What Are SAP Calculations?

Youve probably been flummoxed and frustrated by them,

but SAP Calculations are here to stay. Here are the basics,
so you can get them right from the start.

SAP Calculations are a requirement of the Building Regulations, and are

required for all newly built dwellings in the UK. A SAP Rating has been
required for all new homes under Part L of the building regulations since
1995, therefore most developers will be familiar with it.
However, for many first time self builders and developers it will be a new
and often challenging aspect of the planning and building control process.
You may also need a SAP for a conversion or extension - but slightly
different rules apply. SAPs for Scotland also have different requirements.

What is SAP?
SAP stands for Standard Assessment Procedure. It is the only official,
government approved system for assessing the energy rating for a new
home. SAP assessors must be accredited and registered with a
certification body.

A SAP Rating is a way of comparing energy performance of different

homes it results in a figure between 1 and 100+ (100 representing zero
energy cost and anything over means you are exporting energy). The
higher the SAP rating, the lower the fuel costs and the lower the
associated emissions of carbon dioxide.
The SAP Calculations establish an energy cost based on the construction
of the home, its heating system, internal lighting and any renewable

technologies installed. It does not include energy used for cooking or

appliances.

Why do I care about SAP?

In order to meet current building regulations, home builders will need to
gain a pass on their SAP Calculations. Without it, building control will not
sign off the development and the property cannot be let or marketed for
sale.
But there are other reasons to care about SAP. A SAP assessor can help
the designer or architect to shape the energy profile of a new dwelling
minimising its energy use and carbon emissions.

The effect of different construction types, heating systems and

technologies can be accurately measured and in turn delivered on the
ground.
Another key point is that the SAP rating broadcasts the energy
performance of the property, and in turn informs the Energy Performance
Certificate (EPC) which all buyers and tenants see.
A pass is gained by meeting several compliance targets around:

How well the fabric of the dwelling contains heat

Solar gain
Quality of construction and commissioning of systems
Predicted CO emissions from the dwelling
2

Emissions are King

The headline emissions target is achieved using the DER/TER figures.
CO emissions are measured by comparing a Target Emission Rate (TER)
2

against the predicted Dwelling Emission Rate (DER).

This target rate is set within SAP by reference to a notional dwelling of the
same size and shape, using a set of baseline values.
Importantly, these CO figures are now increasingly used by planners and
councils to drive other objectives from meeting sustainability targets and
local renewable energy policy to determining 106 type community
contributions.
2

Fabric Energy Efficiency

Homes built after April 2014 in England are also assessed on Fabric Energy
Efficiency. This is not a measure of carbon, but energy demand in units of
kilowatt-hours per m2 per year. How well a home retains the heat it
produces will have an impact on its CO emissions as well as being
assessed separately to gauge compliance.
Fabric Energy Efficiency is assessed using DFEE/TFEE figures. As with
emissions the target is set within SAP using a set of baseline values
depending on the size of the property.
2

Whats Involved?
A SAP Assessor will work from architects plans and construction detail,
together with a full HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)
specification. For this reason drawings need to be scaled, accurate and
show all elevations, sections, floor and site plans.

The assessor will scale off of these plans either electronically or by hand
to create a model of the dwelling(s) in SAP software.

Once the site form is established, the heating, lighting and ventilation
systems are added specific products will be picked from manufacturer
databases where they are known.
All thermal elements (walls , floors, roofs and openings) are added in
detail together with all calculations for thermal junctions. Any renewable
technologies and cooling are also added.
Once complete, a SAP calculation is capable of producing a raft of detailed
reporting outputs, from site form, heat losses and energy demand to
seasonal variations, CO emissions and renewables contributions, to name
just a few.
2

How Do I Make Sure of a Pass?

