31st January 2012
CLG has today opened consultation on changes to the Building Regulations in England relating to the conservation of fuel and power (Part L). The exercise aims to assess what reasonable minimum standards are appropriate for the next update due in October 2013 for new buildings.
The previous government had stated the 2013 version of Part L would cut carbon emissions by 25% compared with the 2010 version however, this consultation document suggests aggregate carbon reduction as low as 8% for domestic properties may be targeted, compared with the Part L, 2010 compliance criteria. The government’s preferred solution is understood to be ‘FEES plus efficient services’ which would require minimum levels of energy efficiency as well as differing reductions in CO2 emissions for the various forms of house type.
This reduced target may be achieved through a ‘fabric led’ approach, without the requirement for expensive low carbon technologies which could threaten the viability of new developments. The consultation document signals a significant weakening in relation to this issue by the coalition government.
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