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The Building Regulations 2010

Conservation of
fuel and power
APPROVED DOCUMENT

L2A

L2A Conservation of fuel and power

in new buildings other than dwellings

2013 edition for use in England*

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Main changes in the 2013 edition

This approved document, Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power in new
buildings other than dwellings, supports the energy efficiency requirements of the Building
Regulations. Regulation 2(1) of the Building Regulations defines the energy efficiency requirements
as the requirements of regulations 23, 25A, 25B, 26, 26A, 28, 29 and 40 and Part L of Schedule 1. This
approved document takes effect on 6 April 2014 and is for use in England*. The 2010 edition will
continue to apply to work begun before 6 April 2014, or to work subject to a building notice, full
plans application or initial notice submitted before 6 April 2014.
The main changes in this approved document are that:
The notional building used to determine carbon dioxide targets is the same size and shape as

the actual building, constructed to a concurrent specification. The Part L 2013 specifications have
been strengthened to deliver 9 per cent carbon dioxide savings across the new non-domestic
building mix relative to Part L 2010.

A wider set of notional buildings has now been defined for top-lit, side-lit (heated only) and

side-lit (heated and cooled) buildings. The notional building air permeability has been further
subdivided by size.

A summary of the Part L 2013 notional buildings is published at Table 5 in the approved

document with the full detail in the National Calculation Methodology (NCM) modelling guide.
If the actual building is constructed entirely to the notional building specifications it will meet
the carbon dioxide targets and the limiting fabric and buildings services parameters. Developers
are, however, free to vary the specification, provided the same overall level of carbon dioxide
emissions is achieved or bettered.

The document consolidates the amendments made in December 2012 requiring the feasibility of

high-efficiency alternative systems to be taken into account before construction commences.

The document is in a new style format and an index has been introduced.

* This approved document gives guidance for compliance with the Building Regulations for building
work carried out in England. It also applies to building work carried out on excepted energy
buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) (No.2) Order 2009. This
approved document also gives guidance applying to buildings of statutory undertakers and of the
Crown or carried out by Crown authorities in both England and Wales in respect of regulations 25,
25A, 25B and 26.

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The approved documents

What is an approved document?
The Secretary of State has approved a series of documents that give practical guidance about
how to meet the requirements of the Building Regulations 2010 for England. Approved documents
give guidance on each of the technical parts of the regulations and on regulation 7 (see the back
of this document).
Approved documents set out what, in ordinary circumstances, may be accepted as reasonable
provision for compliance with the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations to which
they refer. If you follow the guidance in an approved document, there will be a presumption of
compliance with the requirements covered by the guidance. However, compliance is not guaranteed;
for example, normal guidance may not apply if the particular case is unusual in some way.
Note that there may be other ways to comply with the requirements there is no obligation to
adopt any particular solution contained in an approved document. If you prefer to meet a relevant
requirement in some other way than described in an approved document, you should discuss this
with the relevant building control body.
In addition to guidance, some approved documents include provisions that must be followed
exactly, as required by regulations or where methods of test or calculation have been prescribed by
the Secretary of State.
Each approved document relates only to the particular requirements of the Building Regulations
that the document addresses. However, building work must also comply with any other applicable
requirements of the Building Regulations.

How to use this approved document

This document uses the following conventions.
a. Text against a green background is an extract from the Building Regulations 2010 or the Building
(Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010 (both as amended). These extracts set out the legal
requirements of the regulations.
b. Key terms, printed in green, are defined in Appendix A.
c. When this approved document refers to a named standard or other document, the relevant
version is listed in Appendix E (documents referred to) and Appendix F (standards referred
to) respectively. However, if the issuing body has revised or updated the listed version of the
standard, you may use the new version as guidance if it continues to address the relevant
requirements of the Building Regulations.
d. Additional commentary in italic text appears after some numbered paragraphs. This commentary
is intended to assist understanding of the immediately preceding paragraph or sub-paragraph,
or to direct readers to sources of additional information, but is not part of the technical
guidance itself.
NOTE: Standards and technical approvals may also address aspects of performance or matters that
are not covered by the Building Regulations, or they may recommend higher standards than required
by the Building Regulations.
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Where you can get further help
If you do not understand the technical guidance or other information in this approved document
or the additional detailed technical references to which it directs you, you can seek further help
through a number of routes, some of which are listed below:
a. The Planning Portal website: www.planningportal.gov.uk.
b. If you are the person undertaking the building work: either from your local authority building
control service or from an approved inspector.
c. If you are registered with a competent person scheme: from the scheme operator.
d. If your query is highly technical: from a specialist or an industry technical body for the relevant
subject.

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The Building Regulations

The following is a high level summary of the Building Regulations relevant to most types of building
work. Where there is any doubt you should consult the full text of the regulations, available at
www.legislation.gov.uk.

Building work
Regulation 3 of the Building Regulations defines building work. Building work includes:
a. the erection or extension of a building
b. the provision or extension of a controlled service or fitting
c. the material alteration of a building or a controlled service or fitting.
Regulation 4 states that building work should be carried out in such a way that, when work is
complete:
a. for new buildings or work on a building that complied with the applicable requirements of the
Building Regulations: the building complies with the applicable requirements of the Building
Regulations.
b. for work on an existing building that did not comply with the applicable requirements of the
Building Regulations:
(i) the work itself must comply with the applicable requirements of the Building Regulations
(ii) the building must be no more unsatisfactory in relation to the requirements than before the
work was carried out.

Material change of use

Regulation 5 defines a material change of use in which a building or part of a building that was
previously used for one purpose will be used for another.
The Building Regulations set out requirements that must be met before a building can be used for a
new purpose. To meet the requirements, the building may need to be upgraded in some way.

Materials and workmanship

In accordance with regulation 7, building work must be carried out in a workmanlike manner using
adequate and proper materials. Guidance on materials and workmanship is given in Approved
Document 7.

Energy efficiency requirements

Part 6 of the Building Regulations imposes additional specific requirements for energy efficiency.
If a building is extended or renovated, the energy efficiency of the existing building or part of it may
need to be upgraded.

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Notification of work
Most building work and material changes of use must be notified to a building control body unless
one of the following applies.
a. It is work that will be self-certified by a registered competent person or certified by a registered
third party.
b. It is work exempted from the need to notify by regulation 12(6A) of, or schedule 4 to, the
Building Regulations.

Responsibility for compliance

People who are responsible for building work (for example the agent, designer, builder or installer)
must ensure that the work complies with all applicable requirements of the Building Regulations.
The building owner may also be responsible for ensuring that work complies with the Building
Regulations. If building work does not comply with the Building Regulations, the building owner
may be served with an enforcement notice.

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Contents
The approved documents

Page i

The Building Regulations

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Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings

other than dwellings

Summary

Energy performance certificates

Section 1: The requirements

Part L of Schedule 1: Conservation of fuel and power

Demonstrating compliance

Section 2: Design standards

Regulations 24 and 25

Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER)

Criterion 1 Achieving the TER

Calculating the CO2 emissions from the actual building

CO2 emission rate calculations

Achieving the TER

Consideration of high-efficiency alternative systems

Special considerations

11

Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural

buildings other than those with low energy demand

14

Criterion 2 Limits on design flexibility

14

Limiting fabric standards

14

Limiting services efficiencies

16

Criterion 3 Limiting the effects of heat gains in summer

17

Limiting the effects of solar gains in summer

17

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Section 3: Quality of construction and commissioning

19

Criterion 4 Building performance consistent with the BER

19

Building fabric

19

Air permeability and pressure testing

20

Consequences of failing a pressure test

22

Commissioning of the building services systems

22

Air leakage testing of ductwork

24

Section 4: Providing information

25

Criterion 5 Provisions for energy-efficient operation of the building

25

Building log book

25

Section 5: Model designs

26

Appendix A: Key terms and abbreviations

28

Appendix B: Types of work covered by this approved document

31

Appendix C: Buildings that are exempt from the energy efficiency

requirements

32

Appendix D: Reporting evidence of compliance

33

Appendix E: Documents referred to

35

Appendix F: Standards referred to

36

Index

37

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Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel

and power in new buildings other than dwellings
Summary
0.1 This approved document is one of four approved documents that give guidance on how to comply
with the energy efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations:
Approved Document L1A: Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
Approved Document L1B: Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings
Approved Document L2A: Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document L2B: Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings
The approved documents are supported by the:
Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide
Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide
0.2 This approved document contains the following sections:
Section 1 sets out the relevant legal requirements and provides an overview of the steps to
demonstrate compliance.
Section 2 sets out the considerations that apply to demonstrating that the design of the building
will meet the energy efficiency requirements.
Section 3 sets out the considerations that apply when demonstrating that the design has been
appropriately translated into actual construction performance.
Section 4 describes the information that should be provided to occupiers to help them achieve
reasonable standards of energy efficiency in practice.
Section 5 provides a pointer to some useful information on different design approaches to meeting
the energy efficiency requirements.
Appendix A: Key terms and abbreviations
Appendix B: Guidance on the types of building work covered by this approved document
Appendix C: Guidance on the types of buildings that are exempt from the energy efficiency
requirements
Appendix D: Reporting evidence of compliance
Appendix E: Documents referred to
Appendix F: Standards referred to

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Energy performance certificates
0.3 Regulation 29 of the Building Regulations requires that, subject to the exemptions set out at
Appendix C, when a building is erected the person carrying out the work must give an energy
performance certificate to the owner of the building and a notice to the building control body (BCB)
that a certificate has been given including the reference number under which the certificate has
been registered. See also the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
(SI 2012/3118) at www.legislation.gov.uk and detailed guidance on energy performance certificates at
www.planningportal.gov.uk

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Section 1: The requirements

1.1 This approved document, which takes effect on 6 April 2014, deals with the energy efficiency
requirements in the Building Regulations 2010. Regulation 2(1) of the Building Regulations defines
the energy efficiency requirements as the requirements of regulations 23, 25A, 25B, 26, 26A, 28, 29
and 40 and Part L of Schedule 1. The energy efficiency requirements relevant to the guidance in this
approved document, which deals with new buildings, are those in regulations 25A, 26, 29 and 40 and
Part L of Schedule 1, and are set out below.

NOTE: Regulation 25B Nearly zero-energy requirements for new buildings will not come into force
until 2019 at the earliest. Statutory guidance on compliance with regulation 25B is not included
within this approved document and will be provided nearer to the time that regulation 25B comes
into force.

1.2 Relevant extracts from the Building Regulations 2010 or the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.)
Regulations 2010 (both as amended) are set out using text against a green background in this
approved document. Where there is any doubt you should consult the full text of the regulations,
available at www.legislation.gov.uk

Part L of Schedule 1: Conservation of fuel and power

Requirement

Limits on application

Schedule 1 Part L Conservation of fuel and power

L1. Reasonable provision shall be made for the
conservation of fuel and power in buildings by:
(a) limiting heat gains and losses
(i) through thermal elements and other parts of
the building fabric; and
(ii) from pipes, ducts and vessels used for space
heating, space cooling and hot water services;
(b) providing fixed building services which
(i) are energy efficient;
(ii) have effective controls; and
(iii) are commissioned by testing and adjusting as
necessary to ensure they use no more fuel and
power than is reasonable in the circumstances.

