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Building
regulations
Amended regulations 2002
The latest changes to the Building Regulations AD-L2 and Technical Standards
Part J were implemented in spring 2002. The aim of the changes was to improve
the thermal performance of non-domestic buildings by up to 30%, with a corresponding
reduction in CO2 emissions.
This is an ambitious commitment that demands an integrated
approach to design and construction focussing on both the building fabric
and HVAC services. Under the regulations, more than ever before, commercial,
industrial, retail, leisure, educational and other non domestic buildings
will have to be deigned and constructed as a whole, carefully integrating
building fabric, heating, cooling and air conditioning services.
Site workmanship checks should be introduced
to ensure the ‘as-built’ construction quality matches the
approved design or refurbishment specification and performance.
NOTE: Proposals for the revision of the Energy Conservation
(AD-L) Regulations are currently being reviewed ready for implementation
in 2006. The 2002 Regulations will remain in force until 2006. Updates
on the progress of AD-L 2006 will appear on the EPIC website throughout
2005.
| Insulated panels already
meet the regulations |
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Using Insulated Panels means
that designers and installers can meet the increasingly stringent
regulatory energy requirements with minimum risk |
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Quality factory engineered panels guarantee
insulation performance and all EPIC Manufacturers offer robust
standard details to achieve the air tightness requirements |
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Tests show that insulated
panel buildings are substantially within the energy conservation
and air leakage requirements for England and Wales and Scotland
for most of the projects tested |
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| The new regulations
mean enhanced thermal performance which is reflected in stricter
U-values. U-values have been lowered steadily from 0.7W/m2K
in the 1980’s to the present 0.25 levels and are likely to
be further lowered in the 2006 revision to the regulations. |
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Insulated panels with PIR
cores readily meet the latest U-value requirements with the
benefit of minimum of roof or wall thickness – up to
40% saving on site assembled systems |
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Insulated panel projects have been built
for a number of years to performance standards in advance of
the current regulations. Product and installation technology
are already proven. |
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| Significantly
the issue of air leakage has been addressed for the first time in
the 2002 regulations. This is incorporated into AD-L2 (England & Wales)
with the mandatory air pressurisation testing of all non-domestic
buildings over 1000m2.
The air tightness standard is currently 10m3/h/m2. |
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The factory engineered joints
of insulated panels coupled with manufacturer’s standard
details have resulted in general levels of air tightness of
5m3/h/m2 or
better being achieved on recent projects. |
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Enhanced thermal performance – method and
calculation
In practical terms the current method for providing
compliance for metal frame industrial and commercial buildings is the ‘Elemental
Method’. This method assesses each aspect of the building individually.
The elemental method takes account of such elements as doors, windows and
rooflights and also requires calculations to be carried out for thermal
bridging at details and junctions.
| EPIC has played a leading role in
the development of the Regulations and has produced a 28-page Guide
to the amendments to Building Regulations Part L2 (England & Wales)
and Technical Standards Part J (Scotland). The Guide: |
| • |
summarises the requirements
as they specifically relate to insulated panels |
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identifies where changes of
approach are required so that industrial and commercial buildings
fully comply |
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sets out clearly defined steps
to minimise the risk of non-compliance |
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includes calculation examples
and information on air tightness testing and standard detailing. |
Click
here for EPIC Guide to the building regulations. |
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Also in this section:
Air tightness testing | EPIC
guide to building regulations | Sustainability |
