//Understanding the Updated Part L & Timber Frame Construction

Officially implemented on 15^th June 2023, the updated Part L of the Building Regulations forms part of a broader initiative to reduce the environmental impact of buildings and contribute to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability of the UK’s buildings is a priority for the government and these changes lay out comprehensive guidelines to push the construction industry towards this. It’s important for manufacturers, builders and developers to stay updated with these changes to ensure legal compliance whilst advocating environmental sustainability.

Let’s take a closer look at who the updated Part L impacts, what benefits it will bring and how Pinewood Structures can support these new changes.

//Does the Updated Part L Affect Me?

Part L, also referred to as Approved Document L – Conservation of Fuel and Power, affects all those involved in the building construction industry, as well as homeowners looking to renovate or modify. If you are involved with the planning, constructing, and managing of buildings in the UK, then it’s vital you are up to date with the Part L changes.

These regulations include 4 segments:

L1A: Caters to dwellings and new constructions

L1B: Caters to dwellings and existing buildings

L2A: Caters to other buildings and new constructions

L2B: Caters to other buildings and existing buildings

For those that work with new constructions, L1A and L2A detail the minimum energy performance requirements, so you can make informed design decisions about building fabric, fixed building services, safety and lighting.

For those that work with existing buildings, which include renovations and modifications, L2A and L2B detail energy performance standards when working on existing structures.

//What Changes Have Been Made to Part L?

New Carbon Emissions & Energy Efficiency Standards

It has been stated that all new homes must now produce at least 31% less carbon emissions and new non-domestic buildings must produce at least 27% less. Also, for energy efficiency, new U-values have been introduced for walls, windows, roof lights and doors. This includes increased thickness and glazing to minimise energy consumption and carbon emissions. 

Timber frame can support this through thinner walls providing better u-values than alternate forms of construction – this can be via pre-insulated or closed panels.  Typically, wall u-values as low as 0.18-0.19 are being specified which are achievable in a single 140mm deep timber frame.

A new metric has also been initiated, called primary energy, which measures the efficiency of a building’s heating and the energy required for it. It is able to highlight the maximum primary energy use for a dwelling on an annual basis.

Updated Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) Methodology

The original SAP 2012 has been updated to SAP10 in order to include up-to-date carbon emission factors. It sets and calculates metrics and targets for all environmental and construction standards as mentioned above.

There is more of an emphasis on Psi-values and thermal bridging which means your building systems provider must supply Psi-values to your energy assessor. This gives them a clearer representation of climate change impacts.

Also, before handing over a completed building, there must be a SAP10 Building Regulations England Part L (BREL) report which shows that the building was constructed as initially approved.

Photographic Evidence is Required

Following on from the point above, photographic evidence must be used to back up the SAP10 BREL report and provide documented proof of compliance. This means photographs must be taken as each build stage to show that the construction meets regulatory standards.

With this increasing demand on as built performance, the utilisation of approved systems like our NHBC Accepts Future-Frame is more and more seen as an important step.

//Benefits of the Updated Part L Regulations

Increased Energy Efficiency & Decreased Carbon Emissions

With higher standards for insulation, heating, lighting and ventilation systems, there will be a direct impact on the energy demand of buildings. By enhancing energy efficiency, there will be significant financial savings in the long run for both building owners and occupants.

These updates will also contribute to the UK’s broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This could be reflected in suggestions to incorporate renewable energy sources into building designs, like solar panels or heat pumps.

Contributing to a Sustainable Future

By considering energy efficiency as a fundamental aspect of building design, many may be encouraged to use sustainable and environmentally friendly building methods and technologies. Materials like timber could be the number one choice for property developers as they offer better lower u-values through thinner walls, contain less embodied carbon and provide capture carbon as a natural asset of the material.

A change in construction practices like this is a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient built environment that will also positively impact supply chains.

More Training Opportunities & Stricter Compliance

Due to the new requirements, professionals may require training and upskilling to make sure they can maintain compliance throughout the building cycle. Compliance will be enforced with the updated regulations, whereby penalties for non-compliance may become stricter, reflecting the standards the government want the construction industry to uphold. All forms of offsite construction will support this drive.