Tel 01934 838624
BUILDING REGULATIONS
PART L 2006 DWELLINGS

L1A L1B COMPLIANCE
SAP Ratings
Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)
Part 6 Scotland

by Stephen Kinsella CEng MIEE FCIBSE



FOR ARCHITECTS, DEVELOPERS, BUILDERS, SURVEYORS, HOUSING DESIGNERS.


UK REGULATIONS for CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION from energy use in NEW & ALTERED BUILDINGS

I deal with all types of building project from single houses to city blocks, estates and non-domestic buildings.
I provide an all-in-one professional advisory service and assessment process on Building Regulations L1, L2 and Scottish Building Regulations 6 compliance, including SAP energy rating, DER (Dwelling Emission Rate) and TER (Target Emission Rate). I specialise in high glazed areas, extensions, barn conversions and other problems. "Merton rule" calculations for % renewable energy as required by the local authority. Energy Performance Certificates as required by law for new buildings.
Stephen Kinsella Please post paper prints of the architectural drawings, as prepared for Building Regulations approval, to my address below. If you have window dimensions on a drawing or schedule please include them. I do not require you to fill in forms or quote U-values. I calculate U-values for you and advise on the construction that will achieve compliance.
The drawings should include elevations, plans, main sections, north point, heating system type, boiler type, boiler model (if known), water heating type, and fuel. I will contact you if I need any more information.

When I receive your drawings::
· I will email you with the cost and provisional programmed date on which I will do the work. You will need to firstly confirm the date and cost, then arrange that I receive a cheque by the date of the work. If the job is urgent I may be able to fit you in sooner than I first indicate - please ask.

When I am doing the calculations:
·I will discuss with you any amendment to the design necessary to meet regulations. Usually I will telephone you for this.

I will send you by email:
· A report on compliance with Building Regulations Part L1A, L1B, or L2
· U-value calculations summarising construction and insulation
· SAP rating certificate for dwellings.
· TER and DER calculations as required for dwellings, or SBEM calculations for non-domestic parts of buildings.
I send the calculation package to you by email as a pdf file unless you prefer otherwise. You can email the file direct to building control.

I provide Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) with as-built calculations when required. I am fully accredited and EPCs are logged in the government central database.

I provide a fast, efficient, professional, personal service, with telephone support, for all types and numbers of dwellings and for the majority of non-domestic buildings. Please phone for current lead time. I can usually accomodate urgent work.

PLEASE POST PRINTS OF DRAWINGS to:

SJ Kinsella, KCE, The Old Forge, Kingston Bridge, Clevedon, Somerset BS21 6TX

email sjkinsella!AT!iee.org ( this address is written in anti-spam format – replace !AT! with @ )

First phone me on 01934 838624if you wish........


·When I receive your drawings I will email you with the cost and provisional programmed date on which I will do the work. You will need to firstly confirm the date and cost, then arrange that I receive a cheque by the date of the work. If the job is urgent I may be able to fit you in sooner than I first indicate - please ask.
· Please contact me for a quotation for conversions, refurbishments, preliminary designs, for repeated similar designs or apartments, extensions/conservatories, high glazed areas. I have provided this service since the inception of SAP ratings in 1995; my clients are numerous architects, developers, builders, surveyors, building professionals and self-builders. I am often recommended by building control officers.


OUTLINE OF BUILDING REGULATIONS L 2006 , 2002 and Scotland 6, for dwellings and non-domestic buildings, Requirements for Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) - SEE BELOW



Last Updated on 11/04/08
By Stephen Kinsella


Below...................

Notes on Building Regulations Part L and SAP Ratings

Building Regulations 2006 L1 for Dwellings
Building Regulations 2006 L2 for non-domestic buildings
Building Regulations 2002

Energy Performance Certificates from 6 April 2008


Building Regulations - Part L1A L1B and L2A L2B (approved document L) Conservation of fuel and power in England and Wales took effect on 6 April 2006

OUTLINE OF 2006 REGULATIONS for DWELLINGS

A. New dwellings (approved document L1A)

These are the main ways in which compliance is calculated:
1. Calculate the TER (Target CO2 Emissions Rate) for the dwelling, by substituting in the designed dwelling standard U-values (Table 2 on page 19 of the Approved Document) , glazed area, air infiltration, heating and fuel , and apply an improvement factor (currently 20%)
2. Calculate the DER (Dwelling CO2 Emissions Rate) with the parameters as required by the actual design, subject to some limiting conditions.
If the DER is better, i.e less than, the TER, the dwelling complies with this part of Part L.
3. Calculate the SAP rating.
4. Check internal and external lighting meets requirements.
5. Calculate summer condition to demonstrate that there is no tendency to high summer temperatures.