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Demonstrating compliance
1.3 In the Secretary of States view, compliance with the energy efficiency requirements could be
demonstrated by meeting the five separate criteria set out in the following paragraphs. Compliance
software should produce an output report to assist BCBs check that compliance has been achieved.

NOTE: The output report can benefit both developers and BCBs during the design and construction
stages as well as at completion.

1.4 Criterion 1: in accordance with regulation 26, the calculated CO2 emission rate for the building (the
Building CO2 Emission Rate, BER) must not be greater than the Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER), which
is determined by following the procedures set out in paragraphs 2.7 to 2.36.

NOTE: Criterion 1 is a regulation and is therefore mandatory, whereas the limits on design flexibility
for Criteria 2 are statutory guidance. The calculations required as part of the procedure used to
show compliance with this criterion can also provide information needed to prepare the energy
performance certificate required by regulation 29 of the Building Regulations and by the Energy
Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/3118).

1.5 Criterion 2: the performance of the individual fabric elements and the fixed building services of the
building should achieve reasonable overall standards of energy efficiency, following the procedure
set out in paragraphs 2.37 to 2.49.

NOTE: Criterion 2 is intended to place limits on design flexibility to discourage excessive and
inappropriate trade-offs. For example, individual building fabric elements with poor insulation
standards being offset by renewable energy systems with uncertain service lives. This emphasises
the purpose of Criterion 2.

1.6 Criterion 3: demonstrate that the building has appropriate passive control measures to limit solar
gains. The guidance given in paragraphs 2.50 to 2.53 of this approved document provides a way of
demonstrating that suitable provisions have been made.

NOTE: The purpose is to limit solar gains to reasonable levels during the summer period, in order to
reduce the need for, or the installed capacity of, air-conditioning systems.

1.7 Criterion 4: the performance of the building, as built, should be consistent with the BER. The
guidance in Section 3 can be used to show that this criterion has been met. Extra credits will be given
in the TER/BER calculation where builders can provide robust evidence of quality-assured procedures
in the design and construction phases.
1.8 Criterion 5: the necessary provisions for enabling energy-efficient operation of the building should
be put in place. The procedures described in Section 4 can be used to show that this criterion has
been met.

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Section 2: Design standards

Regulations 24 and 25
2.1 Regulations 24 and 25 state that:
Methodology of calculation of the energy performance of buildings
24. (1) The Secretary of State shall approve
(a) a methodology of calculation of the energy performance of buildings, including methods for calculating
asset ratings and operational ratings of buildings; and
(b) ways in which the energy performance of buildings, as calculated in accordance with the methodology, shall
be expressed.
(2) In this regulation
asset rating means a numerical indicator of the amount of energy estimated to meet the different needs
associated with a standardised use of the building; and
operational rating means a numerical indicator of the amount of energy consumed during the occupation of
the building over a period of time.

Minimum energy performance requirements for buildings

25. Minimum energy performance requirements shall be set by the Secretary of State, in accordance with the
methodology approved pursuant to regulation 24, for
(a) new buildings (which shall include new dwellings), in the form of target CO2 emission rates; and
(b) new dwellings, in the form of target fabric efficiency rates.

Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER)

2.2 The Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER) is the minimum energy performance requirement for a new
building based on the methodology approved by the Secretary of State in accordance with
regulation 25. It is expressed in terms of the mass of CO2 emitted per year per square metre of the
total useful floor area of the building.
2.3 The TER must be calculated using one of the calculation tools included in the methodology
approved by the Secretary of State for calculating the energy performance of buildings pursuant to
regulation 24. Those tools include:
a. the Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) for those buildings whose design features are
capable of being adequately modelled by SBEM; or
b. other software tools approved under the Notice of Approval.

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2.4 From time to time further software may be approved. An up-to-date list can be found on the
Department for Communities and Local Government webpages at www.gov.uk
2.5 As part of the submission to a BCB, the applicant must show that the software tool used is
appropriate to the application.
2.6 The TER isestablished by using approved software to calculate the CO2 emission rate from a
notional building of the same size and shape as the actual building, but with specified properties.
These specified properties shall be as set out in the National Calculation Methodology (NCM)
modelling guide, in the section headed Detailed definition of Notional Building for buildings
other than dwellings. The key components of the notional building specification can also be seen
at Table5. The TER is set equal to the CO2 emissions from this notional building, with no further
adjustment being made.

NOTE: The TER is based on a building of the same size and shape as the actual building, constructed
to a concurrent specification. This concurrent specification for Part L 2013 is given in the NCM
modelling guide. Developers are still given the freedom to vary the specification, provided the same
overall level of CO2 emissions is achieved or bettered.

Criterion 1 Achieving the TER

2.7 Regulation 26 states that:
CO2 emission rates for new buildings
26.  Where a building is erected, it shall not exceed the target CO2 emission rate for the building that has been
approved pursuant to regulation 25.

Calculating the CO2 emissions from the actual building

2.8 To demonstrate that the requirement in regulation 26 has been met, the actual Building CO2
Emission Rate (BER) must be no greater (no worse) than the TER calculated as set out in paragraphs
2.2 to 2.6.
2.9 The BER must be calculated using the same calculation tool as used for establishing the TER.
2.10 In order to determine the BER, the CO2 emission factors shall be as specified in Table 12 in The
Governments Standard Assessment Procedure for energy rating of dwellings, SAP 2012.
2.11 When systems are capable of being fired by more than one fuel, then:
a. Where a biomass heating appliance is supplemented by an alternative appliance (e.g. gas), the
CO2 emission factor for the overall heating system should be based on a weighted average for
the two fuels based on the anticipated usage of those fuels. The BER submission should be
accompanied by a report, signed by a suitably qualified person, detailing how the combined
emission factor has been derived.
b. Where the same appliance is capable of burning both biomass fuel and fossil fuel, the CO2
emission factor for dual-fuel appliances should be used, except where the building is in a smoke
control area, when the anthracite figure should be used.
c. In all other cases, the fuel with the highest CO2 emission factor should be used.

NOTE: This option is to cover dual-fuel systems where the choice of fuel actually used depends on
prevailing market prices.

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2.12 If thermal energy is supplied from a district or community heating or cooling system, emission
factors should be determined by considering the particular details of the scheme. Calculations
should take account of the annual average performance of the whole system (i.e. the distribution
circuits and all the heat generating plant, including any Combined Heat and Power (CHP), and any
waste heat recovery or heat dumping). The predicted effect of all buildings proposed to be newly
connected to the system in the first 12 months of operation of the system can be considered in the
calculation of the percentage of heat supplied so that the increased operation of any marginal plant
(e.g. gas boilers) is properly accounted for. The electricity generated by any CHP or trigeneration
scheme is always credited at an emission factor equal to the grid average. CO2 emissions associated
with the thermal energy streams of a trigeneration scheme should be attributed in proportion to
the output energy streams. The BER submission should be accompanied by a report, signed by a
suitably qualified person, detailing how the emission factors have been derived.
NOTE: This means that if a scheme burns F kWh of input fuel to produce E kWh of electricity and
H kWh of useful heat (excluding heat rejected), the emission factor for the heat output should be taken
as 1/H (F CO2F E CO2E ) where CO2F is the emission factor for the input fuel, and CO2E the
factor for grid electricity. See the NCM modelling guide at www.ncm.bre.co.uk.

CO2 emission rate calculations

2.13 Regulation 27 of the Building Regulations states:

CO2 emission rate calculations
27. (1) This regulation applies where a building is erected and regulation 26 applies.
(2) Not later than the day before the work starts, the person carrying out the work shall give the local authority
a notice which specifies
(a) the target CO2 emission rate for the building,
(b) the calculated CO2 emission rate for the building as designed, and
(c) a list of specifications to which the building is to be constructed.
(3) Not later than five days after the work has been completed, the person carrying out the work shall give the local
authority
(a) a notice which specifies
(i) the target CO2 emission rate for the building,
(ii) the calculated CO2 emission rate for the building as constructed, and
(iii) whether the building has been constructed in accordance with the list of specifications referred to in
paragraph (2)(c), and if not a list of any changes to those specifications; or
(b) a certificate of the sort referred to in paragraph (4) accompanied by the information referred to in sub-paragraph (a).
(4) A local authority is authorised to accept, as evidence that the requirements of regulation 26 have been satisfied,
a certificate to that effect by an energy assessor who is accredited to produce such certificates for that category
of building.
(5) In this regulation, specifications means specifications used for the calculation of the CO2 emission rate.

NOTE: Where the BCB is an approved inspector see regulation 20 of the Building (Approved Inspectors
etc.) Regulations 2010 (as amended).
CO2 emission rate calculation before work commences
2.14 Regulations 26 and 27 require that, before the work starts, the builder must calculate the BER of the
building as designed, to demonstrate that the BER is not greater than the TER. The builder must give
this design-based calculation to the BCB, along with a list of specifications used in calculating the BER.

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NOTE: This design stage calculation and provision of a list of specifications will help the BCB to
confirm that the building as designed aligns with the claimed performance. As set out at Appendix D
it is expected that the builder will use compliance software to produce the list of specifications and
highlight those features of the design that are critical to achieving compliance. These key features
can be used to prioritise the risk-based inspection of the building as part of confirming compliance
with regulation 26. If a provisional energy rating is calculated and an interim recommendations
report is therefore available, the developer should review the recommendations to see if further
measures may be incorporated in a cost-effective manner.

CO2 emission rate calculation after completion

2.15 After work has been completed, the builder must notify the BCB of the TER and BER and whether
the building has been constructed in accordance with the list of specifications submitted to the BCB
before work started. If not, a list of any changes to the design-stage list of specifications must be
given to the BCB. BCBs are authorised to accept, as evidence, a certificate of compliance signed off
by a suitably accredited energy assessor.

NOTE: It is useful to provide additional information to support the values used in the BER calculation
and the list of specifications. For example, U-values may have been determined from a specific
calculation, in which case the details should be provided, or from an accredited source, in which
case a reference to that source is sufficient. Evidence that demonstrates that the building as designed
satisfies the requirements of Criteria 2 and 3 is also useful.

Achieving the TER

2.16 Certain management features offer improved energy efficiency in practice. Where these
management features are provided in the actual building, the BER can be reduced by an amount
equal to the product of the factor given in Table 1 and the CO2 emissions for the system(s) to which
the feature is applied.

NOTE: For example, if the CO2 emissions due to electrical energy consumption were
70 kgCO2 /(m2.year) without power factor correction, the provision of correction equipment to achieve
a power factor of 0.95 would enable the BER to be reduced by 70 0.025 = 1.75 kgCO2 /(m2.year).
Table 1 Enhanced management and control features
Feature

Adjustment factor
1

Automatic monitoring and targeting with alarms for out-of-range values

0.050

Power factor correction to achieve a whole building power factor > 0.902

0.010

Power factor correction to achieve a whole building power factor > 0.95

0.025

Notes:
1. Automatic monitoring and targeting with alarms for out-of-range values means a complete installation that
measures, records, transmits, analyses, reports and communicates meaningful energy management information to
enable the operator to manage the energy it uses.
2. The power factor adjustment can be taken only if the whole building power factor is corrected to the level
stated. The two levels of power factor correction are alternative values, not additive.

