Why Part L is Important and How is it Changing?

What is Part L?  

Part L is a Building Regulation in the UK that sets the standards for the energy performance and carbon emissions of new and existing buildings. 

Part L’s building regulation applies to any new build and existing homes and remodels and extensions. This regulation will change the construction industry by setting the standard for current and future energy performance and carbon emissions, which for the UK are a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with any energy produced by fossil fuel offset by renewable resources. 

Roofing contractors and other industry professionals must know what Part L means for them, and how to fully prepare to make the most of the changes coming into effect on the 15th of June 2022; However, this will not apply to work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before then, provided that the work commences on-site before 15th June 2023. 

This is a positive move for house buyers, as their new homes will have been built to the latest energy efficiency standards. As building U-values were tightened in the 2021 edition of ‘Approved Document L’, this should also ensure high-performance glass and glazing products are installed in those homes. 

How is Part L Changing?

The focus of Part L is the conservation of fuel and power within a property, as 45% of our emissions come from buildings. The government has announced new rules to ensure new homes and buildings in England produce significantly less CO2 to help the country move towards net-zero. Under the new regulations, CO2 emissions from new builds will be around 30% lower than current emissions. New homes will have to produce around 30% fewer carbon emissions from June 2022 onwards. There will be new regulations for new homes and self-builds to reduce the risk of overheating. Whilst in existing homes, standards have been raised to reduce energy use and carbon emissions during home improvement. 

There are several ways that these targets can be met, currently one of the most popular (and effective) ways is by utilising an efficient gas boiler or a solar photovoltaics (PV) system on the roof! Almost 1 million UK homes have already gone solar, so it’s suspected that solar power will contribute to the UK's reliable green energy resource significantly.

Will Part L Affect My Roofing Business?

There is a high possibility that we will see an increased demand for roofing contractors that can install solar systems. This is a fantastic opportunity for qualified roofing contractors to see an increased profit and no tendering restrictions as all parts of the roof can be completed.

The Definition of Part L: 

Part L is a building regulation covering 'Conservation of Fuel and Power' concerning new construction projects and refurbishment work, for homes and other buildings in England.  

The Definition of SAP Test: New homes must have a Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) test, which is the government’s chosen assessment method for measuring energy efficiency in homes. 

Building Regulation: Building Regulations set the standards in England for the design, construction, and alteration of buildings. These measurements that are put in place are to regulate building stability, fire protection, insulation and heating and the overall safety of individuals who reside in the building. 

Source List 

https://darren-evans.co.uk/blog-posts/what-is-the-part-l-2021-uplift-for-the-building-regulations-in-england/ 
https://www.building-innovation.co.uk/the-hub/part-l-changes-2020-what-you-need-to-know
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/news/building-regulations-changes-new-homes-must-slash-emissions-by-30-from-2022 
https://ecostrad.com/blog/building-regulation-changes-in-2022-everything-you-need-to-know/
https://www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk/architects/standards-and-regs/part-l-2021/part-l-2021-current-thinking 
https://www.marley.co.uk/partl