The assessment should be made for the design and again for the completed building.

B. Work in existing buildings (approved document L1B)

1. EXTENSIONS TO DWELLINGS:
a) Approach 1 - very simple
If the openings in the extension are less than 25% of floor area of the extension, ensure than U-values in extension meet standard values (Table 4 on page 22).

b) Approach 2 - quite flexible
Show that the average U-value of the extension is better than the extension would be with standard U-values and openings area.

c) Approach 3 - most flexible
Show that the CO2 emissions from the whole extended dwelling are no more than they would be for the dwelling with a notional extension built to standard U-values and openings. (An improvement in the main dwelling can be included in this calculation, with U-values handled as below).

2. MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE:
If a dwelling is made in an existing building:
a) Simple method
New and replacement elements must meet thermal standards (Table 4 on page 22).
Retained elements must be upgraded if they are outside U-value threshold values (Table 5 on page 23).
b) More flexible method
Show that the total CO2 emissions are no worse than if the rule above had been followed. This allows for renewable energy sources, etc, to offset U-values.

3. MATERIAL ALTERATIONS:
When a dwelling is altered:
a) Show that retained and new thermal elements meet U-value criteria of Table 4 on page 22.
b) Ensure that retained thermal elements are upgraded if outside threshold limits of Table 5 on page 23, if economically feasible.

NOTES:


1. U-Value criteria:

The regulations look separately at:
a) Individual parts of the roof, walls and floors (i.e roof type 1,2 etc)where these differ in U-value.
b)The area-weighted average U-value of the whole roof, wall and floor.
There are different limits for each type and for the average.

2. Air infiltration:

For existing buildings a method of compliance is for work to be to Robust Details.
For dwellings in new buildings:
Either show by testing that air infiltration is less than 10 m3/hm2 at 50Pa
Or show by testing it is no worse than the infiltration used in the compliant DER calculation
Or (if no more than 2 dwellings of the type on a site) use a design value of 15 m3/hm2 in the DER. Compared with figure of 10 m3/hm2 this will necessitate improvements elsewhere to compensate.




OUTLINE OF 2006 PART L2, for NON-DOMESTIC BUILDINGS




L2A NEW BUILDINGS
For new buildings calculations are required using BRE's SBEM program, or an approved equivalent. SBEM calculates all the L2 requirements for new buildings except for solar gain under Clause 64. I provide SBEM calculations and include further calculations for solar gain, to CIBSE publication TM37 as approved in Part L2 . I provide the stipulated Compliance Checklist.
L2A permits re-submission of calculations 'as built' on completion, showing that the building still complies, if air permeability is poorer than designed.

PART L2B EXISTING BUILDINGS
1) MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE
For a change of use, the approved document allows a means of compliance under L2b Clause 36. This sets standards for U-values of thermal elements and for heating, hot water , and lighting services.
If it is not possible to achieve compliance under Clause 36, greater flexibilty is allowed under Clause 37. For this calculations have to show that the CO2 emissions are no greater than if Clause 36 had been followed. This requires two sets of SBEM calculations, one as proposed and the other notional to Clause 36.

2) MATERIAL ALTERATION
For alterations, the approved document allows compliance under L2b Clause 39. This sets standards for U-values of altered thermal elements and for altered heating, hot water , and lighting services.
An SBEM calculation is not required. In difficult cases it is possible to provide an economic feasibility assessment to support a proposal.

3) EXTENSIONS
In accordance with L2b clause 25, for an extension of over 100m2 and more than 25% of floor area of the existing building an L2a calculation should be provided. Additionally, if the existing building has more than 1000m2 of floor area, consequential improvement in the existing building is necessary per Section 1 of L2b.
My calculations will include 1) SBEM output and 2) calculations for solar gain to TM37, required under L2a Clause 64, plus the Compliance Checklist






2002 Regulations Part L Conservation of fuel and power in dwellings

Outline of 2002 Regulations (for historic information only)



Building Regulations - Part L1 (approved document L1) in England and Wales took effect on 1 April 2002
Building (Procedures) (Scotland) Regulation 22 - Part J , 6th Amendment took effect on 6 March 2002 (subsequently renamed Part 6)
Building Regulations NI - Part F in Northern Ireland


