Industry kept waiting on details as timetable is set for new Building Regs

The government has today announced changes to the Building Regulations on energy use, which pave the way for all new buildings to cut their carbon emissions by 25%.

The amendments to Part L of the regulations were announced by housing and planning minister John Healey and will come into force this October. However, the supporting technical guidance and compliance guides have not yet been published. A spokesperson for the communities department said they would be available later this month.

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”.

As well as revisions to Part L the government also announced changes to Part F covering ventilation and Part J on combustion appliances.

Changes to Part G of the Building Regulations which were due to come into force on 1 October 2009 will now take effect on 6 April. The regulation covers sanitation, water efficiency and safety and was delayed by a last minute intervention by the EU. It will introduce a minimum water efficiency standard for all new homes and require thermostatic mixing valves to be fitted on baths in new homes.

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