The government has finalised changes to Part L of the UK’s building regulations, ensuring that new buildings will have to be more energy efficient than those constructed in the past.

Under the new regulations, the maximum amount of CO2 emissions allowed by structures has been cut by nine per cent for commercial properties and by six per cent for residential properties – compared to a fixed baseline figure.

Measures have been widely criticised for being too unambitious

The new regulations, which will come into force in April 2014, will encourage more sustainable construction methods across the country.

Although it has been predicted these measures will reduce nationwide CO2 emissions by 6.4 million tonnes and deliver savings of £16 million to businesses across the UK, they have still been widely criticised for being too unambitious.

Falling short of original proposals…?

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Anna Scott-Marshall, who is head of external affairs at the Royal Institute of British Architects, was disappointed that the government fell short of their original proposals. Speaking to oilfiredup.com, she said:

“The government response will provide much needed clarity to the UK construction industry which we welcome. These new measures, however, are far less ambitious than previously proposed.

“Our collective attempts to achieve affordable zero carbon homes with low energy costs for consumers will suffer greatly because housebuilders haven’t been encouraged enough by government.”

Author: Joe Elvin    Date Written: 21 August 2013