Titles (England & Wales) :
The Building Regulations 2000
Approved document L1 Conservation of fuel and power in dwellings 2002 Edition

The Building Regulations 2000
Approved document L2 Conservation of fuel and power in buildings other than dwellings 2002 Edition

The documents give guidance, approved by the Secretary of State, on complying with Building Regulations Schedule 1 and regulation 7, in England and Wales


Key items covered in Part L1 and J:

1. Standard of building insulation

2. Thermal standards for glazing

3. Standards for air tightness and limiting thermal bridging
In L1, designers must either work to an associated DTLR/DEFRA publication ‘Limiting thermal bridging and air leakage: robust construction details, or submit additional calculations demonstrating equivalence.

4. Heating requirements include boiler efficiency. In Scotland, 7 day timers must be fitted.

5. Lighting efficiency requirements

6. Standards for overall heating and hot water system performance, including boiler seasonal efficiency. The elemental method includes boiler efficiency

7. Standards for inspection and commissioning

8. Guidance for operational information for householders

9. Regulations to cover refurbishment/retrofitting in existing buildings and replacement of glazing, boilers, and hot water vessels

10. Methods of calculating U values, to European standards.

11. Conservatories attached to existing dwellings are included

Dwellings can comply with Part L1 or J under one of three criteria:

1. Elemental method
2. Target U value method
3. Carbon Index Method

In addition, the SAP rating must be calculated and notified to building control and posted as a notice in a new dwelling.

I carry out a combined calculation that deals with all these as well as U values. In this way I can determine the effect of any change in order to achieve compliance at optimum cost. At the same time I can determine carbon emission (which is relevant to an EcoHomes rating), and the running cost.

Refurbishments, conversions and extensions - I advise all clients to agree with the Building Control officer the extent of application of the regulations L1 or J at an early stage in the design.

ELEMENTAL METHOD

Element Maximum U-value (W/mk)

Pitched roof with insulation between rafters 0.2
Pitched roof with integral insulation 0.25
Pitched roof with insulation between joists 0.16
Flat roof 0.25
Wall 0.35 (0.30 in Scotland)
Floor 0.25
Windows, doors and rooflights – metal frames 2.2
Windows, doors and rooflights – wood or pvc 2.0

Boiler - minimum SEDBUK efficiency (England & Wales)
Gas 78%
LPG 80%
Oil 85%
Electric – - use Target U value or Carbon Index method
In Scotland poorer efficiencies and electric heating can be applied to the Elemental method, but the above U values are replaced by lower more onerous figures.


TARGET U-VALUE METHOD

This takes account of the boiler efficiency and solar gain through South facing windows as well as the heat loss through the exposed elements.

The average U value has to be better than a Target U-value, which is calculated for the building by a formula involving exposed roof area, total area of exposed elements, ground floor area, total floor area, boiler SEDBUK efficiency, and proportion of South facing windows.

Although the calculation is more complex, it is often easier to comply via the Target U value than via the Elemental Method.


CARBON INDEX METHOD

The Carbon Index is a measure of the carbon emitted to the atmosphere from the heating and hot water fuel per square metre of floor area in a year, on a log scale of 0 (worse) to 10 (best).
Compliance can be achieved by designing for a Carbon Index 8 or higher.
This allows still more flexibility, within limits, in the U values and glazing areas.


Standard Assessement Procedure (SAP)
Both Part L1 and Part J require the standard assessment procedure to be used to determine the Carbon Index. The standard assessment procedure includes a methodology for handling U values, for instance in relation to walls adjacent unheated areas, and other matters that affect the Elemental and the Target U value.

The SAP energy rating is a measure of the heating and hot water yearly cost for the dwelling, stated in a scale of 0 (worse) to 120 (best). The theoretical yearly cost is derived in the calculation and stated in my report summary. Building Regulations require the SAP rating to be displayed on new premisess, (the SAP certificate) but no particular figure has to be achieved.

Sap ratings can be calculated by means of the standard calculation sheet published by BRE. The procedure involves collecting statistics on a dwelling's size, ventilation, U-values, heating systems, hot water system, and solar heat gain, then performing a calculation on this data to create a rating between 0 and 100. This rating is based on the fuel cost of heating the dwelling, its hot water, and running any necessary pumps and fans. Building Control Authority is empowered to satisfy itself that the person analysing the building is competent to do so. It is obliged to check the mechanics of the calculation, and it may reject any rating if it does not believe the data used within that calculation has been provided competently. Approved Document L/J advises applicants to check with the Building Control to confirm it is satisfied with competency before committing themselves to any rating.

