DBCP, the expert in building control, is urging builders, developers and architects across Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands to ensure new Building Regulations Part O and Part S are implemented in new and upcoming residential projects.
Effective from 15 June 2022 for all new homes and existing homes undergoing large renovations, Part O and Part S directly tackle climate change and the UK’s journey towards being net zero by 2050.
The new regulations are designed to ensure new homes now produce 30% less carbon dioxide emissions compared to previous standards.
David Pratt, Building Control Manager at DBCP commented: “It’s important builders and architects are fully aware of the two new building regulations. Failure to incorporate Part O and S at the design and planning stage could lead to project delays and costly retrofit measures.
“Sustainability has significantly moved up the construction agenda and this is reflected by a number of new and amended Building Regulations introduced in 2022, particularly where new builds are concerned.”
Building Regulation Part O: Overheating, is designed to protect the health and welfare of the occupants of buildings by limiting window size to avoid overheating from the sun. The new regulation also requires buildings to now have adequate means to remove heat from the indoor environment.
Part O covers domestic dwellings and residential accommodation, including commercial properties such as care homes and student accommodation.
Building Regulation Part S: Electric Vehicle Charging, requires homes to now have facilities for charging electric vehicles that may be parked on associated parking spaces at that home. With the end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, and all new cars and vans being fully zero emission from 2035, Part S is playing a key part in the UK’s infrastructure to support the electric vehicle revolution.
Part S must be applied to the following projects:
- New residential and non-residential buildings
- Buildings undergoing a material change of use to dwellings, such as converting a barn into a home
- Residential and non-residential buildings undergoing a major renovation where 10 or more dwellings are being created
- Mixed-use buildings that are either new or undergoing a major renovation.
According to the Climate Change Committee, around 14% of UK greenhouse gas emissions come from the 28 million homes in the UK. The introduction of Part O and Part S to the Building Regulations is a key part of the government’s Future Homes Standard, which will require new build homes to be future-proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency by 2025.
Although Part O and Part S are effective now, there is a grace period until 15 June 2023 for projects that received Building Regulations approval before 15 June 2022. DBCP is warning developers and homes owners, however, that work on the project must begin before the grace period ends.
If you are planning a project and want to ensure that Part O and S are properly incorporated, speak to DBCP’s expert Building Control Surveyors to ensure you meet your legal obligations. Contact us here or call us on 0333 880 2000
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