The Building Regulations apply to the majority of new and existing buildings in England and are set out by the Department of Communities and local Government (DCLG). The Building Regulations are covered by fourteen technical ‘Parts’ these are called the Approved Documents. The Approved Documents cover regulations such as Structural Safety (AD Part A), Ventilation (AD Part F) and Resistance to Sound (AD Part E).
However the most complex of these Approved Documents is Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power). We are going to take a quick look at AD Part L1A (New Dwellings) and how a STREIF German timber frame system can help you meet these requirements for your new self build timber frame project.
Part L was revised in October 2013 and released in April 2014 and the new requirements have seen major changes to Part L with the introduction of additional mandatory targets. The inclusion of the Fabric Energy Efficiency (FEE) Standards in the new Part L, represents a strong indicator of how the ‘fabric first’ approach will be carried forward towards the zero carbon targets set out by DCLG for 2016.
There is also a change to the way the Target Emissions Rate is produced, and is now calculated using a fresh methodology for 2013. DCLG are referring to this new method as the ‘elemental recipe’ (see Table 4 in AD Part L1A 2013). The system seeks to make it easier to understand how to show compliance. In fact, you can now show compliance just by building to this ‘elemental recipe’, although you will still be expected to submit the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) calculation to your chosen Building Control.
This move to a fabric first approach means a STREIF German timber frame house is the simple answer and will ensure the FEE targets are met easily with our high performance panels/cassettes (with very low U-values), making complying with Part L a breeze while future proofing your new home.
So if you are considering a new project this year why not get in touch and see how we can take the pain out of meeting the Building Regulations.