Its fair to say that developers and architects didnt pay much attention to
SAP in the old days but since the significant changes in 2005,SAP
2009 and again in 2014, complying with the SAP regulations and in turn
Part L of the Building regs has become a whole lot tougher.
This is primarily because CO emissions targets have tightened
enormously driven as they are by European and UK climate policies. An
average new build designed just 5 years ago is unlikely to pass SAP regs
today.
It is incredibly important to understand that many factors contribute to a
SAP Rating. We are often asked to explain why some builds fail and some
pass, and it isnt always easy to give a straight answer. Numerous factors
can play a part, from the size of a boiler to a junction in a wall, to the
thickness of insulation in a floor, to which direction the house is pointing!
2

Some factors may be beyond the clients control for example having no
connection to mains gas could mean having to use an oil or LPG system.
These fuels have higher cost and CO emissions factors within SAP, and as
2

the Target Emission Rate is set based on a mains gas system, you take a
hit.

Tips?
We carry out SAP calcs everyday spanning single self builds through to
30 storey apartment blocks, so we have a pretty good idea of what works
and what does not.
If we ignore the wider climate change issues, resist technicalities, and
assume we are not trying to produce a zero carbon house, we can tie
down a few good principles which will give you a good chance of success:

1. Minimum u values are there to be beaten, not followed

If the fabric of the building is well insulated, you will not need fancy
renewable technologies to get you through. Design as much insulation
into the walls, floors and roofs as you possibly can, then add some more.

2. Windows and doors lose a lot of heat. Pay attention to the u values
on the openings you are specifying and get them as low as possible

3. Its not the boiler, its the controls. Zoned

heating and load / weather compensators for boilers will often have a
more significant effect on the SAP rating than the system itself

4. Get it airtight. All new builds require Air

Permeability Testing on completion and the resulting figure goes into the
SAP Calcs. Make sure the envelope is sealed and get a pre-test check
carried out

5. Pay attention to thermal bridging this is heat

loss through junctions with external walls. Follow a scheme such
as Accredited Construction Details (ACDs) which will allow us to avoid
using default figures. For our guide seeThermal Bridging in SAP 2005

Start Early!
The one key point even more important than those above, is to start
early.
If we receive a set of plans half way through a build, theres not a lot we
can do to change the energy performance of that building.
This scenario also leads to much bad practice and usually the installation
of unsuitable, expensive technologies added in hindsight just to pass
building regs or to meet a planning condition.

Avoid this by engaging with your SAP assessor as early in the process as
possible often this will be well before planning has even been submitted,
and certainly well before building regs applications.

Is it Just for New Builds?

Not at all. Many extensions, conversions and change of use schemes will
require SAP Calculations under Part L1b of the building regs:
Extensions with more than 25% glazing-to-floor area (SAP
Calculations for Extensions)
Barn conversions
Commercial to domestic conversions
Conversion of a single dwelling into flats or apartments

Need Help With Your Project?

Take a look at the services we offer around SAP Calculations or
alternatively just give us a call on 01202 280062, or email us
atinfo@buildenergy.co.uk

Accredited Construction Details for Part L

Accredited Construction Details (ACDs) have been developed to assist the construction industry
achieve the performance standards required to demonstrate compliance with the energy efficiency
requirements (Part L) of the Building Regulations.
The details and introductory section focus on the issues of insulation continuity (minimising cold
bridging) and airtightness. They are not intended to provide any detailed guidance on other
performance aspects such as vapour control, ventilation, etc which must also be considered by the
design and construction team.
The details contain checklists which should be used by the Designer, Constructor and Building
Control Body to demonstrate compliance.
The details have been grouped by generic construction type. It is strongly recommended that the
introductory section is read in conjunction with the particular set of ACDs in order to better
understand the principles underpinning the details themselves.

o
o
o
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Section 1 - Introduction and general theory of insulation continuity and air tightness (PDF
1.23 Mb)
Section 2 - Indicative detail drawings:
Steel frame details
Timber frame details
Masonry cavity wall insultation details
Masonry internal wall insulation details
Masonry external wall insulation details

Steel Frame Details

This section shows appropriate details for light steel frame construction. With this form of
construction it is important that some insulation is placed outside the steel frame to provide a
thermal break and avoid condensation.

