The Government announced new measures to make buildings more energy efficient and produce savings of one million tonnes of carbon per year by 2010.
Changes to Part F (ventilation) and Part L (fuel conservation) of the Building Regulations are due to come into effect in April 2006. The Government said the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will make "a major contribution to the UK's commitment to combat climate change."
Changes to Parts F and L of the Building Regulations mean new homes will need to be better insulated and make use of more efficient heating systems. The revised Part L will make air pressure leakage testing of buildings mandatory, improving compliance with the regulations by showing where there is unacceptable leakage, which can reduce the energy efficiency of buildings.
These measures, alongside changes to condensing boilers, should deliver increased energy standards for new buildings. It is claimed the measures, taken together with changes to strengthen Building Regulations in 2002, will improve standards by 40%, cutting fuel bills by up to 40% for new homes built from 2006. Andrew Warren, director of the Association for the Conservation of Energy (ACE), however, told the Guardian (15/9/05) that the ACE estimated the changes would improve efficiency by only 18%. Mr Warren added that more ambitious proposals were shelved after heavy lobbying from the construction industry.
The Government is also looking to increase the sustainability of existing dwellings. Households are responsible for about 30% of total UK energy use. The ODPM will be leading a review, which should see stakeholders being consulted as early as Spring 2006.
Work started on a £4.8 million refurbishment scheme on two high-rise blocks of flats in West Bromwich. Sandwell Homes has chosen to partner with Sandwell MBC and Lovell to carry out the 18-month modernisation project at the two blocks, which comprise 72 flats.
The works will include new bathrooms, including walk-in showers for customers with mobility difficulties, and new aluminium and timber windows in place of old metal windows. The drab concrete exterior of the building is also set to be transformed externally through the installation of a combined aluminium cladding and render system. In addition, new communal facilities will be developed in each block for use by residents. Other improvements will include refurbishment of the lift systems.