The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has launched a new consultation on the future of Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations.

The consultation, titled The Future Homes Standard: changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations for new dwellings, is inviting views from industry on proposed options to increase the energy efficiency requirements for new homes in 2020.

It is the first stage of a two-part consultation about proposed changes to the Building Regulations. It also covers the wider impacts of Part L for new homes, including changes to Part F (ventilation), its associated Approved Document guidance, airtightness, and improving as-built performance of the constructed home.

The consultation sets out two options to uplift energy efficiency standards and requirements:

• Option 1: 20% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the current standard for an average home. The government anticipates this could be delivered by very high fabric standards (typically with triple glazing and minimal heat loss from walls, ceilings and roofs).
• Option 2: 31% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the current standard. The government anticipates this could be delivered based on the installation of carbon-saving technology such as photovoltaic (solar) panels and better fabric standards, though not as high as in option 1 (typically double not triple glazing).

According to the document, of the two options, option 2 is the government's preferred choice. This is because "it would deliver more carbon savings and result in lower bills for the householder but has higher build costs. We also expect that it would help to prepare supply chains for heat pumps and increase the number of trained installers."

To view the document in full, or provide a response, please click here.