Warm frame construction where all the insulation is outside the steel frame.
Hybrid construction, where insulation is included both outside the steel structure and in
between the steel components (a minimum of 33% of the thermal resistance should be provided
outside the steel.) With this form of construction a condensation risk analysis (in accordance
with BS 5250) should be provided by the system manufacturer to ensure there is no risk of
interstitial condensation. An internal vapour control layer is generally required.
The details drawn in this section are based on warm frame construction but apply equally to hybrid
construction.
The depth of steel frame can typically vary from 75mm to 150mm and these details are
appropriate for all such variations.
Insulation thicknesses have not been shown as these depend on the thermal properties of
materials. However, it is important that appropriate tightly fitting materials are chosen. Generally,
a rigid insulation material is required outside the frame that acts as an insulated sheathing board.
Where the hybrid construction is used, with some insulation between the frame, a vapour control
layer should be provided unless careful condensation risk analysis shows that this is not necessary.
Although the drawn details shown brick cladding, they are appropriate for a range of other
claddings subject to suitable detailing.

Steel Frame Illustrations (PDF 503Kb)

Timber Frame Details

The details within this section are valid for a range of timer frame wall thicknesses from 89mm up
to 150mm stud size.
For this form of construction, details are given for the junctions with a range of roof, ground floor
and internal floor types, in addition to details around window openings etc.
The nature of timber framed construction is that a variety of structural forms can be adopted, with
variables such as stud centres, double or single head plates. The form of structure selected has an
influence on the thermal performance of any given wall and so must be taken into account by
those using these details.
Further variables are:

Type of insulation chosen

Type of sheathing
Type and thickness of plasterboard (or other sheet material)
Internal linings used and the outer cladding of the building
Products specified should be suitable for their intended purpose.
Insulation thicknesses for main building elements have not been provided as these depend on the
thermal properties of the materials chosen together with the proposed U-value.
All details are shown with a brick outer lead for simplification. However, other types of claddings
may be used without any loss of thermal performance or increased technical risk subject to

suitable detailing. These include render on metal lath (on vertical battens fixed direct to frame),
tile hanging on battens on frame, sheet panel systems on vertical counter battens fixed to frame,
out leaf of other masonry.

Timber Frame Illustrations (PDF 567Kb)

Corrections
Please note the corrections required to the following pages regarding the detail number on the
drawings in the above PDF document:
Page 18 of pdf: detail number on drawing should read TFW-RF-01 and would then be
consistent with page footer.
Page 24 of pdf: detail number on drawing should read TFW-WD-02 and would then be
consistent with page footer.

Masonry Cavity Wall Insulation Details

The details within this section have been developed for a range of partial and fully filled cavity wall
constructions.
For this form of construction, details are given for the junctions with a range of roof, ground floor,
and internal floor types, in addition to details around window openings.
Insulation thicknesses for main building element have not been provided as these depend on the
thermal properties of the materials chosen, together with the proposed U-value.
All details are shown with a brick outer leaf for simplification. However, other types of masonry
materials may be used as a substitution, without any loss of thermal performance or increased
technical risk- such as blockwork with render, tile hanging or weather boarding.
The suitability of full fill cavity construction is dependant on the exposure of the site and the
nature of the outer leaf. Further information is given in BR262 Thermal Insulation: Avoiding Risks,
NHBC Standards, and Zurich Building Guarantees Technical Manual.

