#uvalue

New changes to Building Regulations, due to come into effect from 6th April 2013, are said to 'reduce the heavy burden on industry', and harmonise the British Building Regulations with the European Standards and the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. A number of references to British Standards will be omitted and replaced with references to BS EN documents, along with references to Approved Document N, which has been merged with an amended Part K.

Any work starting after the dates below and not covered by an Initial Notice served beforehand, will be subject to the new regulations.

Here are some dates for your diary!

6th April 2013:

Part N is to be omitted and incorporated into Part K, including Part M Access recommendations.

Part K has also been updated to include reducing the minimum handrail dimensions to 32mm (no longer 40mm) and forces of door closers.

Approved Document P has been revised to reflect the Government's continued effort of de-regulation, allowing homeowners to carry out minor works to their kitchens, without informing building control or using a qualified electrician.

The areas of Part B that have been updated are minimal and relate to classification of coverings, thermoplastic lighting diffusers amongst a few other tweaks.

Part M now refers to the Equality Act 2010 and the Equalities Act 2010 (Disability) Regulations 2010 and revises a lot relating to the requirement of Access Strategies (no longer to be referred to as 'Statements'). Further updates relate to the relaxation of the use of cold-to-touch metals, so long as it can be argued that resistance to vandalism and low maintenance are key factors.

Minor changes to Approved Documents A, C, D, E, F, H & J to align with changes to Regulation 7.

Part L will be amended to reflect European Performance of Buildings Directive on EPCs and Energy Assessments. References to Regulation 29 will be deleted. Further amendments incorporate the changes made to the Energy Performance Certificates requirements, which came into effect on the 9th January 2013.

1st July 2013:

Revised Regulation 7 and new supporting Approved Document is to incorporate new European Construction Products Regulations.

9th July 2013:

Amendment of Part L will requires consideration of the use of high efficiency alternative systems for in the construction of new buildings, if available.  Changes Part L1B to the renovation or replacement of thermal elements.

There are also plans to amend Regulation 25B to 'Nearly Zero-Energy Requirements for New Buildings', in 2019. The details of these plans are yet to be confirmed and are part of the government's plan to achieving zero carbon homes in 2016 and non-dwellings in 2019. This can only mean more focus on lower U-values and air tightness requirements, more efficient heating and ventilation systems, along with a greater emphasis placed on renewables, all of which MADE is keen to advocate.

Although we are ware that this potentially means more expensive builds and house prices initially, the cost of living will be reduced due to lower energy consumption, which is something more and more property buyers are getting ‘switched on’ to!

MADE are constantly researching innovative new products which allow developments to achieve better environmental standards and believe good design which accommodates these requirements at an early stage of the project will help achieve the standards within practical budgets. It is critical to see sustainable design as integral to Architecture and not just an add on which ticks the  minimum ‘green box’ requirement!