Use of SAP ratings
Housing Associations will usually ask for a particular SAP Rating to be achieved by a design. A SAP Rating always has to be provided to the Local Authority when a dwelling is completed.

The SAP calculation follows the BREDEM model of the Building Research Establishment. NHER ratings (National Home Energy Rating) are similar but include lighting and appliances energy based on the BREDEM 12 model. NHER ratings are not required by Building Regulations.

The EcoHomes environmental assessment incorporates the SAP carbon emission plus energy from lighting and appliances.


U VALUES

U-values for the wall and roof elements have to be calculated under the combined method to BS EN ISO 6946:1997 as required by Part L1. My procedure inserts the calculated U-value into the calculation for Elemental, Target U value or Carbon Index method. In this way I can test changes to the construction to achieve the optimum results for overall compliance.


WALLS

The internal fixings detailed for combined elements such as precast concrete panel, cavity, insulation and inner surface are allowed for within the ISO 6946 method.

If there are extended metal supports or framing it is necessary to carry out more complex calculations to BS EN ISO 10211-1:1996 and BS ISO 10211-2:2002.

Air gaps in the insulation are also allowed for under BS EN ISO 6946


GLAZING

Different glazing U values can be tried in the calculation, to achieve optimum results.

The U values used for the glazing can be taken from Table 6b of SAP 2001. The regulations give an advantage to metal frames (with thermal break) to allow for the extra solar gain because of the slimmer frames.

It is important that the glazing U value has to apply to the whole glazed unit including the frame. The centre pane U value alone is not applicable.

The calculation of glazing U value can be subject of a separate study or can be the work of the glazing supplier.

To put current UKstandards this in perspective, with U-values of 2.2, glazing with U = 1.9 is standard in Norway, Sweden, Denmarkand Austria. These countries are planning to move to values in 1.1 to 1.4 range.


THERMAL BRIDGING AND AIR LEAKAGE


These two topics are taken together because under Part L1, if the design uses "Limiting thermal bridging and air leakage: robust construction details", published alongside the Approved documents, then no further assessment to judge compliance is needed. It is simplest for the architect to base the design on the robust construction details.
If this is not the case detailed calculations have to be carried out for each case, such as lintels, jambs, sills etc. The details are based on more usual domestic constructions and have to be interpreted for the curtain wall and precast situation, but in principal the avoidance of thermal bridging in the details relies on continuing the surrounding insulation in wall etc past the lintel or jamb etc without reducing its thickness.

Air leakage limitation is more difficult to demonstrate through the standard details because of the difference in construction. The alternative approach allowed in Part L1 is to pressure test the building.

Building Regulations require that any U-value calculation takes into account the effect of significant cold-bridges in the construction of the dwelling. Therefore the U-value of a loft insulated between the joists must be proportionally adjusted for the increased heat lost through the joists where there is no insulation; and the U-value of a wall using thermal blocks must be adjusted for the heat lost through the mortar joints.

Other isolated cold-bridges must be avoided, e.g. at window reveals where any frame should significantly overlap an insulator, and a continuous steel lintel should have at least 15mm of lightweight plaster coating the inside.


HEATING and AIR CONDITIONING

Boilers: If the boiler has a SEDBUK rated efficiency, this is used in the Target –U value and Carbon Index. If not, Building Regulations default efficiencies are inserted in the calculation.

Approved document L1 makes no stipulations about use of air conditioning. This is because of it’s rarity in UKdwellings. The use of electricity for heating prevents the dwelling from complying under the elemental method. The use of an air to air heat pump allows the equivalent efficiency of 250% to be used in the target U value and carbon index calculation in these calculations, which offsets the high carbon cost of electricity production and opens a route to compliance for all electric buildings.

Heat pumps operate by using electricity to move energy from the ground, a water source or the air, which effectively gears the electricity consumption so the effective efficiency is 250% to 320%.


Target U-values can be improved further by changing from air-to-air to ground or water source heat pumps, with higher efficiencies of 300 and 320%. The feasibility of this would depend on site conditions. Ground source heat pumps can be expensive. Water source heat pumps can be used when there is a suitable source, such as a river or canal, nearby. The air source system is likely to be lowest in capital cost.

Changing to central combined heat and power plant improves the carbon index.