Masonry Cavity Wall Insulation Illustrations (PDF 630Kb)

Internal Walls
The details within this section have been developed for internally insulated cavity wall
constructions.
For this form of construction, details are given for the junctions with a range of roof, ground floor
and internal floor types, in addition to details around window openings etc.
Insulation thickness for main building elements have not been provided as these depend on the
thermal properties of the materials chosen, together with the proposed U-value.
Due to the practicality of fixing insulated dry lining to blockwork these details limit the overall
board-insulation thickness to 75mm.
All details are shown with a brick outer leaf for simplification. However, other types of masonry
materials may be used as a substitution, such as blockwork with render, tile hanging or weather
boarding, without any loss of thermal performance or increased technical risk.

Masonry Internal Wall Insulation Illustrations (PDF 626Kb)

Masonry External Wall Insulation Details

The details within this section have been developed for a range of externally insulated solid
masonry wall constructions.
For this form of construction, details are given for the junctions with a range of roof, ground floor
and internal floor types, in addition to details around the window openings etc.
Insulation thickness for main building elements have not been provided as these depend on the
thermal properties of the materials chosen, together with the proposed U-value.
All details are shown with a thin coat render system for simplification. However, a range of
cladding may be used without any loss of thermal performance or increased technical risk. These
include thick coat renders, brick slips, tile hanging, and other proprietary systems. It is
recommended that insulating and cladding components are part of a system to ensure
compatibility.

Masonry External Wall Insulation Illustrations (PDF 713Kb)

Thermal Bridging in SAP 2009

09
AUG
5

in Share

One of the most significant changes introduced in SAP

2009 was that affecting non-repeating thermal bridging.
The full effect of the change is only now being felt as more and more
applications are drawn into the new regulations. Most schemes we work
on will require some time and attention looking at thermal bridging.

Figure 1: For a semi detached house with loft insulation, the lengths of red junctions
would need to be measured to calculate the non repeating bridging heat loss note this
includes heat loss at the party wall

What is a Thermal Bridge?

Thermal bridges are junctions between building elements and insulating
materials which create a weak link, thus having a negative effect on the
thermal performance of the building. There are three types of thermal
bridges:

Repeating thermal bridges such as timber studs in timber frame

walls, or mortar joints in lightweight blocks. These are included in
orthodox U Value calculations
Non-repeating thermal bridges occur at joints between elements
and around openings. These are accounted for in a SAP assessment by
entering a calculated or default y value
Random thermal bridges occur where extra pieces of structure
bridge the insulation layer.
An example would be a steel beam in a wall construction. Since steel is
2000 times more conductive than the best insulation, these can be very
significant. The designer should make sure that these type of bridges are
eliminated, but they are not included in the SAP calculations

Figure 2: The concentration of heat flux at the corner is often exacerbated

by additional conductive materials.
In the previous version of SAP that we assessors have been using for
some years (SAP 2005) it is possible to assess the impact of non-repeating
thermal bridges very simply by simply stating that Accredited
Construction Details have been adopted and assigning a y value of
0.08 W/m2K per C to the entire dwelling, rather than calculating for each
individual junction or bridge.

Whats a y-value?
The Y value can be thought of as an additional heat loss averaged over
the total heat loss area. For example, if you have an average fabric Uvalue of 0.3 W/m2K and a y-value of 0.08 the effect of the non-repeating
thermal bridge would be to increase the U-value to 0.38W/m2K.

Whats a Psi () value?

Youll see reference to Psi values here also. You cant get a y value
without knowing the value. It is a measure of heat loss per K for every
meter length of the junction W/mK. Accredited Details have default
maximum values covering the most common junctions as per table K1.

A New Approach to Thermal Bridging

Studies have shown that in practice, this simplified approach does not
appear to be delivering buildings on the ground with the claimed thermal
performance. A better approach is to assess the heat losses through each
thermal bridge and to add them all up.
This approach was already available in SAP 2005, but it requires more
work than being able to select a single y value as previously mentioned.

