Building Regulations

Part L1A 2010

Working towards zero Carbon

The changes to Part L1A of the Building Regulations for England & Wales introduced on
1 October 2010 are a stage in the process towards the government’s objective of having all new homes built to ‘Zero carbon’ standards from 2016 onwards. The changes introduced in 2010 represent a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions compared with 2006 requirements which is equivalent to the energy component of level 3 of the previous Code for Sustainable Homes. Further changes are planned for 2013 and 2016 as further steps towards the ultimate target of Zero carbon.

The 2013 requirements will represent a 44% reduction in CO2 emissions compared with 2006 and is equivalent to level 4 in the previous Code for Sustainable Homes. It is recognised that the original target of 70% reduction in CO2 compared with 2006 levels may not be an achievable objective and government has commissioned work to recommend an achievable carbon compliance level for 2016 for application to all new homes.

The zero carbon ambition will be reached through a combination of:
• Improvements to the energy performance of the building fabric
• Use of low/zero carbon on-site or off-site energy.

In this document the changes affecting fabric performance are detailed and indicative design solutions incorporatin aggregate blocks are given. Aggregate blocks are well-placed for use in buildings designed to meet all the needs of this change and the forthcoming changes to Part L of the Building Regulations for England & Wales.

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