What is ‘Part L1A’ Building Regulations?

Conservation of Fuel & Power in New Dwellings.

Part L1A has been introduced in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of the government’s strategy to address global warming.

Part L1A of the Building Regulations imposes the requirement on building work that:

“Reasonable provision shall be made for the conservation of fuel and power in buildings by:
limiting heat gains and losses…
- through thermal elements and other parts of the building fabric; and
- from pipes, ducts and vessels used for space heating, space cooling and hot water services;
- providing and commissioning energy efficient fixed building services with effective controls; and
- providing to the owner sufficient information about the building, the fixed building services and their maintenance requirements so that the building can be operated in such a manner as to use no more fuel and power than is reasonable in the circumstances.”

What will builders have to do to achieve compliance with the new Part L1A requirements?

Compliance involves demonstrating that:
1. the CO2 performance target has been met;
2. elements of the design do not fall outside energy efficiency limits unless there are exceptional circumstances;
3. the building will not suffer from excessive solar gain;
4. the building as constructed matches the design intent;
5. information is provided to enable the building to be operated efficiently.