Proposed Changes to Building Regulations

The government’s consultation process is currently underway towards the publication of new, revised Building Regulations that are due for publication later this year.

Approved Document F (Ventilation) and Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel & Power)

The Building Regulations consultation being undertaken covers Approved Document F (Ventilation) and Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel & Power). The guidance currently proposes making trickle vents mandatory along with the lowering of u-values and the increase in WER/DSER bandings for windows and doors.

The revised Building Regulations, being referred to as The Future Homes Standard, are being presented by the Government as plans to ‘radically improve the energy performance of new homes, with all homes to be highly energy efficient, with low carbon heating and be zero carbon ready by 2025.’

The Government has stated that new homes will be expected to produce 31% lower emissions from 2021, whilst existing homes will also be subject to higher standards, with a focus on extensions and the replacement of windows as well as other services. For replacement windows in England and Wales this means a reduction in the U Values from a minimum of 1.6 W/m2K to 1.4 W/m2K.

What Can I Do About It?

We have created this short survey so that every FENSA Approved Installer has the opportunity to put forward their views on the proposed changes to Part L and Part F.

In addition, all FENSA Approved Installers can respond directly to the draft guidance by clicking here to provide your feedback. Alternatively, you can email the government with your response. The consultation period closes on the 13th April with any changes likely to be implemented in September 2021.