BUILDING REGULATIONS

Since the introduction of the Building Regulations in 1990, each subsequent revision of the regulations has led to an improvement in the energy efficiency required for new buildings. When initially introduced, typical U values for walls were 0.45 W/m²K where as today they have fallen to 0.27 W/m²K. The upcoming draft regulations, which are mandatory for all new houses, require that renewable energy sources are incorporated into the design of new dwellings whilst at the same time, air tightness will be a requirement under the proposals.