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 for:

• Energy Efficiency (Revised Approved Document L)
• Ventilation (Revised Approved Document F)
• Overheating (New Approved Document O)
• Infrastructure for Charging Electric Vehicles (New Approved Document S)

These standards came into force on 15 June 2022,and the transitional arrangements for applications depostied before this date have now ended. The booklets below give more details on how to comply with the new regulations

• New Dwellings Guidance Booklet for the new Building Regulations coming into effect In June 2022
• Extensions and Alterations Guidance Booklet for the new Building Regulations coming into effect In June 2022
   

What resources are there to help me?

We have produced a homeowner guide to assist our residents as they build, extend or renovate their properties to create an Environmentally Sustainable Home.

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.

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.