The new Part L of the Building Regulations, introduced in 2021 puts a closer focus on delivering buildings that perform as intended. And this is demonstrated by several new, or enhanced, requirements for the design and construction of new homes and non-dwellings.
For many years, the government has heard from organizations including BRE, BSRIA, and CIBSE, that one of the main reasons buildings use more energy than expected is that they’re not as efficient in use as they are on paper at the design stage. Galvanized by its 2050 target for net-zero carbon emissions, the UK government is therefore on a mission to put that right. So designers and installers alike will have to deliver buildings with smaller carbon footprints and higher energy efficiency.
One example of this is that when the new regulations come into force (from June 2022), all new homes will have to be airtight tested. Until the updated regulations, it was possible for housebuilders to test a sample of homes (depending on construction types). Now, all new homes will have their air permeability checked during construction.
Thermal bridging is also addressed as a risk area for heat losses in new homes. Part L 2021 requires drawings for junctions are provided so that the designer and installer can review them to “check that the junctions are buildable”. Because these elements are often concealed, the Regulations also require photographs of the junctions as-built to confirm that construction is as-designed.
The requirement for high-resolution photographs is an important part of reporting on compliance with Part L 2021. There is a comprehensive list of photographs required (in Appendix B of the Regulation), which includes pipework insulation for primary pipework and mechanical ventilation ductwork.
At every stage of design and delivery, the new Regulations are looking not only to set higher standards but also to ensure that they are delivered – with evidenced reporting. And these new requirements apply equally to non-dwellings.
At Brymec, we have been developing our own product range with a view to delivering equipment that will help installers get their jobs done not only quickly but also with precision. Our copper press-fit system is one example. Designed for gas or water, it not only has a press indicator system but also an in-built leak detector to provide extra system protection – ensuring that the fit is right the first time.
We also work with our clients from the design stage of their project, offering advice on the best products for the project at hand. Our team of technical experts has years of experience across all sorts of projects, and they’re able to share their insights into what products can deliver in terms of operational performance.
It is important to be aware that there isn’t much time to get used to these new requirements, because there are further changes ahead. The 2021 uplift to the Building Regulations is only a stepping-stone towards 2025 when the government will launch the New Homes Standard and the New Buildings Standard – both will introduce tougher requirements to lower carbon emissions and raise energy efficiency.
There is also an indication that the government is seeking to reduce the embodied carbon of buildings through further legislation – considering the carbon produced when all the elements of a new building are manufactured, transported, and installed.
Brymec has been working towards reducing its carbon footprint by reducing the journey our products make from factory to warehouse shelf and onto construction sites. Manufacturing our own product ranges means that we have greater oversight of the process from sourcing raw materials all the way to handover to our customers. Our aim is to help our customers step up to the new challenge of low-carbon construction by optimizing buildings right from the start.