Climate Change and Building Control

The Building Regulations play a key role in the challenge to tackle climate change and the government calculates that heat and buildings are responsible for approximately 17% of the country’s Total Carbon Emissions.

To support this strategy, the government has revised and published new building regulation standards and more information on the changes that come into effect on 15 June 2022 is available here.

The changes made in energy efficiency are an interim step ahead of the full Future Homes & Building Standards which come into force from 2025.

In 2021 the government published its Net Zero : Build Back Greener and its Heat & Building Strategy.  One of the key commitments of the Heat & Building Strategy is to ensure all new buildings in England are ready for Net Zero in 2050.

Financial Assistance

The government has also introduced a new scheme to assist homeowners who wish to upgrade from gas/oil/electric heating source to a low carbon heating technology such as heat pumps. Grants are available for:

• £5,000 off the cost and installation of an air source heat pump
• £5,000 off the cost and installation of a biomass boiler*
• £6,000 off the cost and installation of a ground source heat pump

*The grant will only cover biomass boilers in rural locations and in properties that are not connected to the gas grid.

Planning Permission

Remember when planning a building project to ensure the required permissions from the Planning Team have been received.
 

What resources are there to help me?

The Association for Environment Conscious Building (AECB) website has a wealth of information and could potentially put you in touch with contractors with experience of building sustainably.

If you plan to do the work yourself or want to be better informed before contacting a builder, visit the Centre for Alternative Technology website. The website is an excellent source of free information about a host of sustainable living topics. It also offers free practical courses and workshops as well as providing details about:

• Eco building - how to source and use natural materials and reduce your heating needs
• Green living - try the carbon calculators to measure your personal carbon dioxide emissions
• Alternative energy supplies including heat pumps and photovoltaic (PV) solar panels
• Eco renovation - find out about the value of wall insulation and replacement windows 

Download the LETI Guide

LETI is a network of over 1,000 built environment professionals working to help the UK on the road to a zero-carbon future. You can view or download the LETI climate emergency Retrofit Guide, from their website.  Endorsed by George Clark, the TV presenter and architect, the Guide gives easy to follow energy targets for existing homes and guidance on how to achieve them, depending on your property type.

The Energy Saving Trust

Is an independent organisation and has an excellent website aiming to inform homeowners about how they can make better energy choices. They explain more about topics such as heat pumps and solar energy as well as show you ways to reduce your carbon emissions and lower your energy bills.

Eco-friendly loft conversions

Our previous blog gives tips on how to create a ‘greener’ loft. Find out how to reduce your carbon footprint and save money.  We discuss how to source materials and what planning and building regulations apply.

If you have any questions

If you would like to discuss your plans we can be contacted via our contact form or by calling one of our team on 0330 0249355 during office hours.