As U-values are increasingly reduced to generate further CO2 reductions,

the proportion of heat loss through thermal bridges becomes increasingly
important. The only default y value option now available in SAP 2009 is
the worse case value of 0.15.
This in effect means that to use the default figure significantly increases
the heat loss of the dwelling, and reduces the performance as far as SAP
is concerned.
In order to overcome this, developers and SAP assessors will now need to
examine the detailing at junctions, e.g. between walls, floors, roofs,
windows and internal walls and to properly assess the heat loss through
thermal bridges. For this Psi values need to be known you can get these
from either:

A suitably qualified person who will calculate the value for

individual junctions or;
Use Psi values as quoted by Accredited Construction Details as
long as ACDs have been adopted for that junction
Changes in the SAP methodology for carrying out these calculations also
mean that the calculated thermal bridging heat loss may be significantly
higher in SAP 2009 than was the same calculation in SAP 2005. This is
because SAP 2005 ignored junctions with party walls and, where
Accredited Construction Details are not being used, the calculated values
are also multiplied by 1.25. The calculated y value of a given dwelling
type can be used in other dwellings of the same type.

Sounds complicated what do I need to do?

In practice, every new build subject to Part L 2010 should as a minimum
be usingAccredited Construction Details take a look at the website to
familiarise yourself with the differing constructions and junctions. Your SAP
assessor will need to know which details you are using so that he or she
can adjust the calculations accordingly, and take the relevant figures from
table K1.
You will then need to print each detail from the website and sign them
the assessor will need this evidence on completion. You may also use
Enhanced Construction Details for greater gains. Other schemes are
coming along also so watch this space.
ALTERNATIVELY have the individual Psi values calculated by a suitably
qualified person. Send these to your assessor who will manually input

these into SAP. The assessor will need confirmation that this person is
indeed suitably qualified.
Read our updated Blog for a view on ACDs in SAP 2012.

Whenever I am working on a project which is struggling to

meet SAP targets, I dont go to renewable technologies, I
dont even look at insulation levels (that comes later). The
first thing I look at is thermal bridging and more specifically
the use of Accredited Construction Details (ACDs).
All too often when we mention thermal bridging to a client, the reply is
whats that or never heard of them. So I thought a brief post on the
subject may be in order.

Thermal Bridging and ACDs

Thermal bridging is a key contributor to heat loss within a building for a
good basic understanding head over to Thermal Bridging in SAP 2009.
Bridging occurs when two exposed thermal elements meet; this allows
heat to transfer through two highly conductive materials to the outside.
Junctions like those shown in the picture highlight the problem of cold
bridging.

Photo courtesy of www.britpres.co.uk

Junctions exist in a variety of places, including linear junctions such as

stud work or timber framing, but in this context we are talking about non
repeating junctions affecting external walls. For example these may be
where:

A ground floor meets an exposed wall

An external wall meets a balcony

Lintels and sills

Window or door jambs
There are many possible junctions the number and type will depend on
the design of the dwelling. Within the SAP calculation there are 23
junctions available to select, but rarely are more than 10 used in any one
project at the same time.

ACDs The Slightly Technical Bit

Each junction has a psi value associated with it (heat loss value expressed
in W/mK) which in combination with its total length creates the total heat
loss across that junction (heat loss co-fficient).
As a rule, the more complex a buildings geometry, the more thermal
bridges will apply. If a property does not use a standardised set of
construction details or the thermal bridges have not been independently
modelled, then a standard, default heat loss (y-value) of 0.15 is applied to
the entire dwelling. This in effect applies a penalty to the SAP
performance and will have a significant effect on the emissions target, and
more recently, on the fabric efficiency (TFEE) target.
To minimise the heat loss within junctions, the thermal bridges must be
broken up so that the two highly conductive materials no longer meet. To
achieve this strips of insulation are used, creating a thermal break. These
improved junctions have been combined into a set of details, called
Accredited Construction Details (ACDs). These enable SAP assessors to
use improved values for those junctions, and therefore gain a much
improved SAP performance.ta da!
So what are ACDs and how do you use them?

