Building Regulations
Dealing with complexity and compliance
We understand the challenges involved in addressing the raft of modern rules and regulations that cover buildings, and how they directly or indirectly relate to commercial solar PV installations: from the purely practical and structural to the latest legislation and new UK/EU regulations designed to improve energy efficiency, promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions.
We can guide you with expert advice and practical support, wherever possible using plain English and jargon-free language.
In addition to Building Regulations Part L 2006 (Part J in Scotland and F in Northern Ireland), key examples of current rules and regulations include:
Energy Certificates
Inspections and certification are an unavoidable legal requirement. Since October 2008, all properties (commercial, public and residential homes) have required an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) when bought, sold or rented. Non-compliance can mean fines up to a £5,000 maximum.
In addition, from October 2008, larger public buildings (with an internal area over 1000m2) have been required to display a valid Display Energy Certificate (DEC). Failure can mean a £500 fine, and up to £1,000 if the organisation does not have a valid Advisory Report.
The Carbon Reduction Commitment
This mandatory trading scheme aims to ensure non-energy-intensive organisations reduce energy usage and emissions in the built environment. Offering incentives, larger organisations must take part from April 2010, reporting emissions for 2010-11.
Qualifying organisations monitor consumption, calculate emissions and buy allowances per tonne of CO2, with a published league table showing how well or badly organisations are doing. Qualifying organisations must register by September 2010, while failure to comply can mean financial penalties and even prison sentences.
The Code for Sustainable Homes
This measures the sustainability of a new home against nine categories of sustainable design, rating the 'whole home' as a complete package. The code, which has a one-to-six star rating system, includes minimum standards for energy use at each, and supports UK government targets that all new homes are zero carbon from 2016.