2.17 Provided the building satisfies the limits on design flexibility as set out in Criterion 2, the compliance
procedure allows the designer full flexibility to achieve the TER utilising fabric and system measures
and the integration of low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies in whatever mix is appropriate to the
scheme. The approved compliance tools include appropriate algorithms that enable the designer to

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assess the role LZC technologies (including local renewable and low-carbon schemes driven by the
National Planning Policy Framework) can play in achieving the TER.

Consideration of high-efficiency alternative systems

Consideration of high-efficiency alternative systems for new buildings
25A. (1) Before construction of a new building starts, the person who is to carry out the work must analyse and take
into account the technical, environmental and economic feasibility of using high-efficiency alternative systems
(such as the following systems) in the construction, if available
(a) decentralised energy supply systems based on energy from renewable sources;
(b) cogeneration;
(c) district or block heating or cooling, particularly where it is based entirely or partially on energy from
renewable sources; and
(d) heat pumps.
(2)

The person carrying out the work must

(a) not later than the beginning of the day before the day on which the work starts, give the local authority a
notice which states that the analysis referred to in paragraph (1)
(i) has been undertaken;
(ii) is documented; and
(iii) the documentation is available to the authority for verification purposes; and
(b) ensure that a copy of the analysis is available for inspection at all reasonable times upon request by an
officer of the local authority.

(3)

An authorised officer of the local authority may require production of the documentation in order to verify that
this regulation has been complied with.

(4)

The analysis referred to in paragraph (1)

(a) may be carried out for individual buildings or for groups of similar buildings or for common typologies of
buildings in the same area; and
(b) in so far as it relates to collective heating and cooling systems, may be carried out for all buildings
connected to the system in the same area.

(5)

In this regulation
(a) cogeneration means simultaneous generation in one process of thermal energy and one or both of the
following
(i) electrical energy;
(ii) mechanical energy;
(b) district or block heating or cooling means the distribution of thermal energy in the form of steam, hot
water or chilled liquids, from a central source of production through a network of multiple buildings or
sites, for the use of space or process heating or cooling;
(c) energy from renewable sources means energy from renewable non-fossil sources, namely wind, solar,
aerothermal, geothermal, hydrothermal and ocean energy, hydropower, biomass, landfill gas, sewage
treatment plant gas and biogases; and
(d) heat pump means a machine, a device or installation that transfers heat from natural surroundings such as
air, water or ground to buildings or industrial applications by reversing the natural flow of heat such that
it flows from a lower to a higher temperature. (For reversible heat pumps, it may also move heat from the
building to the natural surroundings.)

NOTE: Where the BCB is an approved inspector see regulation 20 of the Building (Approved Inspectors
etc.) Regulations 2010 (as amended).

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2.18 Regulation 25A requires that, before the work starts, the person undertaking the work must carry
out an analysis that considers and takes into account the technical, environmental and economic
feasibility of using high-efficiency alternative systems in the building design. The following highefficiency alternative systems may be considered if available, but other LZC systems may also be
considered if available:
a. decentralised energy supply systems based on energy from renewable sources;
b. cogeneration;
c. district or block heating or cooling, particularly where it is based entirely or partially on energy
from renewable sources;
d. heat pumps.

The analysis should state whether high-efficiency alternative systems have or have not been
included in the building design. The requirement relates to considering, taking into account,
documenting and making available for verification purposes the analysis of high-efficiency
alternative systems.

NOTE: The Building Regulations are technology neutral and do not require that high-efficiency
alternative systems or other LZC systems are installed.

2.19 The analysis of the feasibility of using high-efficiency alternative systems may be carried out for
individual buildings, groups of similar buildings or for common types of buildings in the same area.
Where a number of buildings are connected to a community energy system, a single analysis may be
carried out for all of the buildings connected to the system in the same area as the building to be
constructed.
2.20 Before work starts, the person undertaking the work must give the BCB a notice which states that
the analysis of the feasibility of using high-efficiency alternative systems has been undertaken and
documented and is available for verification purposes. The documented results of the analysis must
be retained for inspection by the BCB upon request.

Although the analysis of high-efficiency alternative systems is not an explicit requirement of the
CO2 emission rate calculation, a facility within calculation software output reporting (the designstage Building Regulations UK Part L report) may be available to the builder to declare that the
analysis has been carried out and documented and where it is available for verification purposes.

2.21 In order to facilitate incorporation of improvements in system efficiencies and the integration with
LZC technologies, the designer should:
a. consider adopting heating and cooling systems that use low distribution temperatures; and
b. where multiple systems serve the same end use, organise the control strategies such that priority
is given to the least carbon-intensive option; and

NOTE: For example, where a solar hot water system is available, the controls should be arranged so
that the best use is made of the available solar energy.
c. consider making the building easily adaptable by facilitating the integration of additional LZC
technologies at a later date. Providing appropriate facilities at the construction stage can make
subsequent enhancements much easier and cheaper, e.g. providing capped off connections that
can link into a planned community heating scheme.

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2.22 Similarly, the designer should consider the potential impact of future climate change on the
performance of the building. This might include giving consideration to how a cooling system might
be provided at some future point.

Special considerations
2.23 Special considerations apply to certain classes of non-exempt building. These building types include:
a. non-exempt buildings with low energy demand; the guidance specific to such buildings is given in
paragraphs 2.24 to 2.27;
b. modular and portable buildings with a planned service life of more than two years (at one or
more sites); the guidance specific to such buildings is given in paragraphs 2.28 to 2.32;
c. shell and core developments; the guidance specific to such buildings is given in paragraphs 2.34
and 2.35.
Non-exempt buildings with low energy demand
2.24 For the purposes of this approved document, non-exempt buildings with low energy demand are
taken to be those buildings or parts thereof where:
a. fixed building services for heating and/or cooling are either not provided, or are provided only
to heat or cool a localised area rather than the entire enclosed volume of the space concerned
(e.g. localised radiant heaters at a workstation in a generally unheated space); or
b. fixed building services are used to heat space in the building to temperatures substantially less
than those normally provided for human comfort (e.g. to protect a warehouse from
condensation or frost).
2.25 In the situations described in paragraph 2.24 it is not reasonable to expect the entire building
envelope to be insulated to the standard expected for more typical buildings. In such situations, no
TER/BER calculation is required, but reasonable provision would be for every fixed building service
that is installed to meet the energy efficiency standards set out in the 2013 edition of the DCLG
Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide. In addition, the building envelope should be
insulated to a degree that is reasonable in the particular case. If some general heating is provided
(case b above), then it would be reasonable that no part of the opaque fabric had a U-value worse
than 0.7 W/(m2.K).
2.26 If a part of a building with low energy demand is partitioned off and is heated normally
(e.g. an office area in an unheated warehouse), the separately heated area should be treated as
a separate building and the normal procedures for demonstrating compliance (including a
TER/BER calculation) should be followed to demonstrate the heated area complies with the
energy efficiency requirements.
2.27 If a building with low energy demand subsequently changes such that the space is generally
conditioned, then this is likely to involve the initial provision or an increase in the installed
capacity of a fixed building service. Such activities are covered by regulation 28. The guidance in
Approved Document L2B would require the building envelope to be upgraded and a consequential
improvement to be made, a process that is likely to be much more expensive than incorporating
suitable levels of insulation at the new-build stage. Alternatively, if the building shell was designed
as a building with low energy demand and the first occupier of the building wanted to install (e.g.)
heating, this would be first fit-out work, and a full TER/BER submission would then be required (see
Appendix B paragraph 1b).

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Modular and portable buildings with a planned service life of more than two years
2.28 Special considerations apply to modular and portable buildings. The following paragraphs detail
what is considered as reasonable provision for a variety of different circumstances.

NOTE: The placing of an existing module to a new site is considered to be the construction of a new
building as far as the Building Regulations are concerned. In that context, it is not always appropriate
to expect such a relocated unit to meet the new-build standards set out in this approved document,
especially as the embodied energy in an existing module is retained, a benefit that compensates for
small differences in operating energy demand. Further, portable buildings are often distress purchases,
and the constraints imposed by the time in which a working building must be delivered mean that
additional considerations apply.

At given location
2.29 Portable buildings with a planned service life of more than two years at a given location are often
new or re-sale units. In such cases, compliance with the energy efficiency requirements should be
demonstrated by showing that satisfactory performance has been achieved against each of the
five compliance criteria set out in this approved document. However, if more than 70 per cent of
the external envelope of the building is to be created from sub-assemblies manufactured prior to
the date this approved document comes into force, the TER should be adjusted by the relevant
factor from Table 2. One way of demonstrating the date of manufacture of each sub-assembly is by
relating the serial number to the manufacturers records. If the units are to be refurbished as part
of the process, then the guidance in Approved Document L2B should be followed in terms of the
standards to be achieved, for example for replacement windows and new lighting.
At more than one location
2.30 Portable buildings with a planned service life of more than two years but with an intended time of
use in a given location of less than two years are often distress purchases (e.g. following a fire), and
the buildings must be up and operational in a matter of days. In such cases, different arrangements
for demonstrating compliance with regulation 26 apply, as set out in the following paragraphs. An
example of the evidence that the planned time of use in the given location is less than two years
would be the hire agreement for the unit.
2.31 In the case of a modular or portable building intended to be sited in a given location for less than
two years, a TER/BER calculation should be carried out when the module is first constructed and
can be based on a standard generic configuration. This calculation can then be provided as evidence
of satisfying the requirements of regulation 26 whenever the building is moved to a new location,
always provided its intended time of use in that new location is less than two years. In addition to
the details of the calculation, the supplier should provide written confirmation that:
a. the modules as actually provided meet or exceed the elemental energy standards of the generic
module on which the calculation was based; and
b. the activities assumed in the generic module are reasonably representative of the planned use of
the actual module.
2.32 It is recognised that in situations where the planned time of use in a given location is less than two
years, the only practical heating technology is electric resistance heating. In such cases, reasonable
provision would be to provide energy efficiency measures that are 15per cent better than if using
conventional fossil fuel heating. This can be demonstrated by assuming that the heating in the
generic configuration used for the TER/BER calculation is provided by a gas boiler with an efficiency
of 77 per cent. Post initial construction, any work on the module should meet the standards set out in

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Approved Document L2B. If a TER/BER calculation is not available for a module constructed prior to
6 April 2014, reasonable provision would be to demonstrate that the BER is not greater than the
Part L 2013 TER adjusted by the relevant factor from Table 2.
Table 2 TER multiplying factor for modular and portable buildings
Date of manufacture of 70% of modules making up the external envelope

TER multiplying
factor

After 6 April 2014

1.00

1 Oct 2010 5 April 2014

1.10

6 April 2006 30 Sept 2010

1.47

1 April 2002 5 April 2006

1.93

Pre 1 April 2002

1.93 [2.591]

Notes:
1. For buildings with a planned time of use in a given location of less than two years, the figure in brackets is applicable.

