Changes to Part L & F – What changes can we expect in housing?

There are mixed opinions on the proposed changes to the Building Regulations, however below is simply an overview and some bullet points of expected changes.

Firstly, we must ask why these changes are happening and so significant. The Government has suggested that by 2025, new homes should produce 75-80% less carbon than one built to current standards. The whole aim of this is to accelerate the implementation of the Future Homes Standards. And beyond this, we are working towards 100% net zero carbon Buildings by 2050.

The 2020 proposal has two options: Option 1 being a 20% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the current standard. But it’s option 2 that is the government currently prefers – a 31% reduction focused on carbon-saving technologies and better fabric standards, and it’s this option that is the most likely to be adopted going forward.

Part L of the building’s regulations relates to the energy efficiency of new construction projects. Part F sets out the requirements in terms of building ventilation. In Part L, proposed changes will focus on energy efficiency within the construction, rather than adding energy efficient measures retrospectively. Changes to part F will address issues with ventilation and overheating in buildings.

It is suggested that there will be a big shift towards electricity as CO₂ emission factor for electricity will be reduced from 0.519 kgCO2/kWh to 0.233 kgCO2/kWh. This will make electricity more viable as it will be easier to show compliance when modelling and calculating building compliance through SAP and SBEM.

Below is just a few key points that will have an impact on our industry as a whole.

• New standards may be enforced from the day they are introduced. Even if you gained Planning permission before the new Regulations they are likely to be applicable.
• Electricity will become the main fuel, seeing an increase in Air Source Heat Pumps and direct electric heating.
• The installation of Low Energy products will increase, and battery storage.
• Windows are expected to need improvement and increased performance.
• Building fabric U-Values will improve
• Changes to Mechanical Ventilation, due to air tightness

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