New building regulations aim to improve domestic and business energy efficiency - 16/03/2010

The government has unveiled new amendments to existing building regulations to improve domestic and business energy efficiency across the country.

The changes to parts L, F and J of the building regulations will come into force in October this year and are designed to make homes 25 per cent more efficient and save two million tonnes of carbon every year by 2020.

As part of the amendments, the minimum levels of energy efficiency for building materials and services will be increased and will apply to new builds, extensions and conversions.

It is hoped the changes will encourage homeowners to focus more on sustainability and reduce their expenditure on bills from energy suppliers. The government also anticipates that business gas and electricity efficiency will be improved.

Housing and planning minister John Healey said: "The higher green standards we're bringing in this year will cut emissions and play a crucial part in achieving our zero carbon policies. They will also make homes and businesses cheaper to heat and run."

The regulation changes were formulated after extensive consultation with the Building Regulations Advisory Committee and industry figures.

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