Swimming pool basins

2.33 In terms of Criterion 1, the building should be assessed as if the pool basin were not there, although
the pool hall should be included. The area covered by the pool should be replaced with the
equivalent area of floor with the same U-value as the pool surround.
Shell and core developments
2.34 If a building is offered to the market for sale or let as a shell for specific fit-out work by the
incoming occupier, the developer should demonstrate via the design-stage TER/BER submission
how the building shell as offered could meet the energy efficiency requirements. For those parts
of the building where certain systems are not installed at the point the building is to be offered to
the market, the model that is used to derive the BER should assume efficiencies for those services
that will be installed as part of the first fit-out work. The specification provided to the BCB (see
paragraph 2.14) should identify which services have not been provided in the base build, and the
efficiency values assumed for each such system. This should enable the BCB to ensure that the
necessary infrastructure needed to deliver the assumed fit-out specification is provided as part of
the base build. At practical completion of the base building, the as-built TER/BER calculation should
be based only on the building and systems as actually constructed; the fit-out areas should be
assumed to be conditioned to temperatures appropriate to their designated use, but no associated
energy demand included.

NOTE: As part of the design-stage calculation, a predicted energy performance certificate (EPC) rating
for the fit-out areas should be available to inform prospective occupiers of the energy performance
that is achievable. However, a formal EPC lodged on the EPC register is not required at this stage.

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2.35 When an incoming occupier does first fit-out work on all or part of the building through the
provision or extension of any of the fixed services for heating, hot water, air-conditioning or
mechanical ventilation, then TER/BER submission should be made to the BCB after completion to
demonstrate compliance for the part of the building covered by the fit-out work. This submission
should be based on the building shell as constructed and the fixed building services as actually
installed. If the fit-out work does not include the provision or extension of any of the fixed services
for heating, hot water, air-conditioning or mechanical ventilation, then reasonable provision would
be to demonstrate that any lighting systems that are installed are at least as efficient as those
assumed in the shell developers initial submission.

NOTE: Since the fit-out is specific to the needs of the particular occupier and is, by definition,
uniquely controlled by him for his benefit, this is creating a new part designed or altered for
separate use, and under regulation 29 a new energy performance certificate is required for that part
of the physical building covered by the fit-out.

Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings other than

those with low energy demand
2.36 Special considerations may apply in such cases, e.g. where a CO2 target is established through other
regulatory frameworks such as the Carbon Reduction Commitment, or where it is impractical for
the generic National Calculation Methodology to adequately account for the particular industrial
processes or agricultural use without leading to the possibility of negative impacts on costeffectiveness and/or increased technical risk. In such cases, reasonable provision would be to provide
fixed building services that satisfy the standards set out in Approved Document L2B.

Criterion 2 Limits on design flexibility

2.37 While the approach to complying with Criterion 1 allows design flexibility, paragraph L1(a)(i) of
Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations requires that reasonable provision be made to limit heat gains
and losses through the fabric of the building, and paragraphs L1(b)(i) and (ii) require that energyefficient fixed building services with effective controls be provided.
2.38 One way of showing that the Part L requirement is satisfied is to demonstrate that the fabric
elements and the fixed building services all meet minimum energy efficiency standards as specified
in the following paragraphs.

NOTE: In order to satisfy the TER, the building specification needs to be considerably better than the
stated limiting values in many aspects of the design. Table 5 provides a summary specification of the
notional building and is a better indication of the standards required to meet the TER.

Limiting fabric standards

2.39 Table 3 sets out the limiting standards for the properties of the fabric elements of the building. The
stated value represents the area-weighted average value for all elements of that type. In general,
achievement of the TER is likely to need better fabric performance than set out in Table 3.
2.40 U-values should be calculated using the methods and conventions set out in BR 443 Conventions
for U-value calculations, and should be based on the whole unit (e.g. in the case of a window, the
combined performance of the glazing and the frame).

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The U-value of glazing can be calculated for:

a. the smaller of the two standard windows defined in BS EN 14351-1; or
b. the standard window configuration set out in BR 443; or
c. the specific size and configuration of the actual window.

The U-value of the door can be calculated for:

a. the standard size as laid out in BS EN 14351-1; or
b. the specific size and configuration of the actual door.

NOTE: For domestic-type construction, SAP 2012 Table 6e gives values for different configurations
that can be used in the absence of test data or calculated values.

2.41 The U-values for roof windows and roof-lights given in this approved document are based on
the U-value having been assessed with the roof window or roof-light in the vertical position. If
a particular unit has been assessed in a plane other than the vertical, the standards given in this
approved document should be modified by making an adjustment that is dependent on the slope of
the unit, following the guidance given in BR 443.
Table 3 Limiting fabric parameters
Roof

0.25 W/(m2.K)

Wall

0.35 W/(m2.K)

Floor

0.25 W/(m2.K)

Swimming pool basin1

0.25 W/(m2.K)

Windows, roof windows, roof-lights2, curtain walling and pedestrian doors3,4

2.2 W/(m2.K)

Vehicle access and similar large doors

1.5 W/(m2.K)

High-usage entrance doors

3.5 W/(m2.K)

Roof ventilators (inc. smoke vents)

3.5 W/(m2.K)

Air permeability

10.0 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa

Notes:
1. Where a swimming pool is constructed as part of a new building, reasonable provision should be made to
limit heat loss from the pool basin by achieving a U-value no worse than 0.25 W/(m2.K) as calculated according to
BS EN ISO 13370.
2. For the purposes of checking compliance with the limiting fabric values for roof-lights, the true U-value based on
aperture area can be converted to the U-value based on the developed area of the roof-light. Further guidance on
evaluating the U-value of out-of-plane roof-lights is given in Assessment of thermal performance of out-of-plane
rooflights, NARM Technical Document NTD 2 (2010).
3. Excluding display windows and similar glazing. There is no limit on design flexibility for these exclusions but their
impact on CO2 emissions must be taken into account in calculations.
4. In buildings with high internal heat gains, a less demanding area-weighted average U-value for the glazing may be
an appropriate way of reducing overall CO2 emissions and hence the BER. If this case can be made, then the
average U-value for windows can be relaxed from the values given above. However, values should be no worse
than 2.7 W/(m2.K).

NOTE: Approved Document C gives limiting values for individual elements to minimise the risk of
condensation.

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Limiting services efficiencies

2.42 This section sets out the design limits for fixed building services to meet the requirements of Part L1(b).
Controls
2.43 Systems should be provided with appropriate controls to enable the achievement of reasonable
standards of energy efficiency in use. In normal circumstances, the following features would be
appropriate for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system controls:
a. The systems should be subdivided into separate control zones to correspond to each area of the
building that has a significantly different solar exposure, or pattern or type of use; and
b. Each separate control zone should be capable of independent timing and temperature control
and, where appropriate, ventilation and air recirculation rate; and
c. The provision of the service should respond to the requirements of the space it serves. If both
heating and cooling are provided, they should be controlled so as not to operate simultaneously;
and
d. Central plant should operate only as and when the zone systems require it. The default
condition should be off.
2.44 In addition to these general control provisions, the systems should meet specific control and
efficiency standards as set out in the paragraphs below.
System efficiencies
2.45 Each fixed building service should be at least as efficient as the minimum acceptable value for the
particular type of service as set out in the Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide. If the
type of service is not covered by the Guide, then reasonable provision is to demonstrate that the
proposed service is not less efficient than a comparable service that is covered by the Guide.

NOTE: To not inhibit innovation.

2.46 The efficiency claimed for the fixed building service should be based on the appropriate test standard
set out in the Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance Guide and the test data should be certified
by a notified body. It is reasonable for BCBs to accept such data at face value. In the absence of qualityassured data, the BCB should satisfy itself that the claimed performance is justified.
Energy meters
2.47 Reasonable provision for energy meters would be to install energy metering systems that enable:
a. at least 90 per cent of the estimated annual energy consumption of each fuel to be assigned
to the various end-use categories (heating, lighting etc.). Detailed guidance on how this can be
achieved is given in CIBSE TM 39 Building Energy Metering; and
b. the output of any renewable system to be separately monitored; and
c. in buildings with a total useful floor area greater than 1000 m2, automatic meter reading and data
collection facilities.
2.48 The metering provisions should be designed such as to facilitate the benchmarking of energy
performance as set out in CIBSE TM 46 Energy Benchmarks.

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Centralised switching of appliances

2.49 Consideration should be given to the provision of centralised switches to allow the facilities
manager to switch off appliances when they are not needed (e.g. overnight and at weekends).
Where appropriate, these should be automated (with manual override) so that energy savings
are maximised.

NOTE: A centralised switch would be more reliable than depending on each individual occupant to
switch off their (e.g.) computer.

Criterion 3 Limiting the effects of heat gains in summer

2.50 This section sets out the approach to limiting heat gains as required by paragraph L1(a)(i) of Schedule
1 to the Building Regulations.

Limiting the effects of solar gains in summer

2.51 The following guidance applies to all buildings, irrespective of whether they are air-conditioned or
not. The intention is to limit solar gains during the summer period to either:
a. reduce the need for air-conditioning; or
b. reduce the installed capacity of any air-conditioning system that is installed.
2.52 If the criterion set out below is satisfied in the context of a naturally ventilated building, this is NOT
evidence that the internal environment of the building will be satisfactory, since many factors that
are not covered by the compliance assessment procedure will have a bearing on the incidence of
overheating (incidental gains, thermal capacity, ventilation provisions etc.).

NOTE: Therefore the developer should work with the design team to specify what constitutes
an acceptable indoor environment in the particular case, and carry out the necessary design
assessments to develop solutions that meet the agreed brief. Some ways of assessing overheating
risk are given in CIBSE TM 37 Design for improved solar shading control and, for education buildings,
in Building Bulletin 101 Ventilation of school buildings.

2.53 For the purposes of Part L, reasonable provision for limiting solar gain through the building fabric
would be demonstrated by showing that, for each space in the building that is either occupied or
mechanically cooled, the solar gains through the glazing aggregated over the period from April to
September inclusive are no greater than would occur through one of the following reference glazing
systems with a defined total solar energy transmittance (g-value) calculated according to BS EN 410:
a. For every space that is defined in the National Calculation Methodology (NCM) database as
being side lit, the reference case is an east-facing faade with full-width glazing to a height of
1.0 m having a framing factor of 10 per cent and a normal solar energy transmittance (g-value)
of 0.68.
b. For every space that is defined in the NCM database as being top lit, and whose average zone
height is not greater than 6 m, the reference case is a horizontal roof of the same total area that
is 10 per cent glazed as viewed from the inside out and having roof-lights that have a framing
factor of 25per cent and a normal solar energy transmittance (g-value) of 0.68.
c. For every space that is defined in the NCM database as being top lit and whose average zone
height is greater than 6 m, the reference case is a horizontal roof of the same total area that is
20 per cent glazed as viewed from the inside out and having roof-lights that have a framing
factor of 15 per cent and a normal solar energy transmittance (g-value) of 0.46;

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NOTE: In double-height industrial-type spaces, dirt on the roof-lights and internal absorption within
the roof-light reduce solar gains. These effects, combined with temperature stratification, will reduce
the impact of solar gains in the occupied space and so increased roof-light area may be justified. In
such situations, the developer should pay particular attention to the design assessments referred to
in paragraph 2.53b.
d. For the purpose of this specific guidance, an occupied space means a space that is intended
to be occupied by the same person for a substantial part of the day. This excludes circulation
spaces and other areas of transient occupancy, such as toilets, as well as spaces that are not
intended for occupation (e.g. display windows).

