Government backs Building campaign

In the review, the government emphasised its commitment to raising energy efficiency standards for new buildings, and said that it would be reviewing the guidance accompanying the Building Regulations to make them simpler to follow for contractors.

In the review, the government said it was important to simplify the regulatory burden and improve compliance in order to improve energy efficiency. It said: “This is important, as the frequent changes to Part L have been difficult for certain (especially small) builders to keep up with.”

The frequent changes to Part L have been difficult for certain (especially small) builders to keep up with

Government energy review

The government also said it would announce the five levels for the Code for Sustainable Homes later this year. It has already indicated that even level one would require energy efficiency performance above the current Part L, and level five would require new homes to be carbon neutral. The review said that the levels should be taken to indicate the long-term direction of the Building Regulations, in order to “give the industry a clear steer regarding long-term intentions in this area”.

All government-funded new housing in England is required to meet the EcoHomes “very good” standard, which will be equivalent to level three of the CSH. The government added that its long-term ambition was to move towards carbon-neutral development.