high rise apartments

What is the requirement for HVAC system compliance for a collective housing application?

on | 2 min read
One regulatory requirement for collective housing applications, or large residential developments, is to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations. The updated Part L has been published and is concerned with the conservation of power and fuel in buildings. Fixed heating, ventilation and air conditioning services in new residential dwellings play a large part in achieving the required energy performance of a building and their targets and requirements are outlined in this Approved Document.
high rise apartments

Regional compliance, local planning, and local renewable contributions need to be considered when selecting an HVAC system for a project. The London Plan is an example of an additional requirement in the Greater London Area. 

How is the compliance of an HVAC system with Part L for collective housing application assessed?

Software modelling using the government approved Standard Assessment Procedure, or SAP, measures the Dwelling Emission Rate (DER) and the Target Emission Rate (TER). TER, also known as the carbon target, is based on a notional building of the same type, size, and heating fuel. The DER is calculated from the data of the specific project and will also be affected by design factors. To achieve compliance the DER must match or be lower than TER. 

How can the Zeroth Energy System help achieve compliance?

Ambient networks are supported across the industry, including The London Plan and the Clean Growth Strategy. As the Building Regulations are expected to dramatically increase the efficiency and carbon targets in the UK, ambient loops can provide the benefits to satisfy the new compliance measures. The annual carbon reduction of a building can also be significantly reduced, helping to achieve carbon reduction targets. Read more on how the Zeroth Energy System helps to reduce carbon emissions in collective housing and residential apartment buildings here.

To discuss how the Zeroth Energy System can help with compliance for a collective housing application or to learn more about the impact of the ambient network on the energy efficiency of buildings, contact one of our HVAC specialists.