BEAMA has given a mixed reaction to the overdue release of the Building Regulations Part L guidance documents on 15 November, which will come into effect on 6 April 2014.

The association said that while it was frustrated at the delay and “lack of ambition” of the regulations, industry can now progress with a clearer plan towards April 2014 and beyond.

In several areas, the guides reflect constructive discussion between DCLG and industry, and BEAMA will maintain its regular engagement with government to press for continuous improvement in building energy efficiency.

BEAMA welcomes the minimum Fabric Energy Efficiency standard as a positive step forward that helps to establish a ‘fabric first’ approach. Conversely, the 6% overall improvement on domestic standards from 2010 regulations is weaker than the plans announced at consultation stage and is a disappointment, said BEAMA, and will not only slow the progress of improving energy performance, but also risks harming industry confidence.

Moreover, the association said this calls the proposals of the Housing Standards Review into question. The plans to drop the Code for Sustainable Homes combined with only a 6% uplift in newbuild standards will leave developers without any recognised, truly progressive target that could incentivise construction of high efficiency homes. Consequently, BEAMA believes the Code ENE1 and the Planning & Energy Act should be retained.

Furthermore, to ensure the intended benefits of the regulations and guides are achieved in practice, they need to be adequately enforced. This is particularly true for Regulations 27 and 27A, which require accurate design specifications to ensure a close match between designed and achieved performance. If designs are not seen through, and measures are added or changed during development, building performance is at risk.

Despite these reservations, BEAMA is encouraged by several positive provisions. The flexible and performance-based regulations give options for compliance, helping to make requirements achievable. The retention of the fuel factor and steps toward future proofing for electrification of heat are also welcome.

Evidence of government listening to industry is shown in the improved clarity of heating controls guidance, and promotion in the Compliance Guide for the first time of heating system filters. BEAMA looks forward to continuing engagement with government and greater progress with the next set of regulations in 2016.

Central to the changes are amendments to a kitchen fan’s maximum Specific Fan Power (SFP), which were welcomed by Vent-Axia as an essential “step change” in kitchen fan efficiency.

Within the guide a maximum SFP in air distribution systems in new and existing buildings for kitchen extract is listed as 1.0W/l/s. This marks a significant development for kitchen extract fans which often need to accommodate high air changes, elevated temperatures and significant levels of grease, the latter of which often requires filters to protect the fans.

Lee Nurse, marketing director at Vent-Axia and chair of BEAMA’s Ventilation Committee commented: “If we are to meet UK carbon targets it is essential to improve efficiency within our buildings. The catering industry is one of the largest energy consumers so it is vital manufacturers step up to develop energy efficient products to help the sector lower its carbon emissions. Kitchen fans have to operate in aggressive environments, which require high air changes. By introducing a maximum SFP level for kitchen ventilation systems, the regulations are driving kitchen fan innovation which will result in significant energy and cost savings for caterers.”

The new Part L includes an uplift in efficiency standards of 9% for non-domestic buildings, putting energy efficiency firmly on the agenda. For the catering industry this is particularly significant since estimates indicate it is one of the largest energy consumers in the commercial market, using approximately two and a half times more energy per square metre of floor area than the average commercial building. Add to this energy prices which are continually escalating, and for kitchen operators it makes good sense to save energy through investing in energy efficient equipment to help mitigate fuel rises.

DCLG has published new 2013 versions of Approved Document L1A and L2A, amendments to the 2010 versions of Approved Document L1B and L2B and new 2103 versions of the Domestic and Non Domestic Building Services Compliance Guides. These come into effect from 6 April 2014.