Thursday 2 August 2012

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 -

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