales are not proposing to use QA accreditation scheme to prove compliance

European Performance of Buildings Directive (Recast) integration of

requirements

For full copy of the 351 page consultation (3 documents) visit the Welsh Government

Website at -

http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/buildingregs/?lang=en

Note - Consultation period is from 31

st July to 23rd October 2012.

Consultation response form is available at -

http://wales.gov.uk/docs/desh/consultation/120731buildingregspartlquestionsen.doc

E-mail it to -

enquiries.brconstruction@wales.gsi.gov.uk

For further guidance and CPD training please contact –

Andy Thomas MRICS MBEng MBA

Butler & Young Building control services and member of BRAC Wales

Office – 01443 824980

Mobile - 07968 725075

andy.thomas@byl.co.uk

Oxygen House, developed by Summerfield Developments, on Exeter's Business Park, is Building of the Year, Butler & Young Building Control were the Approved Inspectors

Oxygen House, the new headquarter building of statistical sports research consultancy ATASS at Exeter Business Park, has been named Building of the Year at the prestigious Michelmores/Western Morning News Commercial Property Awards against fierce competition. Hosted by Michael Portillo at Exeter University’s Great Hall, the event was attended by the South West’s leading property personnel.

The vision of ATASS's founder, Dr Mark Dixon, of a green building with superb staff facilities was brought to fruition by developer Summerfield and a team of forward-thinking designers and contractors.

In the Building of the Year category the organisers of the awards were looking for "the most progressive,completed building which, in the opinion of the judges, makes the boldest statement about the positive qualities of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset in terms of innovation, entrepreneurship and as a destination for inward investment." Visible from the M5 motorway, the stunning-looking Oxygen House with its distinctive 'sports stadium' frontage (reflecting ATASS's innovative statistical modelling and analysis services for the professional sports industry) provides a landmark on the way into Exeter.

But the overriding concern from the start was the building's green credentials. The BREEAM 'Excellent' rating was achieved through a range of environmentally friendly features, including photovoltaic panels not only on outbuildings and within the landscaping but also in the glass of the airy full-height atrium.

Other measures to reduce energy and water consumption are solar hot water heating, solar shades, an air source heat pump, rainwater harvesting, 'grey' water recycling and passive infra red lighting. Recycled materials were incorporated into the building and there are electric car charging points in the car park.

Employees have the benefit of a terrific and healthy working environment, extensive views, a running track, multi-sports pitch, catering kitchen, canteen, recreation room and well equipped gym.

Nigel Hounslow, Director of Summerfield Developments said “Using previously untried techniques proved challenging at times but by overcoming the difficulties we have delivered an outstanding building. Credit must go to Dr Mark Dixon for his vision and commitment to the project".

He went on "ATASS and Summerfield had a fantastic team bringing this development together; all contributed to its success and will be justifiably proud to win this award."

The other members of the team were Midas (contractor), Broadway Malyan (architect), Clarke Bond (engineering), Swan Paul (landscape architect), ADG Interiors (interior design), AECOM (building services), Butler & Young (building control) and the Robinson White Partnership (client representative).

Uk Energy Statistics from Dept Energy and Climate Change Press Release

UK Energy Statistic Headlines.

Energy Trends and Quarterly Energy Prices publications are published today 29 March 2012 by the  Department of Energy and Climate Change. The publications cover new data for the fourth quarter of 2011 and thus provisional annual data for 2011. This press release focuses on the 2011 annual data.

Energy Trends covers statistics on energy production and consumption, in total and by fuel, and provides  an analysis of the year on year changes, and now includes a section on renewables. Quarterly Energy Prices covers prices to domestic and industrial consumers, prices of oil products and comparisons of international fuel prices.

The main points for 2011 are:

·    Total energy production was a record 13½ per cent lower than in 2010. This decline in output was due to the falls in oil and gas production as a result of maintenance activities and slowdowns, which resulted in a net import dependency of 36½ per cent, the highest level since 1976.

·    Oil production was 17½ per cent lower than in 2010, the lowest level of production since the

1970’s and continues the downward trend seen since 2000.

·    Natural gas production was 21 per cent lower than in 2010. In 2011 gross imports of natural gas were greater than gross production for the first time since 1967, with Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) accounting for 47 per cent of gas imports. Gas exports were at record levels in

2011, up by 4 per cent. Production though continued to exceed net imports.

·    Total primary energy consumption for energy uses fell by 7½ per cent from 2010. When adjusted   to  take  account  of  weather  differences  between  2010  and  2011,  primary consumption  fell by 2 per cent.

·    Low carbon electricity’s share of generation increased from 23 per cent in 2010 to 28½ per cent in 2011, due to higher renewables and nuclear generation.

·    Of electricity generated in 2011, gas accounted for 40 per cent (a fall of 6 percentage points on 2010) and coal 30 per cent. Nuclear’s share increased by 3 percentage points on 2010, to 19 per cent of the total.

·    Renewables’ share of generation increased by 2½ percentage points on 2010 to a record

9½ per cent. Hydro generation increased by 58 per cent on 2010 as a result of higher rainfall, whilst wind rose by 54½ per cent, of which offshore wind rose by 68 per cent, due to higher wind speeds and increased capacity. Overall hydro and wind generation was 55½ per cent higher than in 2010.

·    Coal production was ½ per cent lower than in 2010. Coal imports were 23 per cent higher.

Generators’ demand for coal was higher by ½ per cent. Coal stocks were 4½ per cent lower.

·    Final energy consumption was 8 per cent lower than in 2010, with falls recorded in all sectors. Domestic consumption fell by 18½ per cent due to the milder weather in 2011, with temperatures being 1.8 degrees warmer than 2010.

·    Gas demand was 17 per cent lower than in 2010 and was at its lowest level since 1995, whilst electricity consumption was 3½ per cent lower in 2011 than in 2010.

·    Average annual household standard electricity bills (fixed consumption of 3,300 kWh per annum) across all payment types in 2011 are £36 higher than in 2010 (up 8.5 per cent to

£453), and average gas bills (fixed consumption of 18,000 kWh per annum) across all payment types are £61 higher (up 9.3 per cent to £719).  UK domestic gas and electricity prices are the lowest and fourth lowest in the EU respectively.

·    Unleaded petrol and diesel prices in March 2012 have reached new record highs.