Part L and energy rating applied to UK housing

Abstract

Examines the new energy regulation proposals set out in the revised Approved Document Part L of the 1995 Building Regulations. Assesses the ways in which the New Requirement L1 calls for better standards of building fabric insulation, improved space heating and hot water controls and the limitation of heat loss. Also considers the more stringent method of calculating U‐values and the attention given to limiting air infiltration and potential thermal bridging effects around windows, doors and other openings. Discusses the equations from the Building Research Establishment Domestic Energy Model (BREDEM) used to calculate the space and ventilation heating requirements of a dwelling, together with a rationale for using a two‐zone model. Assesses the concept of an “energy label” and how this can be expanded using software tools to give estimates of fuel use to an accuracy of ±10 per cent with cost benefits of increased insulation standards.

Citation

Todd, S. (1995), "Part L and energy rating applied to UK housing", Structural Survey, Vol. 13 No. 2, pp. 26-32. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630809510094544