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Background

The Building Regulations Approved Document L1 for conservation of fuel and power in new build developments and the Standard Assessment Procedure, SAP, were revised in 2005/2006.

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In a move to reduce carbon emission rates and improve energy efficiency in use, design requirements for all buildings have been made more stringent, regardless of fuel type. Further step changes will be made in 2010 and 2013. Current proposals for 2013 do not permit the use of domestic gas heating.

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The Code for Sustainable Homes, CfSH, that now applies to social housing sets more onerous building requirements than the Standard Assessment Procedure, SAP. In due course this will be taken up by the private sector.

Implications for housing building

Under the present SAP and CfSH standards electric heating can be installed cost effectively. It requires attention to building insulation levels, air tightness and possibly the use of complementary equipment such as heat pumps, MVHR or solar heating as part of the package. Direct electric heating is the most favoured electric type by the Building Regulations, because of its controllability.