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News Update (Dwellings) …

Wales – A new Planning advice document (TAN 22) has been issued. every new-build dwelling will be required to attain Code Level 3 (Code for Sustainable Homes) plus an enhanced CO₂ reduction. This is for Planning applications after 1^st September, 2010. I can provide the Planning report

PART G Approved Document Part G - Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency came into force on 6th April (for submissions after this date). There is a requirement for certification of potential usage of wholesome water to be submitted not later than five days after the completion of the Building work. This relates to a maximum calculated daily personal usage of 125 litres.

The practical issues involved are not elaborated, but will possibly require in-line flow restrictors or flow restricted taps, low water usage WCs, low water usage baths (reduced height overflows) and restricted flow rates to showers. The water usage of white goods will also need to be specified. Bath taps must be restricted to 48deg C (thermostatic mixer taps). There can be a trade be a trade-off if greywater or rainwater recycling is utilised.

I am able to provide the water calculation certificate (as per Part G requirements) as Code for Sustainable Homes assessor.

PART L1A/B  In October, the new Part L will come into force, requiring design similar to the requirements of Code 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes (an additional 25% improvement on the previous regulations). A design stage calculation and specification list submission to Building Control Bodies (with full U-Value calculations) will now be a mandatory requirement before building work takes place. Accredited Construction Details will be monitored and a fee payable. The TER/DER calculations will be based on the new SAP 2009 (enacted from October). An Emission Factor Adjustment “EFA” for lighting and heating will assume greater CO2 emissions than previously for many fuels. Low energy lighting (min. 75% of lights) will be taken into account. There will also be a requirement to avoid upward heat loss from cavity party walls, by means of full-fill insulation or perimeter sealing

The thermal mass of the construction will be used in the DER/TER calculations. Lightweight construction may be penalised. The choice of wall finishes, for example, must be decided at design stage.

PART F (2010) In October, the new Part F will impact on the type of ventilation system for most new-builds. To attain compliance under L1A, a design infiltration rate of 5 m3/m2/hr at 50 Pa or less will normally be specified. Part F will require whole dwelling mechanical ventilation systems. This can be further complicated at design stage by the need to consider duct runs. In practice, this usually requires webbed upper floor joists to accommodate the cross runs of ducting. Again, build quality is the key to final compliance.

PART J (2010) From October the major change will be to the increased provision of ventilation for open flued room aspirated heating appliances where the design infiltration rate is 5 m3/m2/hr at 50 Pa or less. Care must be taken to reduce the effect of negative pressures in these areas.

PRESSURE TESTING Where house-types are to be tested, the subsequent houses (untested) will be assumed to have an infiltration rate of 2m³/m²/hr greater than the tested house. This means that the tested dwelling will have to achieve 8m³/m²/hr at least, in order for the other dwellings to be under 10m³/m²/hr. It is also quite likely that the DER/TER will not comply with the additional 2m³/m²/hr. It might be wise for all dwellings to be tested. Energy Check feels that an infiltration rate of 3m³/m²/hr is achievable with care.

UNDER-FLOOR HEATING UF heating can be rendered ineffective if the carpet/underlay combined TOG rating is greater than 2.5. Owners should be advised to use a special underlay and get confirmation from the carpet fitters of the TOG. This is not a Building Regulation requirement.

BUILD QUALITY Without strict Architect monitoring of sites, compliance with the very tight DER/TER requirements may not be achieved. We are now also into the realm of renewables such as heat pumps, solar water heating biomass heating and photo voltaics. A new version of the Domestic Services Compliance Guide is published for use from October (as a second tier document of Part L). 

If you require further information or a quotation for Code for Sustainable Homes assessments, SAP, EPC or water calculations, please do not hesitate to contact me.

J C Beachey