A critical deadline is looming on the horizon that requires your immediate attention. As you may already be aware, the Part L 2022 transition period is coming to an end in England on 15 June 2023. This means that the new energy efficiency regulations will take full effect, shaping the future of sustainable construction in the UK.
The regulations serve as a framework designed for new homes in England to generate 75% – 80% fewer carbon emissions by 2025. Like any policy, building regulations must undergo periodic updates to incorporate technological advancements and enhancements in the industry. It is all working towards the government’s ambition of net zero by 2050.
In June 2022, the most recent revision of the Part L Building Regulations was implemented. The latest updates were divided into four volumes covering new dwellings, existing dwellings, new non-dwelling buildings, and existing non-dwelling buildings,
The latest update prioritises a fabric-first approach to building performance. This is a cost-effective way of reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in a building’s lifespan. This approach focuses on improving airtightness, optimizing insulation, and eliminating thermal bridging.
By using more energy-efficient walls, floors, windows, and roofs, the reliance on technology and energy expenses can be lowered. There is also an emphasis on improving u-values, which measure heat loss through materials.
The Part L 2022 transition period was introduced to give the industry time to adjust to the updated energy efficiency requirements. During this period, architects and other professionals had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the new standards and make the necessary adjustments to their designs and construction practices as well as ensuring any project that had been approved under the old guidelines could be started. However, with the end of the transition period upon us, you must now act swiftly to ensure compliance with the regulations.
Where multiple dwellings or buildings are on a single application, work on each unit must have commenced for transitional provisions to apply - so for an application for 100 dwellings, work on all 100 units must have commenced before 15 June 2023.
If only 10 of these 100 dwellings have started, only these 10 can be built to the previous standards, the remainder must meet the new 2022 standards.
The Government has confirmed that the following would not constitute a commencement for the purposes of building regulations:
- removal of vegetation
- demolition of any previous buildings on the site
- removal of top soil
- removal or treatment of contaminated soil
- excavation of trial holes
- dynamic compaction
- general site servicing works (e.g. roadways).
Foundations for blocks of flats is considered a start on all units within that block.
Failing to adapt to the updated regulations can have severe consequences, including potential delays, additional costs, and non-compliance issues. By not implementing the necessary changes in a timely manner, architects risk facing the hurdles of retrofitting existing designs, causing project delays, and facing penalties. Furthermore, being non-compliant with the updated regulations can harm your professional reputation and credibility, negatively impacting future opportunities.
