announced new measures to make buildings more energy

efficient with the aim that the measures will save one

million tonnes of carbon per year by 2010. The ODPM says

this is equivalent to emissions from more than one million

semi-detached homes.

Building regulations

From 6 April 2006, changes will be made to the building regulations

to improve energy efficiency:

• Part F (conservation of fuel and power); and

• Part L (ventilation)

At the same time, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

(EPBD) 2002/91/EC on the energy performance of buildings will be

implemented. This will introduce requirements for new and existing

buildings to meet certain energy efficiency standards and the

requirements are to be implemented two years ahead of schedule.

Part F and L

The revised Part L will mean that air pressure leakage testing of

buildings will become mandatory. The aim is to improve compliance

with the regulations by demonstrating where there is unacceptable

leakage that can reduce the energy efficiency of buildings.

Part L of the Building Regulations sets out standards for building

work in order to conserve fuel and power and minimise heat loss,

raising energy efficiency standards through the use of more energy

efficient materials and methods. The measures are performancebased

allowing housebuilders flexibility about how the new

standards are met.

The overall annual reduction in carbon emissions in 2010

resulting from the changes to Part L in 2005/06 is expected to be

0.98 million tonnes (MtC).

In an attempt to ensure a high level of compliance and

understanding of the new regulations the ODPM is introducing

nationally recognised qualifications for surveyors and will be

promoting the development of self-certification schemes for Part L

schemes to improve regulation.

The revisions to Part L to be implemented in April 2006 will set

maximum carbon dioxide emissions for whole buildings. This

performance-based approach will offer designers the flexibility to

choose solutions that best meet their needs.

The ODPM plans that the implementation of the EPBD will make

a significant contribution to the UK’s commitment to combat

climate change. New homes will need to be better insulated and

more use will need to be made of efficient heating systems.

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

The objective of the EPBD is to promote the improvement of the

energy performance of buildings within the Community, taking into

account outdoor climatic and local conditions, as well as indoor

climate requirements and cost-effectiveness.

The EPBD requires member states to ensure that:

• Minimum energy performance requirements are met by

new buildings.

• Existing buildings, with a total useful floor area of over

1,000 square metres are renovated so energy performance

meets minimum requirements as far as this is technically,

functionally and economically feasible.

• An energy performance certificate is made available to the

owner, any prospective buyer or tenant. The certificate will

only be valid for 10 years.

• A current energy certificate prominently placed where a

building has a total useful floor area over 1,000 square

metres occupied by:

• public authorities; and

• Institutions providing public services to a large number

of persons.

• Certain types of boiler are subject to regular inspections

and older boilers are replaced.

• Air conditioning systems are regularly inspected and where

appropriate improved or replaced.

• A system is in place for the calculation of energy

performance based on the framework set out in the Annex

to the EPBD.

Code for Sustainable Buildings

From April 2006 all new residential development receiving

government funding will need to meet a new national Code for

Sustainable Buildings. The Code will go beyond the current Building

Regulations as it will cover fuel, power and also the efficient use of water.

The ODPM will be leading a review, in conjunction with HM

Treasury, DTI and DEFRA, to identify measures to increase the

sustainability of existing dwellings. Stakeholders will be consulted

in spring 2006. Consequential amendments for existing housing

stock will not be implemented through these new Part L

regulations. Instead, building regulations will be considered

alongside other issues including the role of possible incentives,

voluntary initiatives and home information packs.

The consultation process should be revealing and a further

update at this time will be provided.

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