With the introduction of new building regulations, Renewable Energy will be at the forefront of the building industry in Northern Ireland. 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)