Accredited Construction Details

Accredited Construction Details are a set of standardised junctions which
architects and builders can follow to design out thermal bridges. The full
set is available to download online at the governments Planning Portal.
If the specification checklist is followed, the site manager then signs the
sheet, and on completion the SAP assessor may use a better performing
psi value for that junction. This process can then apply to every other
junction in the dwelling, replacing the default psi values with the ACD
version.

The ACD sheets have a description of how to construct each detail, with
differing construction methods depending on the build type, i.e masonry
or timber.

Enhanced Construction Details

The Energy Saving Trust has also produced a separate, improved set of
junctions, called Enhanced Construction Details (ECDs). Although there
are far fewer details in this scheme, they are more specific to those
particular junctions which do not achieve such large gains under ACDs, i.e
lintels and gable details.
You can use ECDs in conjunction with ACDs, and the process works in
exactly the same way. The details can be found on the Energy Saving
Trust website.

Conclusion
So why is thermal bridging so important? Well ACDs and ECDs can enable
an otherwise failing building to pass. All this with no alteration to
insulation levels or deployment of possibly expensive renewable
technologies.
Due to the recent Part L changes, thermal bridging is now even more
crucial - most standard builds will simply not pass current building
regulations without some consideration of thermal bridging and this is
partly due to the new TFEE requirements.
We have lots of other advice around the latest regs on our Blog so why not
head over to:

Part L 2013 What Will It Take To Pass?

Part L What Does It Mean To You?
What Are SAP Calculations
And of course, if you need further help with any of these topics feel free to
give us a call, or drop us a line. See you next time!
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TFEE How to Pass the Target Fabric Energy Efficiency

TFEE How to Pass the Target Fabric Energy Efficiency

07
APR

in Share

As of yesterday, new homes in England are for the first time being
assessed on both a Target Emission Rate (TER) and Target Fabric Energy
Efficiency (TFEE).

Designing to reduce carbon is no secret. SAP assessors have been

recommending better heating equipment, better insulation and renewable
energy to get the carbon down for some time, and though the TER (carbon
dioxide produced per m2 per year) is being tightened by six percent as
part of the Part L changes, this approach is unlikely to change.
New to the table is the TFEE; the amount of energy demand in units of
kilowatt-hours per m2 per year. What factors will affect the TFEE, and how
will we advise clients to pass it in the future?
To find out I trawled through the regs and tried the latest SAP software
from the big three providers. How well you score on TFEE is impacted by
three main factors; your U values, your air pressure test result and your
thermal bridging.
The regs include a notional building spec with an air test result, psi
values and suggested U values for floors, roofs, walls and windows. If
these are followed then the build will meet the TFEE, but builders are free
to pick and choose which to excel on to give leeway elsewhere.

Part 1 The Frame

Roofs

The maximum U Value for roofs of all types from

April will remain 0.20 W/m K, but we already see most constructors
achieve better than this typically in the range of 0.14-0.18 W/m2K.
2

This isnt from anything particularly ground breaking; 100mm of PIR

boards between rafters and a further 40mm underneath will normally give
you a figure at the top end of this range. Or for the plane roof, 100mm of
mineral wool between the joists and 200mm on top will give you 0.14
W/m2K.
The U-value given in notional design is 0.13 W/m2K. This doesnt strike me
as particularly taxing, and constructors may wish to do better here to give
greater leeway later on. Adding an extra 100mm of mineral wool over
those joists brings us down to 0.11W/m2K, and you can achieve similar
results with an extra 100mm of PIR insulation boards.
Walls

The U value suggested for external walls is 0.18

W/m K. This may present a problem for constructors who want to maintain
a 300mm brick-cavity-block structure for habit or space reasons.
2

