Modern energy efficient apartments

It’s time to rethink HVAC specification.

Before the end of 2021, industry will need to adapt HVAC strategies and building design in order to adhere to new compliance regulations.

This is in the wake of the Government’s consultation to update Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations for new residential developments.

The aim of this consultation was to begin aligning the built environment with the future direction of UK sustainability policy – changing compliance targets, planning requirements and, ultimately, the way we supply heat and clean air to new homes.

With less than a year before Part L and Part F 2020 becomes legally enforceable, do you have your new HVAC strategy ready?

Download our report

Our latest report analyses what proposed Part L and Part F 2020 means for your project and future HVAC design

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When will I need to comply with these changes?

Government is expected to publish the final document containing new Part L and Part F Regulations mid-2020, including any consultation changes to their original proposal. This is then expected to become legally enforceable before the end of the year.

 

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What are the proposed compliance metrics?

The consultation proposed four compliance metrics for new developments: primary energy, carbon emissions, affordability and minimum standards for building fabric and building services.

 

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What’s the difference between Option 1 and Option 2?

Industry was given the chance to review how challenging they wanted the update to Part L to be, by stating whether they would prefer a 20% or 31% uplift in carbon emission targets compared to 2013 standards. This will not change the minimum standards for U-values.

The need for a new strategy

The Government’s proposed update to Part L and Part F is driven by four main goals, all of which affect HVAC specification and aid towards the achievement of future environmental targets:

  • Align with future targets for new houses (a 75-80% carbon reduction target in 2025)
  • Simplify guidance to make the Building Regulations clearer to understand
  • Reduce the performance gap of new dwellings
  • Comply with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive

In order to do this, there are significant changes to the requirements for new dwellings; including the introduction of four compliance targets and a shift in the way ventilation systems are specified and designed.

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HVAC Specification Under New Regulatory Standards PDF cover

HVAC specification under new regulatory standards

Using the supporting SAP 10.1 BETA software for proposed Part L and Part F 2020, this document analyses the potential impact the changes may have on HVAC specification within residential developments; proposing new strategies to help building designers gain compliance.

Our Recommendations

 

Begin to create new HVAC strategies ready for Part L and Part F 2020

Research hybrid solutions where hot water can be produced in a low carbon and low primary energy way, such as hot water heat pumps

Understand the benefits of heat pumps, direct acting panel heaters and communal ambient loops, as the Government’s main choice for heating

Understand potential Part F applications for natural and mechanical ventilation

For larger developments, understand what the 2025 requirements may be as this could affect dwellings being planned today

Request our CPD to further discuss the changes

Request our Future Homes Standard CPD

Using the supporting SAP 10 BETA software, we have created a new CPD analysing the potential impact of the Future Homes Standard consultation on 2020 HVAC specification.

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Want to discuss current or future HVAC specfication?

Visit our contact us page to be put in contact with you regional HVAC specialist, or book our Future Homes Standard CPD via our CPD page.