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Building Regulations

Introduction
There is now overwhelming scientific evidence showing that climate change is an issue that requires serious and urgent attention. In the UK, buildings account for around half of the total carbon emissions, with residential housing accounting for over 25% of emissions.
Under the provisions of the ‘Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act' 2006 the Government has taken and plans further action to minimise carbon emissions.
The integration of higher sustainability performance standards in the construction and use of buildings is fundamental to their policy in limiting the environmental impacts created through waste generation, water use and use of polluting materials.
A particular focus is placed on Building Regulations, which present ‘Standards' that need to be implemented to raise overall energy efficiency in buildings.


What are Building Regulations?
Building Regulations apply in England and Wales and exist to ensure the health and safety of people in and around buildings as well as provisions for energy conservation and access to buildings.

Building Regulations apply to most new buildings and in many instances to alterations to existing buildings and they apply to industrial, commercial and domestic premises.

Building Regulations promote:

· Standards encompassing all major aspects of a buildings construction and include provisions for its structure, ventilation and electrical safety, sound insulation, drainage and fire safety.

· Energy efficiency in buildings. In April 2006 the regulations relating to energy efficiency were changed to help combat the effects of climate by saving millions of tonnes of carbon per year by 2010.

· They set the standards in relation to buildings being accessible and hazard-free.

When do you need Building Regulations Approval?
If you intend carrying out 'Building Work' then it must comply with the Building Regulations and you will need the approval of the work from a ‘Building Control Body'. You can seek approval from either a local authority Building Control Service or an Approved Inspectors Building Control Service, which is a private company that has been approved to carry out the building control service.

Typical examples of building work which need to comply with building regulations include:

  • Construction or extension of a building
  • A project involving work which will permanently or temporarily affect the continuing compliance of the building, service or fitting with the requirements relating to structure, fire, or access to and use of buildings
  • The installation or extension of a service or fitting (e.g. some types of drain, fire burning appliances, replacement windows) which is controlled under the regulations
  • The injection of cavity wall insulation
  • The underpinning of the foundations of a building
  • When you want to change the fundamental use of the building

Comprehensive technical guidance and a detailed explanation of Building Regulations are available at the Planning Portal website http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/. At this site you can also access documents which you may need if you are involved with a project that needs to meet Building Regulations.