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Section 3: Quality of construction and

commissioning
Criterion 4 Building performance consistent with the BER
3.1 Buildings should be constructed and equipped so that performance is consistent with the calculated
BER. As indicated in paragraph 2.15, a calculation of the BER is required to be submitted to the BCB
after completion to take account of:
a. any changes in performance between design and construction; and
b. the achieved air permeability, ductwork leakage and commissioned fan performance.

NOTE: The following paragraphs in this section set out what in normal circumstances would be
reasonable provision to ensure that the actual performance of the building is consistent with the
BER. The results referred to in paragraph 2.14 would assist the BCB in checking that the key features
of the design are included as specified during the construction process.

Building fabric
3.2 The building fabric should be constructed to a reasonable quality so that:
a. the insulation is reasonably continuous over the whole building envelope; and
b. the air permeability is within reasonable limits.
Continuity of insulation
3.3 The building fabric should be constructed so that there are no reasonably avoidable thermal bridges
in the insulation layers caused by gaps within the various elements, at the joints between elements
and at the edges of elements such as those around window and door openings.
3.4 Reductions in thermal performance can occur where the air barrier and the insulation layer are not
contiguous and the cavity between them is subject to air movement. To avoid this problem, either:
a. the insulation layer should be contiguous with the air barrier at all points in the building
envelope; or
b. the space between the insulation layer and air barrier should be filled with solid material such as
in a masonry wall.
3.5 Where linear thermal transmittances and temperature factors are calculated in support of the
approaches set out in paragraph 3.7a, follow the guidance set out in BRE Report BR 497 Conventions
for calculating linear thermal transmittance and temperature factors. Reasonable provision is to
demonstrate that the specified details achieve a temperature factor that is no worse than the
performance set out in BRE Information Paper IP 1/06 Assessing the effects of thermal bridging at
junctions and around openings in the external elements of buildings.
3.6 Similarly, in support of the approaches set out in paragraph 3.7a, the builder would have to
demonstrate that an appropriate system of site inspection is in place to give confidence that the
construction procedures achieve the required standards of consistency.

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3.7 Ways of demonstrating that reasonable provision has been made are:
a. To use construction joint details that have been calculated by a person with suitable expertise
and experience following the guidance set out in BR 497 and following a process flow sequence
that has been provided to the BCB indicating the way in which the detail should be constructed.
The calculated value can then be used in the BER calculation.
NOTE: Evidence of suitable expertise and experience for calculating linear thermal transmittance
would be to demonstrate that the person has been trained in the software used to carry out the
calculation, has applied that model to the example calculations set out in BR 497 and has achieved
results that are within the stated tolerances.
b. To use construction joints with no specific quantification of the thermal bridge values. In such
cases, the generic linear thermal bridge values as given in IP 1/06 increased by 0.04 W/(m.K) or
50 per cent, whichever is greater, must be used in the BER calculation.

Air permeability and pressure testing

3.8 In order to demonstrate that an acceptable air permeability has been achieved, regulation 43 states:
Pressure testing
43. (1) This regulation applies to the erection of a building in relation to which paragraph L1(a)(i) of Schedule 1
imposes a requirement.
(2)  Where this regulation applies, the person carrying out the work shall, for the purpose of ensuring compliance
with regulation 26 and paragraph L1(a)(i) of Schedule 1:
(a) ensure that:
(i) pressure testing is carried out in such circumstances as are approved by the Secretary of State; and
(ii) the testing is carried out in accordance with a procedure approved by the Secretary of State; and
(b) subject to paragraph (5), give notice of the results of the testing to the local authority.
(3) The notice referred to in paragraph (2)(b) shall:
(a) record the results and the data upon which they are based in a manner approved by the Secretary of State;
and
(b) be given to the local authority not later than seven days after the final test is carried out.
(4)  A local authority is authorised to accept, as evidence that the requirements of paragraph (2)(a)(ii) have been
satisfied, a certificate to that effect by a person who is registered by the British Institute of Non-destructive
Testing or the Air Tightness and Testing and Measuring Association in respect of pressure testing for the air
tightness of buildings.
(5) Where such a certificate contains the information required by paragraph (3)(a), paragraph (2)(b) does not apply.

NOTE: Where the BCB is an approved inspector see regulation 20 of the Building (Approved Inspectors
etc.) Regulations 2010 (as amended).
3.9 The approved procedure for pressure testing is given in the Air Tightness Testing and Measurement
Association (ATTMA) publication Measuring air permeability of building envelopes and, specifically, the
method that tests the envelope area. The preferred test method is that trickle ventilators should
be temporarily sealed rather than just closed. BCBs should be provided with evidence that test
equipment has been calibrated within the previous 12 months using a UKAS-accredited facility. The
manner approved for recording the results and the data on which they are based is given in Section
4 of that document.
3.10 BCBs are authorised to accept, as evidence of compliance, a certificate offered under regulation
43(4). It should be confirmed to the BCB that the person has received appropriate training and is
registered to test the specific class of building concerned. See http://www.bindt.org/att_list/

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3.11 The approved circumstances under which the Secretary of State requires pressure testing to be
carried out are set out in paragraphs 3.12 to 3.14.
3.12 All buildings that are not dwellings (including extensions which are being treated as new buildings
for the purposes of complying with Part L) must be subject to pressure testing, with the following
exceptions:
a. Buildings less than 500 m2 total useful floor area; in this case the developer may choose to avoid
the need for a pressure test provided that the air permeability used in the calculation of the BER is
taken as 15 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa.

NOTE: Compensating improvements in other elements of the building fabric and building services
will be needed to keep the BER no worse than the TER.
b. A factory-made modular building of less than 500 m2 floor area, with a planned service life of
more than two years at more than one location, and where no site assembly work is needed
other than making linkages between standard modules using standard link details. Compliance
with regulation 43 can be demonstrated by giving a notice to the local authority confirming
that the building as installed conforms to one of the standard configurations of modules
and link details for which the installer has pressure test data from a minimum of five in-situ
measurements incorporating the same module types and link details as utilised in the actual
building. The results must indicate that the average test result is better then the design air
permeability as specified in the BER calculation by not less than 1.0 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa.
c. Large extensions (whose compliance with Part L is being assessed as if they were new buildings
see Approved Document L2B) where sealing off the extension from the existing building is
impractical. The ATTMA publication gives guidance both on how extensions can be tested and
on situations where pressure tests are inappropriate. Where it is agreed with the BCB that testing
is impractical, the extension should be treated as a large, complex building, with the guidance in
paragraph 3.12d applying.

d. Large complex buildings, where due to building size or complexity it may be impractical to
carry out pressure testing of the whole building. The ATTMA publication indicates those
situations where such considerations might apply. Before adopting this approach developers
must produce in advance of construction work in accordance with the approved procedure
a detailed justification of why pressure testing is impractical. This should be endorsed by a
suitably qualified person such as a competent person approved for pressure testing. In such cases,
a way of showing compliance would be to appoint a suitably qualified person to undertake a
detailed programme of design development, component testing and site supervision to give
confidence that a continuous air barrier will be achieved. It would not be reasonable to claim air
permeability better than 5.0 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa has been achieved.
NOTE: One example of a suitably qualified person would be an ATTMA member. The 5.0 m3/(h.m2)
at 50 Pa limit has been set because at better standards the actual level of performance becomes too
vulnerable to single point defects in the air barrier.
e. Compartmentalised buildings. Where buildings are compartmentalised into self-contained units
with no internal connections it may be impractical to carry out whole building pressure tests. In
such cases reasonable provision would be to carry out a pressure test on a representative area
of the building as detailed in the ATTMA guidance. In the event of a test failure, the provisions
of paragraphs 3.13 and 3.14 would apply, but it would be reasonable to carry out a further test on
another representative area to confirm that the expected standard is achieved in all parts of the
building.

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3.13 Compliance with the requirement in paragraph L1(a)(i) of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations
would be demonstrated if:
a. the measured air permeability is not worse than the limiting value of 10 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa; and
b. the BER calculated using the measured air permeability is not worse than the TER.

NOTE: If it proves impractical to meet the design air permeability, any shortfall must be compensated
through improvements to subsequent fit-out activities. Builders may therefore wish to schedule pressure
tests early enough to facilitate remedial work on the building fabric, e.g. before false ceilings are up.

Consequences of failing a pressure test

3.14 If satisfactory performance is not achieved, then remedial measures should be carried out on the
building and new tests carried out until the building achieves the criteria set out in paragraph 3.13.

NOTE: If the measured air permeability on retest is greater than the design air permeability but less
than the limiting value of 10 m3/(h.m2) then other improvements may be required to achieve the TER.
This means that builders would be unwise to claim a design air permeability better than 10 m3/(h.m2)
unless they are confident of achieving the improved value.

Commissioning of the building services systems

3.15 Paragraph L1(b)(iii) of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations requires fixed building services to be
commissioned by testing and adjusting them as necessary to ensure that they use no more fuel and
power than is reasonable in the circumstances. In order to demonstrate that the heating and hot
water systems have been adequately commissioned, regulation 44 states:
Commissioning
44. (1) This regulation applies to building work in relation to which paragraph F1(2) of Schedule 1 imposes a
requirement, but does not apply to the provision or extension of any fixed system for mechanical ventilation or
any associated controls where testing and adjustment is not possible.
(2)

This regulation applies to building work in relation to which paragraph L1(b) of Schedule 1 imposes a requirement,
but does not apply to the provision or extension of any fixed building service where testing and adjustment is
not possible or would not affect the energy efficiency of that fixed building service.

(3)

Where this regulation applies the person carrying out the work shall, for the purpose of ensuring compliance
with paragraph F1(2) or L1(b) of Schedule 1, give to the local authority a notice confirming that the fixed building
services have been commissioned in accordance with a procedure approved by the Secretary of State.

(4)

The notice shall be given to the local authority

(a) not later than the date on which the notice required by regulation 16(4) is required to be given; or
(b) where that regulation does not apply, not more than 30 days after completion of the work.

NOTE: Where the BCB is an approved inspector see regulation 20 of the Building (Approved Inspectors
etc.) Regulations 2010 (as amended).
3.16 It would be useful to prepare a commissioning plan, identifying the systems that need to be tested
and the tests that will be carried out and provide this with the design-stage TER/BER calculation so
that the BCB can check that the commissioning is being done as the work proceeds.

NOTE: The use of the templates in the Model Commissioning Plan (BSRIA BG 8/2009) is a way of
documenting the process in an appropriate way.

3.17 Not all fixed building services will need to be commissioned. With some systems it is not possible as
the only controls are on and off switches. Examples of this would be some mechanical ventilation
systems or single fixed electrical heaters. In other cases commissioning would be possible but in the

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specific circumstances would have no effect on energy use.

3.18 Where commissioning is carried out it should be done in accordance with procedures approved by
the Secretary of State comprising:
a. the CIBSE Commissioning Code M: Commissioning management; and

NOTE: This provides guidance on the overall process and includes a schedule of all the relevant
guidance documents relating to the commissioning of specific building services systems.
b. the procedures for air leakage testing of ductwork given in paragraphs 3.26 and 3.27.