Even with the best performing blockwork and full fill insulation I couldnt
find a single combination that could get below 0.24 W/m2K without

expanding the wall size. Far below the 0.30 W/m2K limit, but nowhere near
our model design target.
Each project will be different, but I would not be surprised if the majority
choose to lose out here and create better floors and roofs a tactic that
paid off for our farmhouse.
That said, theres nothing to stop the determined builder getting a wall U
value this low by increasing the cavity size to 125mm. The most likely
combination here would be 75mm of a well known PIR board and 50mm
air.
Update: weve found a product that exceeds the recommended U value in
a standard 100mm cavity. Read more here.
Floors

Floors are tricky to advise on because, unlike

roofs or walls, the dimensions of the floor alter its performance. Here the
upper limit remains the same at 0.25 W/m2K, while the notional model
suggests 0.13 W/m2K.
Most of our clients already achieve somewhere between 0.12-0.18 W/m2K
with well known brands of PIR insulation boards.
On an 80m2 concrete and screed floor it only takes 130mm to achieve 0.13
W/m2K, and only 200mm to get down to 0.09 W/m2K. If youre looking to
skimp on wall U values and are already going above the notional design
with the roof, this is the place to make up the difference.

Part 2 The Gaps

Windows and Doors

Some variety here the notional spec suggests

that glazing should achieve a 1.4 W/m2K, solid doors 1.0 W/m2K and 1.2
W/m2K for doors with some glazing. This is only slightly better than the 1.6
W/m2K for windows wed typically expect, although the lower values for
the doors are a little surprising.
All of these figures are easily achievable and the results you get will
depend on the units you buy. I expect we will be seeing more argon filled
windows and/or triple glazing, as double glazing alone may no longer be
enough.
Something else worth noting the notional spec is based on the total area
for openings being less than 25% of the ground floor of the house.
Exceeding this figure in the software wasnt a game changer but it did
mean having to make some savings in other parts of the design.
Thermal Bridging

This is where things got more complicated.

Although theyre not set out in Approved Document L1A, there are a set
of PSI valuesused in the notional design that fall somewhere between the
software assumed defaults and accredited construction details.
I found that by following the notional design to the letter and using these
psi values I could pass the TFEE, but by using default values I had to make
up ground elsewhere. Needless to say, using accredited details gives you
a better fabric energy efficiency figure. Given the help theyll also lend to
the tightened carbon targets in the new Part L, these are well worth
considering from the start.

Air Pressure Testing

The notional model uses an air pressure

testresult of 5m/(h.m) at 50 Pa. This is an easily achievable figure and
we regularly see it exceeded, but it will be much less risky to plan to do
better in a more predicable part of the build.
We can work out a U value before the materials are even purchased, but
failing an air test target after the build is complete can be a complicated
and costly process. With the existing carbon target we can often add
gadgets and renewable tech post construction to help, but none of the
factors that affect the TFEE can be changed without wrecking a brand new
house.

Wrap Up
The TFEE sets a new challenge for home builders, but what I find
interesting is the emphasis on good design from the start. Up until now we
have been able rescue a build in the closing stages with gadgets and
renewable energy, but with a second target to hit this will no longer be the
case. The smoothest projects will, now more than ever, be from
developers who incorporate energy saving from the outset.
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Part L Changes Finally Announced

Part L Changes Finally Announced

30
JUL
0

in Share

The government has today published the governments response to last

years consultation on proposed changes to Part L of the building regs.

The delayed announcement

originally expected to be implemented in October 2013 sets out lowerthan-expected improvements.
The new energy efficiency requirements for England but will not come into
force until 6th April 2014.
The interim measures were originally intended to bridge the jump to a
2016 zero carbon target.
The key changes announced by Baroness Hanham today:

8% reduction in carbon emissions over current standards for

new residential builds
Only 9% reduction in carbon emissions over current
standards for non domestic buildings
Will consult shortly on the implementation of allowable
solutions within the zero carbon target
Changes will, as expected introduce a target for fabric
efficiency to encourage fabric first approach
The government will not proceed with any quality assurance
certification to close performance gap
Government will not be introducing any changes for
extensions and replacement windows