CONTROLS

The use of more efficient heating controls is reflected in the carbon index.


WATER HEATING

Improvement to water heating would improve the carbon index, but have no effect on the target U value.

The carbon emission from electric water heating often exceeds that from heating.

It would be possible to improve on this considerably by using a ground or water source heat pump to preheat the hot water, or through the addition of solar water heating. This would improve the carbon index, but has no effect on the target U value.


UKDOMESTIC ENERGY COSTS
3 BED HOUSE DETACHED HOUSE YEARLY HEATING COST
This table was calculated using the Building Regulations SAP worksheet for a typical new dwelling but with current actual fuel costs substituted for the standard DEFRA costs.
Nov-2001

GAS, standard boiler.......................................... £325 Pounds
GAS, condensing boiler ......................................£258
OIL, standard boiler.............................................. £285
OIL, condensing boiler......................................... £237
LPG, standard boiler............................................. £564
ELECTRIC storage heaters, auto controls............... £500
ELECTRIC DAY RATE heaters, appliance controls. £756


Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) 2008

The following is taken from the government website http://www.communities.gov.uk/planningandbuilding/theenvironment/energyperformance/certificates/energyperformancecertificates/

These certificates are for all buildings and will be required whenever a building is constructed, rented or sold.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) is broadly similar to the labels now provided with domestic appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines.

Its purpose is to record how energy efficient a property is as a building. The certificate will provide a rating of the energy efficiency and carbon emissions of a building from A to G, where A is very efficient and G is very inefficient.

EPCs are produced using standard methods with standard assumptions about energy usage so that the energy efficiency of one building can easily be compared with another building of the same type. This allows prospective buyers, tenants, owners, occupiers and purchasers to see information on the energy efficiency and carbon emissions from their building so they can consider energy efficiency and fuel costs as part of their investment.

An EPC is always accompanied by a recommendation report that lists cost effective and other measures (such as low and zero carbon generating systems) to improve the energy rating of the building. The certificate is also accompanied by information about the rating that could be achieved if all the recommendations were implemented.

When are assessments required?

An Energy Performance Certificate is only required when a building is constructed, sold or rented out. An EPC is valid for 10 years, except for sales of homes which are subject to the Home Information Pack Regulations 2007, where a Home Information Pack (HIP) is required. In these cases an EPC must be no more than 12 months old when the property is first marketed.

On Construction

When the construction of a new building is completed, the builder or person responsible for the construction is responsible for obtaining the certificate and providing it to the owner. This is a duty under Building Regulations. This will also apply if a building is converted into fewer or more units and there are changes to the heating, hot water provision or air conditioning/ ventilation services.
Homes will require an EPC on construction or such conversion from 6 April 2008. Some commercial buildings will require an EPC on construction or such conversion from this date. See 'When the measures being introduced' for more details.

Energy Performance Certificates for the construction of a home

From 6 April 2008, all homes built and physically complete on or after this date, will need to have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) provided on construction.

It is the responsibility of the builder to provide an EPC when a home is constructed and physically completed from 6 April 2008. This will also apply if a building is converted into fewer or more units and changes are made to the heating, hot water provision or air conditioning/ventilation services.

When the home is physically complete, the builder must obtain an EPC for the home, provide the EPC to the new owner of the home and notify the local authority building control officers or approved inspectors that this has been done. This must be done no later than the time specified by the building regulations. Building regulations include standards for the energy performance of new homes which builders must adhere to in order to comply with building regulations.

Once building control are satisfied the EPC has been properly produced and provided to the relevant party, they are able to issue a final completion certificate. From 6 April 2008, a final completion certificate for a home cannot be issued by building control unless they are satisfied an EPC has been provided.


Energy Performance Certificates for the marketing and sale of a home

When a Home Information Pack (HIP) is needed for the sale of an existing home, an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and recommendation report must be made available as part of the HIP.

When a Home Information Pack (HIP) is needed for the sale of a home being built (off plan), energy information in the form of a Predicted energy assessment must be made available as part of the HIP.

Some homes that are sold will not require a HIP. These include:
properties where there is no marketing (e.g. sale to a member of your family);
seasonal and holiday accommodation;
portfolios of properties;
unsafe properties and properties to be demolished;
right to buy and similar sales;
These sales will however require an EPC from 1 October 2008. Properties due to be demolished will not require an EPC

Further information is in this government guide: EPC Guide for Builders



-----------------------------------------------------





return to notes top

HOME