Builders

Energy regulations in England and Wales

Compliance with Building regulations (Part L1) - England & Wales
Approved Documents L1a (new dwellings) and L1b (work in existing dwellings) of the Building Regulations relates to the conservation of fuel and power.

It provides guidance on how a dwellings Target Emission Rate (TER) and Dwelling (Actual) Emission Rate are established using SAP, which then determines whether or not the dwelling complies with the regulations.

Click here for NHBC guidance on the Part L 2010 changes, due to come into effect from October 2010, along with the 2006 and 2010 Approved documents.

EPCs in England and Wales
Energy Performance Certificates are now required for all new constructions, property sales and rentals, in line with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. This EPBD requirement is over and above the Building regulations that need an EPC with the completion certificate for Building control.

An EPC may only be produced by a trained and accredited assessor, who for new build will use data from the initial SAP rating and check whether any changes have taken place.

The validity period of an EPC is now three years according to HIP legislation in England and Wales, even though the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) allows 10 years.
Visit our EPC page for more details

Useful links for further information
Download full copies of the Approved Documents (2006 editions) below:

AD L1a for new dwellings (pdf)

AD L1b for extensions (pdf)

AD L2a for non-residential properties (pdf)

CLG guidance on EPCs when marketing homes in England and Wales (Oct 08 pdf)