Consultation Process for Part L 2013 Takes Shape

The consultation process for Part L 2013 has started and the structure behind the process had begun to take shape. The Fenestration Industry Thermal Performance working party, a group which worked on the 2010 amendment, has reconvened and will report to four working groups established by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

1. Domestic Standards and calculation methods
2. Non-Domestic Standards and calculation methods
3. Compliance and performance (domestic and non-domestic)
4. Retrofit and the Green Deal The Zero Carbon Hub is providing both the secretariat and a modelling resource using SAP (The Government's Standard Assessment Procedure for Energy Rating of Dwellings) for Group 1 and we have already received information from them as to how they wish to proceed. The role of the Domestic Group is to advise on the most appropriate technical solutions for Part L 2013, both for new build (L1A) and existing stock (L1B).

(L1A) New Build Housing
There are three main areas of work for the group: Technical Solutions

Given that the policy goal of zero carbon has been set for new build from 2016, it is felt that the group should first be identifying typical technical solutions for Part L1A 2010 (where we are now) and then the expected technical solutions for zero carbon homes from 2016 (where we need to be). Then the group members should identify the technical solutions for 2013 that would, in their opinion, give the most efficient transition between now and 2016. Forms of Measurement

The Zero Carbon Hub has recommended absolute values for both energy efficiency and carbon compliance for the 2016 standards. For Part L 2010 the standard is set as a percentage improvement over Part L 2006. The group will need to agree on the forms of measurement for Part L1A 2013. Collecting cost data

As in previous updates to Building Regulations, the industry needs to supply cost data for possible changes so that the Impact Assessment the can be produced.

(L1B) Existing Housing Stock
The government wants to tie in this area with DECC's (Department for Energy and Climate Change) Green Deal. It is suggested that the group looks at the Approved Document for Part L1B 2010 and considers whether the split of guidance and levels of performance into;
a) building work covering extensions and material change of use,  and
b) renovation and thermal elements,
 is appropriate, particularly given the Green Deal approach of measures. Consequential improvements are being considered again with a tie in to funding some or all of them via the Green Deal.