Building Regulations Ease Off On Energy Efficiency

Revised regulations issued in September by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) should improve the energy efficiency of new houses & flats by 22% & 18%. The figures contrast with an improvement of 25% for housing proposed in a consultation in 2004. The ODPM says the regulations, which come into force April 2006, should deliver annual carbons savings of 1M/t in 2010. The new regulations are linked to implementation of an EU Directive on energy performance in buildings, which requires 5-yr reviews of building standards. The new regulations cover conservation of fuel and power (Part L) and ventilation (Part F). Under Part L, each building will have to meet a maximum carbon emissions limit.