A brief introduction to Part L from Hazlemere Windows

â€ŔTackling climate change is one of the biggest long-term challenges we face. That is why on this occasion we need the building industry to comply with the new regulations much more rapidly than normal. These new regulations, combined with those in 2002, deliver a 40% increase in energy efficiency standards in just four years, and cut householders’ fuel bills too” – Yvette Cooper, Housing and Planning Minister, 22nd February 2006.

Hazlemere Windows has been supportive of Part L since its inception in April 2002. We also acknowledge the escalating issue of global climate change, and in particular, the need for us all to reduce our carbon footprint in the UK.Although Part L has been mandatory for over eight years now, we are constantly asked from customers and clients about the key elements of Part L and how it affects their commercial or domestic property. With this in mind, we wanted to give a brief but highly essential introduction to Part L.

When did Part L come into effect?

Part L came into effect under the Building Regulations on the 1st April 2002, and is only applicable to residents in England and Wales. Part L concerns ‘Conservation of Fuel and Power’ and was delivered on the 6th April 2006 to ensure compliance with the legal obligations set out in the European Union Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The EPBD is a new performance standard based upon target carbon dioxide emissions rates for buildings.

How does Part L affect your home or business?

If your business carries out electrical installation work in England and Wales, you will need to be coherent with the elements of Part L, as well as being reliable and efficient to guarantee your work complies with these strict requirements. It is also likely that you’ll be inspected by the Local Authority’s Building Control (LABC).

The other option you have is to self-certify your work. In order to do this you must be a member of a government approved self-certification scheme. The self-certification schemes have now been widened throughout England and Wales for Part L, with more scheme operators approved to assist with the rising applications. If you are a member of a Government approved competent person’s scheme, the LABC is obliged to accept your self-certification.

What should you do guarantee your property is Part L compliant?

There are a number of guidelines within each Approved Document (L1A, L1B, L2A, L2B), which will need to be considered, depending on the type of work you are carrying out and the building within which you are working. There are four clear Part L sections your business needs to adhere to. Although the requirements are fairly prevalent, the guidance provided in Approved Document L are dissimilar for each section:

1) L1A — Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings.
2) L1B — Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings.
3) L2A — Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings.
4) L2B — Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other dwellings.

In what instances would your business be exempt from Part L?

— If work has started before 6th April 2006 in accordance with a building notice, full plans, initial notice or amendment notice.

— Full plans are not required to be deposited; a contract is entered into before 6th April 2006, provided that the work is started before 1st October 2006.

— Full plans have been deposited and approved before 6th April 2006, provided that work is started before 1st April 2007.

— A plans certificate or plans certificate combined with an initial notice has been given to a local authority before 6th April 2006, provided that the work is started before 1st April 2007.

Hazlemere Windows would be happy to discuss Part L with you in more detail, or how your property can benefit from replacement windows, doors and conservatories.

Download a two page PDF explaining how the changes to Part L of the Building Regulations coming into effect on 1st October 2010 may affect decisions you are making about your property now.