The NuTech Renewables technical team is constantly looking at government legislation and the building regulations to find ways of assisting housebuilders to meet the criteria laid down. With this in mind, NuTech will be able to recommend a practical solution for any project that avoids disruption to either time schedules or budget
For example with the introduction of new building regulations in Northern Ireland, Renewable Energy will be at the forefront of the building industry. These new building regulations will have a serious effect on building practices in Northern Ireland with regard to energy and fuel requirements. The new regulations move to a carbon emission based method.
About the new Building Regulations 2000 Part L and Part F (N. I. only) – Conservation of fuel and power
The introduction of new Building Regulations have had a significant effect on the building industry. These new regulations, which focus on a "Whole Building Approach", came into effect in June 2006.
The main elements of the amendment to Part L of the Building Regulations, are to:
- Introduce a "Whole Building Approach" based on the calculated energy performance of buildings using defined national calculation methodologies;
- Set energy performance requirements that achieve a reduction in carbon emissions of up to 40% on current standards;
- Introduce a requirement to consider the installation of alternative energy sources such as CHP and renewable energy systems in large buildings (over 1000m2);
- Require the upgrading of energy performance in large existing buildings (over 1000m2) undergoing major refurbishment; and
- Require the production of an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for all new buildings.
Source: (http://www.dfpni.gov.uk)
The Code for Sustainable Homes
The Code for sustainable home assessment measures the sustainability of a new home against categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. The Code uses a 1 to 6 star rating system to communicate the overall sustainability performance of a new home. At present code level 3 is the general requirement but this is set to increase to level 4 and above in the future. The Code sets minimum standards for energy and water use at each level and, within England, replaces the EcoHomes scheme, developed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE).
The Code also gives new homebuyers better information about the environmental impact of their new home and its potential running costs, and offer builders a tool with which to differentiate themselves in sustainability terms.
Since April 2007 the developer of any new home in England can choose to be assessed against the Code.
Communities and Local Government have published a Greener Homes for the Future Leaflet which highlights what the Code is, how it works and what it means to have a mandatory rating for new homes.
Downloads
Sustainable Homes Code Level 3