3.19 Commissioning must be carried out in such a way as not to prejudice compliance with any
applicable health and safety requirements.
3.20 Commissioning is often carried out by the person who installs the system. Sometimes it may be
carried out by a subcontractor or even by a specialist firm. It is important that whoever carries it out
follows the relevant approved procedure.
Notice of completion
3.21 The Building Regulations (regulation 44(3)) and the Building (Approved Inspectors etc) Regulations
(regulation 20(6)) require that a notice be given to the relevant BCB that commissioning has been
carried out according to a procedure approved by the Secretary of State.
3.22 The notice should include a declaration confirming that:
a. a commissioning plan has been followed so that every system has been inspected and
commissioned in an appropriate sequence and to a reasonable standard; and
b. the results of tests confirm that the performance is reasonably in accordance with the actual
building design, including written commentaries where excursions are proposed to be accepted.

NOTE: It would be helpful to BCBs if such declarations were to be signed by someone suitably qualified
by relevant training and experience. A way of achieving this would be to employ a member of the
Commissioning Specialists Association or the Commissioning Group of the Buildingand Engineering
Services Association (B&ES) in respect of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, or a
member of the Lighting Industry Commissioning Scheme in respect of fixed internal or external lighting.
The use of the templates in the Model Commissioning Plan is a way of documenting the process in an
appropriate way.

3.23 Where a building notice or full plans have been given to a local authority, the notice should be given
within five days of the completion of the commissioning work; in other cases, for example where work
is carried out by a person registered with a competent person scheme, it must be given within 30 days.
3.24 Where an approved inspector is the BCB, the notice should generally be given within five days of
the completion of the building work. However, where the work is carried out by a person registered
with a competent person scheme the notice must be given within 30 days. Where the installation
of fixed building services which require commissioning is carried out by a person registered with a
competent person scheme the notice of commissioning will be given by that person.
3.25 Until the BCB receives the commissioning notice it may not be able to be reasonably satisfied that
Part L has been complied with and consequently is unlikely to be able to give a completion/final
certificate.
NOTE: Energy efficiency in practice can often be enhanced by a sustained period of fine tuning
to ensure the systems are operating as intended and controls are configured to the needs of the
occupier. The Soft Landings initiative is an example of an appropriate fine tuning process (see

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https://www.bsria.co.uk/services/design/soft-landings/).

Air leakage testing of ductwork

3.26 Ductwork leakage testing should be carried out where required by and in accordance with the
procedures set out in B&ES DW/143 and B&ES DW/144 on systems served by fans with a design flow
rate greater than 1 m3/s.
NOTE: DW/143 does not call for any testing of low-pressure (class A) ductwork. However, where
at least 10 per cent of low-pressure ductwork is tested at random and achieves the low-pressure
standard as defined by DW/143 the National Calculation Methodology recognises an improvement
in the BER. A decision to test low-pressure ductwork should be made at the initial design phase prior
to commencement on site.

Membership of the B&ES specialist ductwork group or the Association of Ductwork Contractors and
Allied Services (ADCAS) could be a way of demonstrating suitable qualifications for this testing work.
Table 4 Ductwork pressure classes
Duct pressure class

Design static pressure (Pa)

Maximum air
velocity (m/s)

Air leakage limit

(l/(s.m2) of duct
surface area)1

Maximum positive

Maximum negative

Low pressure (class A)

500

500

10

0.027 p0.65

Medium pressure (class B)

1000

750

20

0.009 p0.65

High pressure (class C)

2000

750

40

0.003 p0.65

High pressure (class D)

2000

750

40

0.001 p0.65

Note 1: where p is the differential pressure in pascals

3.27 If a ductwork system fails to meet the leakage standard, remedial work should be carried out as
necessary to achieve satisfactory performance in retests and further ductwork sections should be
tested as set out in DW/143.

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Section 4: Providing information

Criterion 5 Provisions for energy-efficient operation of
the building
4.1 In accordance with regulation 40, the owner of the building should be provided with sufficient
information about the building, the fixed building services and their maintenance requirements
so that the building can be operated in such a manner as to use no more fuel and power than is
reasonable in the circumstances.
Information about use of fuel and power
40. (1) This regulation applies where paragraph L1 of Schedule 1 imposes a requirement relating to building work.
(2) The person carrying out the building work shall not later than five days after the work has been completed
provide to the owner sufficient information about the building, the fixed building services and their maintenance
requirements so that the building can be operated in such a manner as to use no more fuel and power than is
reasonable in the circumstances.

Building log book

4.2 A way of showing compliance with regulation 40 would be to produce information following the
guidance in CIBSE TM 31 Building log book toolkit. The information should be presented in templates
as or similar to those in TM 31. The information could draw on or refer to information available as
part of other documentation, such as the Operation and Maintenance Manuals and the Health and
Safety file required by the Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations.
NOTE: Further advice is provided in BSRIA BG 26/2011 Building manuals and building user guides.
4.3 The data used to calculate the TER and the BER should be included with the log book. The occupier
should also be provided with the recommendations report generated with the on-construction
energy performance certificate. This will inform the occupier how the energy performance of the
building might be further improved.

NOTE: It would also be sensible to retain an electronic copy of the TER/BER input file for the energy
calculation to facilitate any future analysis that may be required by the owner when altering or
improving the building.

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Section 5: Model designs

5.1 The TER is based on a building of the same size and shape as the actual building, constructed to a
concurrent specification. If the actual building is constructed entirely to this specification it will
meet the TER and therefore pass Criterion 1. Table 5 provides a summary of the concurrent notional
building specifications for each category of building. More detailed information can be found in the
NCM modelling guide.
5.2 It should be noted, however, that the concurrent notional building specifications are not
prescriptive and may not be the most economic specification in every case. Designers are free
to explore the most economic specification to meet the TER in each case, provided that this
specification meets all other provisions within this approved document, in particular the limiting
fabric parameters in Table 3.
5.3 Some builders may prefer to adopt model design packages rather than to engage in design for
themselves. Such model packages of fabric U-values, boiler seasonal efficiencies, window opening
allowances etc. should, if suitably robust, help the builder achieve compliance. The construction
industry may develop model designs for this purpose and make them available on the Internet at:
www.modeldesigns.info
5.4 It will still be necessary to demonstrate compliance in the particular case by going through the
procedures described in paragraphs 2.7 to 2.15.

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Table 5 Summary of concurrent notional building specification

Element

Side lit or unlit

(where HVAC
specification is
heating only)

Side lit or unlit

(where HVAC
specification
includes cooling)

Top lit

Roof U-value (W/(m2.K))

0.18

0.18

0.18

Wall U-value (W/(m2.K))

0.26

0.26

0.26

Floor U-value (W/(m2.K))

0.22

0.22

0.22

1.6 (10% FF)

1.6 (10% FF)

N/A

G-value (%)

40

40

N/A

Light transmittance (%)

71

71

N/A

Roof-light U-value (W/(m2.K))

N/A

N/A

1.8 (15% FF)

G-value (%)

N/A

N/A

55

Light transmittance (%)

N/A

N/A

60

Air permeability (m3/(m2.hour))

Gross internal area less than or equal to 250 m2

Air permeability (m3/(m2.hour))

Gross internal area greater than 250 m2 and less
than 3500 m2

Air permeability (m3/(m2.hour))

Gross internal area greater than or equal to
3500 m2 and less than 10,000 m2

Air permeability (m3/(m2.hour))

Gross internal area greater than or equal to 10,000 m2

Lighting luminaire (lm/circuit watt)

60

60

60

Occupancy control (Yes/No)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Daylight control (Yes/No)

Yes

Yes

Yes

Maintenance factor

0.8

0.8

0.8

Constant illuminance control

No

No

No

Heating efficiency (heating and hot water) (%)

91

91

91

Central ventilation SFP (W/(l.s))

1.8

1.8

1.8

Terminal unit SFP (W/(l.s))

0.3

0.3

0.3

Cooling (air-conditioned) (SEER/SSEER)

N/A

4.5 / 3.6

4.5 / 3.6

Cooling (mixed mode) (SSEER)1

N/A

2.7

2.7

70

70

70

Variable speed control of fans and pumps,

controlled via multiple sensors

Yes

Yes

Yes

Demand control (mechanical ventilation only).

Variable speed control of fans via CO2 sensors

Yes

Yes

Yes

Window U-value (W/(m2.K))

Heat recovery efficiency (%)

Note 1: Mixed mode assumed to be cooled by DX unit where SSEER includes indoor and outdoor units and fans,
pumps and losses

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Appendix A: Key terms and abbreviations

Key terms

The following are key terms used in this document:

Air permeability is the physical property used to measure airtightness of the building fabric. It is
defined as air leakage rate per hour per square metre of envelope area at the test reference pressure
differential of 50 pascals (50 N/m2). The envelope area, or measured part of the building, is the total
area of all floors, walls and ceilings bordering the internal volume that is the subject of the pressure
test. This includes walls and floors below external ground level. Overall internal dimensions are
used to calculate this envelope area and no subtractions are made for the area of the junctions of
internal walls, floors and ceilings with exterior walls, floors and ceilings.

The limiting air permeability is the worst allowable air permeability.

The design air permeability is the target value set at the design stage, and must always be no worse
than the limiting value.

The assessed air permeability is the value used in establishing the BER, and is based on a specific
measurement of the building concerned.

BCB means building control body: a local authority or an approved inspector.

BER is the Building CO2 Emission Rate expressed as kgCO2/(m2.year).

Commissioning means the advancement of a fixed building service following installation,

replacement or alteration of the whole or part of the system, from the state of static completion
to working order by testing and adjusting as necessary to ensure that the system as a whole uses
no more fuel and power than is reasonable in the circumstances, without prejudice to the need to
comply with health and safety requirements. For each system commissioning includes setting-towork, regulation (that is testing and adjusting repetitively) to achieve the specified performance, the
calibration, setting up and testing of the associated automatic control systems, and recording of the
system settings and the performance test results that have been accepted as satisfactory.
Controlled service or fitting means a service or fitting in relation to which Part G (sanitation, hot water safety and
water efficiency), H (drainage and waste disposal), J (combustion appliances and fuel storage systems), L (conservation
of fuel and power) or P (electrical safety) of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations imposes a requirement.

Display window means an area of glazing, including glazed doors, intended for the display of
products or services on offer within the building, positioned:
a. at the external perimeter of the building; and
b. at an access level; and
c. immediately adjacent to a pedestrian thoroughfare.

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There should be no permanent workspace within one glazing height of the perimeter. Glazing more
than 3 m above such an access level should not be considered part of a display window except:
a. where the products on display require a greater height of glazing;
b. in cases where building work involving changes to the faade and glazing requiring planning
consent, where planners require a greater height of glazing, e.g. to fit with surrounding buildings
or to match the character of the existing faade.
It is expected that display windows will be found in planning Use Classes A1, A2, A3 and D2 as
detailed in the table below.
Planning Use Classes
Class

Use

A1

Shops: including retail-warehouse, undertakers, showrooms, post offices, hairdressers, shops for sale
of cold food for consumption off premises

A2

Financial and professional services: banks, building societies, estate and employment agencies,
betting offices

A3

Food and drink: restaurants, pubs, wine bars, shops for sale of hot food for consumption off
premises

D2

Assembly and leisure: cinemas, concert halls, bingo halls, casinos, sports and leisure uses

Display lighting means lighting intended to highlight displays of exhibits or merchandise, or lighting
used in spaces for public leisure and entertainment such as dance halls, auditoria, conference halls,
restaurants and cinemas.
Dwelling includes a dwelling-house and a flat and means a self-contained unit designed to
accommodate a single household. Buildings exclusively containing rooms for residential purposes
such as nursing homes, student accommodation and similar are not dwellings, and in such cases, this
Approved Document L2A applies.
Emergency escape lighting means that part of emergency lighting that provides illumination for
the safety of people leaving an area or attempting to terminate a dangerous process before leaving
an area.
Energy efficiency requirements means the requirements of regulations 23, 25A, 25B, 26, 26A, 28, 29 and 40 of, and
Part L of Schedule 1 to, the Building Regulations.

