David Rawlins - Chartered Surveryors

Energy Efficiency II

Energy Efficiency

Since 1st April 2002 the Building Regulations require householders to install more energy efficient options when replacing windows, central heating boilers, heating controls and hot water cylinders. If any changes of this type are in hand or have occurred recently then it will be necessary to ensure that the Building Regulations will be, or have been, complied with. You should consult the Building Control Department of the Local Authority. Every installation must be certified as being installed and commissioned by a 'competent person'. This can be achieved either:

1. For the work to be done by a competent person who provides self-certification using an approved 'commissioning certificate'. The competent person is defined as a GasSafe registered installer for gas installations; an OFTEC registered technician for oil installations; a HETAS registered installer for solid fuel systems; registered operatives who comply with Building Regulations G3 for hot water systems; a FENSA registered installer for glazing. The Competent Person should provide you with appropriate Certification on completion of the work.

2. You should apply for approval through the local Building Control Department and obtain a Building Regulations Completion Certificate on completion of the work.

Further information can be obtained for glazing from the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) telephone 0207 403 7177  (www.ggf.org.uk) for heating systems and controls from the Central Heating Information Council (CHIC) telephone 0845 600 2200; for general energy efficiency advice the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre telephone 0800 512 012.

Regulations from 1 April 2006 require even greater requirements on Energy Efficiency, potentially with a significant impact on insulation and heating requirements, particularly when there is any change to more than 25% of a “Thermal Element”, such as the roof, floor, or walls; or there is a Change of Use to the building, such as Barn Conversion or Loft Conversion. Hence, the new Regulations (Part L1B) will be particularly relevant should you decide to alter the building, to replace the windows, or to upgrade the central heating boiler, which will also impact on heating controls, including the probable insistence on additional zoning of the heating system, as well as the provision of thermostatic valves to the radiators.

We are all now well aware that the Government now insist on the provision of energy rating reports on all houses sold on the open market. It is unlikely that any building of solid construction will meet the highest energy efficiency requirements. In an effort to reduce global warming, such requirements can be balanced against the needs of the building when located in a Conservation area, or as a Listed Building. However, full compliance with such Building regulations will not necessarily be ideal for a building of this age & construction, due to the implications, for example, with regard to ventilation, loss of heat through the fabric of the building etc. Indeed, some “recommendations” may cause significant harm to a building of solid construction, irrespective of whether it is Listed or not.

For this reason, special Guidance Notes are provided where properties are Listed Buildings or located within Conservation Areas (to be issued shortly via English Heritage and who also provide advice on Energy Efficiency in traditional buildings), and will be particularly relevant where such measures would unacceptably alter the character or appearance of the building. Older properties, not located in a Conservation Area and not regarded as "historic" elsewhere, do not currently have this protection. An increase above the minimum requirement to one area can be balanced against a reduced provision elsewhere as long as the overall rating for the building meets minimum standard for a typical building of its type. There is also a recommendation to use long-life light bulbs.

Traditional buildings: are all buildings of a solid wall construction built with permeable fabric that both absorbs and readily allows the evaporation of moisture. These mostly predate the 1920’s when cavity wall construction and the use of damp proof membranes became more widespread. However, even where an old house is not Listed or does not lie within a Conservation Area, careful consideration must be given to the sustainability & costs in use of the current materials, windows, brickwork etc.