HVCA president John Miller is challenging the government to enforce the energy efficiency measures it introduced last year as revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations.

Speaking at the HVCA president’s luncheon, Miller said he welcomed the revisions, which introduced tighter energy efficiency for heating and ventilation in new and existing buildings.

They also broadened the range of work that must be notified to local authority building control for inspection and approval, and developed Competent Persons schemes that allow suitably qualified contractors to self-certify their work.

“The HVCA’s disquiet arises from the fact that, having put such enlightened and responsible legislation in place, the government seems unable, or unwilling to enforce it,” Miller said.

HVCA members said building control departments up and down the UK were failing to police the regulations. “Our representations to the Department for Communities and Local Government have so far gone unrewarded,” he said.

“Government must put its house in order on an issue that has massive implications not only for engineering services, not only for construction, but, ultimately, for the nation and the planet.”

Source

Building Sustainable Design