NOTE: In respect of new buildings other than dwellings, the applicable requirements are those of
Part L and regulations 25A and 26.
Energy performance certificate means a certificate which complies with regulation 29 of these regulations.

Fit-out work means that work needed to complete the partitioning and building services within
the external fabric of the building (the shell) to meet the specific needs of incoming occupiers.
Fit-out work can be carried out in whole or in parts:
a. in the same project and time frame as the construction of the building shell; or
b. at some time after the shell has been completed.

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Fixed building services means any part of, or any controls associated with
(a) fixed internal or external lighting systems (but not including emergency escape lighting or specialist process
lighting);
(b) fixed systems for heating, hot water, air conditioning or mechanical ventilation; or
(c) any combination of systems of the kinds referred to in paragraph (a) or (b).

High-usage entrance door means a door to an entrance primarily for the use of people that is
expected to experience large volumes of traffic, and where robustness and/or powered operation
is the main performance requirement. To qualify as a high-usage entrance door, the door should
be equipped with automatic closers and, except where operational requirements preclude it, be
protected by a lobby.
Room for residential purposes means a room, or a suite of rooms, which is not a dwelling-house or a flat and which
is used by one or more persons to live and sleep and includes a room in a hostel, an hotel, a boarding house, a hall of
residence or a residential home, but does not include a room in a hospital, or other similar establishment, used for
patient accommodation.

Specialist process lighting means lighting intended to illuminate specialist tasks within a space,
rather than the space itself. It could include theatre spotlights, projection equipment, lighting in TV
and photographic studios, medical lighting in operating theatres and doctors and dentists surgeries,
illuminated signs, coloured or stroboscopic lighting, and art objects with integral lighting such as
sculptures, decorative fountains and chandeliers.
TER is the Target CO2 Emission Rate expressed as kgCO2/(m2.year).
Total useful floor area is the total area of all enclosed spaces measured to the internal face of the
external walls. In this convention:
a. the area of sloping surfaces such as staircases, galleries, raked auditoria and tiered terraces should
be taken as their area on plan; and
b. areas that are not enclosed such as open floors, covered ways and balconies are excluded.
NOTE: This area is the gross floor area as measured in accordance with the guidance issued to surveyors
by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Abbreviations

30

CO2:
BRUKL:
UKAS:
HVAC:
LZC:
SFP:
SEER:
SSEER:
FF:
DX:

carbon dioxide
Building Regulations UK Part L
The United Kingdom Accreditation Service
heating, ventilation and air-conditioning
low and zero carbon
specific fan power
seasonal energy efficiency ratio
seasonal system energy efficiency ratio
frame factor
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Appendix B: Types of work covered by this

approved document
1.

This approved document gives guidance on what, in ordinary circumstances, may be considered
reasonable provision to comply with the requirements of regulations 26 and 40 of, and Part L of
Schedule 1 to, the Building Regulations in relation to works comprising:
a. The construction of new buildings other than dwellings.
b. Fit-out work where the work is either part of the construction of a new building, or is the first
fit-out of a shell and core development where the shell is sold or let before the fit-out work is
carried out. (Approved Document L2B applies to fit-out work in other circumstances.)
c. The construction of extensions to existing buildings that are not dwellings where the total
useful floor area of the extension is greater than 100 m2 and greater than 25per cent of the total
useful floor area of the existing building.

In addition, this approved document gives guidance on how to comply with regulations 25A, 27,
43 and 44 of the Building Regulations, and regulation 20 of the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.)
Regulations 2010 where an approved inspector is the BCB.

2. When a building that contains dwellings is being constructed, account should also be taken of the
guidance in Approved Document L1A. In most instances, use Approved Document L1A for guidance
relating to the work on the individual dwellings, and this Approved Document L2A for guidance
relating to the parts of the building that are not a dwelling, such as heated common areas and, in
the case of mixed-use developments, the commercial or retail space.
NOTE: Dwelling includes a dwelling-house and a flat and means self-contained units designed to
accommodate a single household. For new boarding houses, hostels and student accommodation
blocks that contain rooms for residential purposes this approved document applies.
3.

If a building contains both living accommodation and space to be used for commercial purposes
(e.g. as a workshop or office), the whole building should be treated as a dwelling as long as the
commercial part can revert to domestic use. This can be the case if, for example:
a. there is direct access between the industrial or commercial space and the living accommodation;
and
b. both are contained within the same thermal envelope; and
c. the living accommodation occupies a substantial proportion of the total area of the building.
NOTE: Sub-paragraph c means that, for example, the presence of a small flat for a manager in
a large non-domestic building does not result in the whole building being treated as a dwelling.
Similarly, if a room is used as an office or utility space within a dwelling that does not mean that the
building should not be treated as a dwelling.

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Appendix C: Buildings that are exempt from

the energy efficiency requirements
1.

New buildings other than dwellings which are roofed constructions having walls and which use
energy to condition the indoor climate must comply with the energy efficiency requirements unless
they are exempt as set out at regulation 21(3) of the Building Regulations. For the purposes of the
energy efficiency requirements of the Building Regulations a building means the whole of a building
or parts of it designed or altered to be used separately. The following classes of new buildings or
parts of new buildings other than dwellings are exempt:
a. buildings which are used primarily or solely as places of worship;
b. temporary buildings with a planned time of use of two years or less, industrial sites, workshops
and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand;
c. stand-alone buildings other than dwellings with a total useful floor area of less than 50 m2;
d. some conservatories and porches.

2. The following paragraphs give guidance on those exemptions that relate to new buildings that are
not dwellings.
a. Places of worship: For the purposes of the energy efficiency requirements, places of worship are
those buildings or parts of a building that are used for formal public worship, plus adjoining spaces
whose function is directly linked to that use (for example, a vestry in a church). Traditional, religious
or cultural constraints often make it impossible for buildings or parts of buildings that are used for
public worship to comply with the energy efficiency requirements. Parts of the building that are
designed to be used separately, such as offices, catering facilities, day centres, meeting halls and
accommodation, are not exempt from the energy efficiency requirements.
b. Temporary buildings: For the purpose of the energy efficiency requirements, a temporary building
with a planned time of use of two years or less is exempt. Portable or modular buildings,
whether on one or more sites, which have a planned service life longer than two years, are
not exempt.
c. Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings with low energy demand: In
relation to this category of exempt building, the low energy demand only relates to the energy used
by fixed heating or cooling systems, NOT to energy required for or created by process needs. The
following are examples of buildings in the above categories that have low energy demand:
i. buildings or parts of buildings where the space is not generally heated or cooled other than
by process heat;
ii. buildings or parts of buildings that only require heating or cooling for short periods each
year, such as during critical periods in the production cycle (e.g. plant germination, egg
hatching) or during very severe weather conditions.

Industrial sites, workshops and non-residential agricultural buildings are exempt only if they meet
the low energy demand criterion. In other cases, such buildings must comply with energy efficiency
requirements. Other buildings which have a low energy demand but do not fall into one of the above
categories are not exempt.

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Appendix D: Reporting evidence

of compliance
1.

To facilitate effective communication between the builder and BCB, it would be beneficial to
adopt a standardised format for presenting the evidence that demonstrates compliance with the
energy efficiency requirements. (Other than the CO2 target which is mandatory, the limiting values
for individual fabric elements and building services represent reasonable provision in normal
circumstances. In unusual circumstances, alternative limits may represent reasonable provision,
but this would have to be demonstrated in the particular case.)

2. Since the data in compliance software and the results they calculate can provide a substantial
proportion of the evidence in support of the compliance demonstration, compliance software
should produce this report as a standard output option.
3.

Two versions of the standardised report may be produced by the compliance software: the first
before commencement of works to include the TER/BER calculation plus supporting list of
specifications, and the second after completion to include the as-built TER/BER calculation plus
any changes to the list of specifications. The first design-stage report and accompanying list of
specifications can then be used by the BCB to assist checking that what has been designed is actually
built. A standardised report should enable the source of the evidence to be indicated, and allow the
credentials of those submitting the evidence to be declared.

4. An important part of demonstrating compliance is to make a clear connection between the product
specifications and the data inputs required by the compliance software (e.g. what is the wall
construction that delivers the claimed U-value?). Examples as to how compliance software might
provide this link are:
a. By giving each data input a reference code that can be mapped against a separate submission
by the builder/developer that details the specification corresponding to each unique reference
code in the data input.
b. By providing a free-text entry facility along with each input parameter that has a unique
reference code, thereby allowing the software to capture the specification of each item and so
include the full details in an integrated output report.
c. By including one or more utility programs that derive the data input from the specification, e.g.
a U-value calculator that conforms to BR 443 and that calculates the U-value based on the layer
thicknesses and conductivities, repeating thermal bridge effects etc. Outputs from such a utility
program could then automatically generate the type of integrated report described at subparagraph b.

It would also help the BCB if the software included a facility to compare the as designed and as
constructed data input files and automatically produce a schedule of changes.

5. The report should highlight any items whose specification is better than typically expected values.
The BCB is advised to give particular attention to such key features, as their appropriate installation
will be critical in achieving the TER.

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It is expected that low and zero carbon technologies will increasingly be employed for compliance,
particularly where the average performance of elements in the actual building is worse than the
concurrent specification. The report should highlight where these low and zero carbon technologies
have been used and the BCB is advised to give particular attention to their installation.
The BCB is advised to give particular attention to those aspects where the claimed specification
delivers an energy efficiency standard in advance of that defined in the following schedule.
Parameter
Wall U-value

0.23 W/(m2.K)

Roof U-value

0.15 W/(m2.K)

Floor U-value

0.20 W/(m2.K)

Window/door U-value

1.5 W/(m2.K)

Design air permeability

5.0 m3/(h.m2) at 50 Pa

Fixed building service efficiencymore than 15% better than that recommended for its type in the Non-Domestic
Building Services Compliance Guide.
Use of any low-carbon or renewable energy technology.

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Appendix E: Documents referred to

Air Tightness Testing and Measurement
Association (ATTMA)
www.attma.org
Technical Standard L2 Measuring air permeability
of building envelopes [2010].
Building and Engineering Services Association
(B&ES)
www.b-es.org
DW/143 A practical guide to Ductwork Leakage
Testing [2013].

Chartered Institution of Building Services

Engineers (CIBSE)
www.cibse.org
Commissioning Code M Commissioning
Management [2003].
ISBN 978 1 90328 733 0
TM 31 Building Log Book Toolkit [2006].
ISBN 978 1 90328 771 2

DW/144 Specification for Sheet Metal Ductwork [2013].

