From 15
June, new-build homes will need to produce at least 31 per cent less carbon
emissions. The key points to this are in the following areas.
Reduction of carbon emissions in domestic new builds by 31% – From 15th June 2022, new build homes will need to produce at
least 31% less carbon emissions. The government sees the installation of
electric central heating systems as an enabler of this, particularly when
combined with a renewable energy source such as solar. Heat pumps are also
getting strong support as part of the Future Homes Standard.
Reduction of carbon emissions in non-domestic new
builds by 27% – New non-domestic builds will need to produce at
least 27% less carbon emissions. Again, the installation of low-carbon heating
technology is seen as the best route to achieve this.
New metric for measuring energy efficiency –
‘Primary energy’ will be used to measure the efficiency of a building’s
heating, as well as the energy used to deliver fuel to the building, and even
the efficiency of the power station supplying the electricity.
New minimum efficiency standards – In
new domestic builds, the new U-value for walls will be 0.18W/m², 1.4 (Window
Energy Rating Band B) for windows and rooflights, and 1.4. for doors. In
non-domestic builds there’s a lowered U-value of 0.26W/m² K for walls
and the majority of new windows and curtain walls must achieve 1.6.
New maximum flow temperature –
New and replacement heating systems in both domestic and non-domestic builds
must have a max flow temperature of 55°C.
Heating and lighting system efficiency –
Existing non-domestic buildings must improve the efficiency of heating and
hot water boiler systems through the installation of new controls. In new
non-domestic buildings, the minimum lighting efficacy will be raised to 80
luminaire lumens per circuit watt for display lighting and 95 luminaire lumens
for general lighting.
Ventilation and indoor air pollutants –
Background trickle ventilators will be recommended in non-domestic buildings,
along with the requirement for installation of CO2 monitors in offices. The new
guidance will also stipulate a recommended minimum air supply rate of 0.5
l/s.m².
Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard (FEES) –
The FEES level in new homes will be set by a ‘full fabric specification’ and
SAP compliance will now be applied to extensions built on existing properties.
Prevention of overheating –
The new Approved Document: Approved Document O introduces glazing
limits in new build homes, care homes, schools and student accommodation
to reduce unwanted solar heat. It also stipulates new levels of
cross-ventilation required to remove excess heat.
Electric vehicle charging points –
The new Approved Document S requires all domestic new builds to have the
preparatory work completed for the future installation of an electric vehicle
charge point.
Information taken from Checkatrade.com