Part L Changes 2022

Need to quickly understand Part L changes in 2022? This article summarises the key updates you need to know for Part L compliance…

What’s the Reason for Part L 2022 Changes?

In June 2022, significant changes were made to the UK Building Regulations, specifically to Part L (Conservation of fuel and power). These changes serve as a transitional phase leading to more rigorous regulations called the Future Homes Standard, which will be implemented in 2025. 

The primary goal of these initial changes is to reduce carbon emissions by 31% for every home in the UK. As a result, compliance with these new regulations is mandatory for all households.

1. Part L Simplified into Two Volumes: 

Part L has undergone simplification, now comprising two volumes: Volume 1 for dwellings and Volume 2 for buildings other than dwellings.

Learn more about Part L here: Part L Building Regulations: Everything You Need to Know.

2. SAP Methodology:

A revised version of the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP 10.2) has been introduced for newly constructed dwellings. 

Notably, SAP 10.2 changes the carbon factors used in Target Emissions Rate (TER) calculations, giving preference to electricity over gas to reflect the anticipated decarbonisation of the grid. 

This change makes it easier for buildings with electric heating to comply with the regulations.

3. Introduction of the Target Primary Energy Rate:

The updated regulations now consider more than just the carbon footprint of buildings. They shift the focus towards primary energy use, which encompasses the total energy consumption of a building. 

This means that in addition to how you heat your building, the regulations emphasise the importance of improving the energy efficiency of the building's fabric, such as insulation and preventing heat loss.

The primary energy rate sets a maximum allowable primary energy usage per square meter per year (expressed as kWhPE/(m²·year)). This refers to energy from both renewable and non-renewable sources without undergoing any conversion or transformation process. 

Calculated using SAP 10.2, this metric determines the amount of primary energy required to meet specific energy demands.

4. Focus on More Energy-Efficient Building Fabric: 

Part L changes in 2022 encourage a "fabric-first" approach, emphasising the importance of insulation, airtightness, and energy efficiency. This means paying close attention to elements like walls, doors, floors, and windows to minimise heat loss and reduce energy consumption.

By improving insulation and making buildings more airtight, heat loss can be significantly reduced. This helps to keep the warmth inside and lowers the need for excessive heating, resulting in lower energy usage and costs.

The updated regulations highlight the importance of enhancing insulation and heating efficiency.

Key Changes:

• Notional value for roofs - changed from 0.13 to 0.11
  
  
• Notional value for windows and doors - changed from 1.4 to 1.2.
  
  
• Increase in window U-values to 1.2 W/(m2k)
  
  
• External walls need to be thicker - 450mm to 600mm
  
  

Potential Solutions for Compliance:

• Walls - Internal Block, thermally insulated plasterboard, increase cavity size, insulated lintels
  
  
• Windows - Triple-glazed windows, insulated plasterboard reveals
  
  
• Floors - Increased insulation
  
  
• Roof - Mineral wall, external insulation, internal insulation
  
  
• Doors - Insulated plasterboard reveals
  
  
  

5. Photographic Evidence and Reporting Requirements:

To comply with the updated regulations, photographic evidence is required to document adherence to the required standards.

These photographs serve as tangible proof of compliance. The latest Part L changes mean that a comprehensive record must be maintained throughout the entire construction process.

Photos must:

• Be of sufficient quality
  
  
• Document compliance at each stage of the project
  
  
• Include metadata detailing when and where they were taken
  
  
• Include geotags with the exact coordinates, dates and time stamps
  
  

Learn more about requirements for photographic evidence here: Part L Compliance: The Role of Photographic Evidence.

Conclusion: Part L Changes 2022

The recent changes to Part L of the Building Regulations represent a significant shift towards improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and the integration of renewable energy sources.

By simplifying the regulations, introducing new metrics, and emphasising a fabric-first approach, the revised Part L aims to create more sustainable and environmentally conscious buildings.