TM 37 Design for improved solar shading control

[2006].
ISBN 978 1 90328 757 6

BRE
www.bre.co.uk

TM 39 Building energy metering [2009].

ISBN 978 1 90684 611 4

BR 443 Conventions for U-value calculations

[2006]. (www.bre.co.uk/uvalues)

TM 46 Energy benchmarks [2008].

ISBN 978 1 90328 795 8

BRE Report BR 497 Conventions for calculating

linear thermal transmittance and temperature
factors [2007 and 2010 amendment and
conventions].
ISBN 978 1 86081 986 5

Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC)

www.decc.gov.uk
The Governments Standard Assessment Procedure
for energy rating of dwellings, SAP 2012. (Available
at www.bre.co.uk/sap2012)

Information Paper IP 1/06 Assessing the effects of

thermal bridging at junctions and around openings
in the external elements of buildings [2006].
ISBN 978 1 86081 904 9

Department for Communities and Local

Government
www.communities.gov.uk

National Calculation Methodology (NCM)

modelling guide (for buildings other than dwellings
in England) [2013]. (www.ncm.bre.co.uk)

Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance

Guide [2013].

Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) User

manual and software. (www.ncm.bre.co.uk)
BSRIA
www.bsria.co.uk
BG 8/2009 Model Commissioning Plan.
BG 26/2011 Building manuals and building user
guides.

National Planning Policy Framework [2012].

Notice of Approval of the methodology of

calculation of the energy performance of buildings
in England.
Department for Education (DfE)
www.education.gov.uk
Building Bulletin 101 Ventilation of School
Buildings, School Building and Design Unit [2006].
National Association of Rooflight Manufacturers
(NARM)
www.narm.org.uk
Technical Document NTD 2 Assessment of thermal
performance of out-of-plane rooflights [2010].

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Appendix F: Standards referred to

BS EN ISO 13370 Thermal performance of buildings.
Heat transfer via the ground. Calculation methods
[2007 incorporating corrigendum March 2009].
BS EN 410 Glass in building. Determination of
luminous and solar characteristics of glazing [2011].
BS EN 14351-1 Windows and doors. Product
standard, performance characteristics. Windows
and external pedestrian doorsets without
resistance to fire and/or smoke leakage
characteristics [2006 (+AMD 1:2010)].

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Index
A
Agricultural buildings 2.36, Appendix C
Air leakage testing (ductwork) 3.263.27
Air permeability
Definition Appendix A
Standards 3.12, 3.13, Table 5, Appendix D(5)
Testing 3.83.14
Approved Document L2A
Purpose i, 0.1, 1.1
Types of work covered Appendix B
Area-weighted U-value Table 3
Asset rating 2.1

B
BCB
See Building Control Body (BCB)
BER
See Building CO2 Emission Rate (BER)
Biomass heating 2.11
British Standards Appendix F
BS EN ISO 13370 Table 3
BS EN 410 2.53
BS EN 14351-1 2.40
Building CO2 Emission Rate (BER) 2.82.12
Calculation 2.132.15
Construction consistent with 3.13.14
Definition Appendix A
Building Control Body (BCB)
Definition Appendix A
Demonstrating compliance 1.31.8, Appendix D
Notice of completion of commissioning 3.21
3.25
Notification of work iv
Building extensions 3.12, Appendix B
Building fabric
Construction quality 3.23.7
Limits on design flexibility 2.372.38
U-values 2.402.41, Table 3

Building Regulations 2010

Building log book 4.24.3

Building Regulations iiiiv, 1.1, 1.2
Building services
See Fixed building services

C
Centralised switching 2.49
Change of energy status 2.27
CO2 emission rate
See Building CO2 Emission Rate (BER); Target CO2
Emission Rate (TER)
Combined heat and power (CHP) 2.12
Commissioning
Definition Appendix A
Fixed building services 3.153.25
Common areas Appendix B(2)
Community energy systems 2.19
Compartmentalised buildings 3.12
Compliance with requirements i, iv
Demonstrating 1.31.8
Certificate of compliance 2.15, 3.10
Condensation risk 2.41
Conservatories Appendix C(1)
Construction quality 3.13.14
Controlled fittings
See Doors; Windows
Controlled services
See Fixed building services
Control systems 2.16, Table 1
Centralised switching of appliances 2.49
Fixed building services 2.432.49, Appendix A
Curtain walling Table 3

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D
Design flexibility 1.5, 2.17, 2.372.38
Design standards 2.12.53
Display lighting
Definition Appendix A
Display windows Table 3, Appendix A
District heating 2.12, 2.18
Doors Table 3, Appendix D(5)
Dual fuel appliances 2.11
Ductwork
Air leakage testing 3.263.27, Table 4
Dwellings
Definition Appendix A
Mixed-use buildings Appendix B(2)

E
Emergency escape lighting
Definition Appendix A
Energy efficiency requirements iii, 1.1
Compliance with iv, 1.31.8, Appendix D
Definition Appendix A
Exemptions Appendix C
Energy meters 2.472.48
Energy performance
Benchmarking 2.48
Calculation 2.1
Minimum requirements 2.1, 2.2
See also Building CO2 Emission Rate (BER); Target
CO2 Emission Rate (TER)
Energy performance certificate 0.3, 1.4, 4.3
Energy status change 2.27
Exemptions Appendix C
Extensions 3.12, Appendix B(1)

F
Fabric
See Building fabric
Fit-out work 2.342.35, Appendix B(1)
Definition Appendix A
Fixed building services
Commissioning 3.153.25
Controls 2.432.44
Definition Appendix A
Design flexibility 2.372.38
Design limits 2.422.49

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System efficiencies 2.452.46

See also Heating and hot water systems
Floors Table 3, Appendix D(5)

G
Glazing
See Windows

H
Heating and hot water systems
Commissioning 3.153.25
Controls 2.43
Multiple systems 2.11
See also Fixed building services
High-efficiency alternative systems 2.182.20
High-usage entrance doors Table 3
Definition Appendix A

I
Industrial buildings
Exemptions Appendix C
Fixed building services 2.36
Solar control 2.53
Information provision 4.14.3
Institution (residential) buildings Appendix B(2)

L
Livework units Appendix B(3)
Low and zero carbon (LZC) technologies 2.17,
2.18, Appendix D(5)
Low energy demand 2.242.27, Appendix C(2)

M
Maintenance instructions 4.1, 4.2
Materials and workmanship iii
Minimum energy performance requirements 2.1,
2.2
Mixed-use buildings Appendix B(2)(3)
Model designs 5.15.4, Table 5
Modular buildings 2.23, 2.282.32, 3.12, Table 2
Multiple building units 3.12
Multiple heating systems 2.11

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N

Non-Domestic Building Services Compliance

Guide (DCLG, 2013) 2.25, 2.452.46,
Notice of Approval of the methodology of
calculation of the energy performance of
buildings in England (DCLG) 2.3
Practical guide to ductwork leakage testing
(B&ES DW/143, 2013) 3.26, 3.27
Specification for sheet metal ductwork (B&ES
DW/144, 2013) 3.26
Standard Assessment Procedure for energy
rating of dwellings (SAP 2012, DECC) 2.10, 2.40
Ventilation of school buildings (DfE BB101, 2006)
2.52

Notice of completion of commissioning 3.21

3.25
Notification of work iv
Notional building 2.6, 5.15.2, Table 5

O
Operating and maintenance instructions 4.1, 4.2
Operational controls 2.16, 2.21, 2.432.44, Table 1

P
Passive control measures 1.6, 2.502.53
Places of worship Appendix C(2)
Porches Appendix C(1)
Portable buildings 2.23, 2.282.32, Table 2
Power factor correction 2.16, Table 1
Pressure testing 3.83.14
Publications (excluding British Standards)
Appendix E
Assessing the effects of thermal bridging at
junctions and around openings in the external
elements of buildings (BRE IP 1/06, 2006) 3.5
Assessment of thermal performance of out-ofplane rooflights (NARM NTD 2, 2010) Table 3
Building energy metering (CIBSE TM 39, 2009)
2.47
Building log book toolkit (CIBSE TM 31, 2006) 4.2
Commissioning management (CIBSE
Commissioning Code M, 2003) 3.18
Conventions for calculating linear thermal
transmittance and temperature factors (BRE
BR 497, 2007/2010) 3.5, 3.7
Conventions for U-value calculations (BRE BR
443, 2006), 2.40, 2.41, Appendix D(4)
Design for improved solar shading control (CIBSE
TM 37, 2006) 2.52
Energy benchmarks (CIBSE TM 46, 2008) 2.48
Measuring air permeability of building envelopes
(ATTMA L2, 2010) 3.9
Model Commissioning Plan (BSRIA BG 8/2009)
3.16
National Calculation Methodology (NCM)
modelling guide (2013) 2.6, 2.12, 5.1
National Planning Policy Framework (DCLG, 2012)
2.17

Building Regulations 2010

L2A
K1

R
Renewable energy systems 2.17, 2.182.22, 2.47,
Appendix D(5)
Roof-lights 2.41, 2.53, Table 3
Roofs Table 3, Appendix D(5)
Roof ventilators Table 3
Roof windows 2.41, Table 3
Rooms for residential purposes Appendix B(2)
Definition Appendix A

S
Self-contained units 3.12
Shell and core developments 2.342.35,
Appendix B(1)
Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) 2.3
Smoke vents Table 3
Software 1.3, 2.32.6, Appendix D(2)(4)
Solar control 1.6, 2.502.53
Solar hot water systems 2.21
Specialist process lighting
Definition Appendix A
Standards Appendix F
See also British Standards
Swimming pools 2.33, Table 3

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T
Target CO2 Emission Rate (TER) 1.4, 2.22.6
Calculation 2.32.6
Definition Appendix A
Temporary buildings Appendix C(1)(2)
Thermal bridges
Construction quality 3.33.7
Thermal transmittance calculation 3.7
Thermal elements
See Building fabric
Total useful floor area Appendix B(1), Appendix C(1)
Definition Appendix A
Trade-offs 1.5
Trigeneration schemes 2.12

U
Unheated buildings 2.242.27
U-values 2.402.41, Table 3, Appendix D(5)

W
Walls Table 3, Appendix D(5)
Waste heat recovery 2.12
Windows
Solar control 2.53
U-values 2.40, Table 3, Appendix D(5)
Workshops 2.36, Appendix C(2)

Z
Zoned controls 2.43

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List of approved documents

The following documents have been published to give practical guidance on how to meet the
Building Regulations. You can find the date of the edition approved by the Secretary of State at
www.planningportal.gov.uk.
Approved Document A
Structure
Approved Document B: Volume 1
Fire safety Dwellinghouses
Approved Document B: Volume 2
Fire safety Buildings other than dwellinghouses
Approved Document C
Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture
Approved Document D
Toxic substances
Approved Document E
Resistance to the passage of sound
Approved Document F
Ventilation
Approved Document G
Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
Approved Document H
Drainage and waste disposal
Approved Document J
Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
Approved Document K
Protection from falling, collision and impact
Approved Document L1A
Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings
Approved Document L1B
Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings
Approved Document L2A
Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document L2B
Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings
Approved Document M
Access to and use of buildings
Approved Document P
Electrical safety Dwellings
Approved Document 7
Materials and workmanship

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