Healey announces tighter building regulations in bid to reduce emissions

The government has announced plans to toughen up the country’s building regulations as part of a drive to reduce emissions and household bills.

The proposals, due to come into force in October this year, will see amendments to the building regulations relating to conservation of fuel and power, means of ventilation and combustion appliances and fuel storage systems (Parts L, F and J).

The changes to Part L will require a 25% improvement above current standards for every new home. They will increase the minimum levels of energy efficiency for building fabric and services, so that CO2 targets cannot be achieved through renewables alone.

The government said this “reflects the principle of reducing overall demand for energy.” It added that the Part L measures will also come into play when people elect to carry out work to existing buildings including extensions and conversions.

The statutory instrument making the changes was laid before Parliament today, with revised technical guidance to be made available shortly.

The government has set a target for every new home built from 2016 to be net zero carbon, with a further 25% improvement relative to the standards announced today expected from 2013.

Housing and planning minister John Healey said: “The higher green standards we’re bringing in this year will cut emissions and play a crucial part in achieving our zero carbon policies. They will also make homes and businesses cheaper to run.”

The government estimated that the changes would save around two million tonnes of carbon every year by 2020.