Understanding Building Regulations 2022 Update

Part F – Part L – Part O
All Fully Explained

Changes to Part L of the Building Regulations –
what you need to know…

Updates to Document L will have the greatest impact on aluminium window and door manufacturers, fabricators and installers, with the changes applying to both residential and commercial projects, whether new build or refurbishment. In December 2021, the Government announced changes to three Building Regulations, all of which are designed to help the UK achieve its net zero targets.

Due to come into effect in England on 15 June 2022, the updates include a requirement for new homes to produce around 30% less CO₂ than current standards, with a 27% reduction of emissions required from other new buildings. The devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales are consulting on changes to their versions of the documents.

Approved Part F vol 1

Approved Part F vol 2

Approved Document Part L

Approved Document Part O

Setting the new Build Standard for the future…

These updates are paving the way for the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025, which will aim for all future homes to be net zero ready. With heating and powering buildings currently making up 40% of the UK’s total energy use, all new residential buildings must also now be designed to reduce overheating, making sure they are fit for the future. Improvements to ventilation are also being introduced to support the safety of residents in newly built homes and to prevent the spread of airborne viruses in new non-residential buildings.

Three documents are affected by the updates: Approved Documents L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) F (Ventilation) and O (Overheating). However, it is the updated Document L that will have the greatest impact on aluminium window and door manufacturers, fabricators and installers, with the changes applying to both residential and commercial projects, whether new build or refurbishment.

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New thermal regulations for windows and doors

Document L has two Volumes. Volume 1 applies to dwellings and Volume 2 applies to commercial buildings, with new limiting U-values laid out for both. For example, the limiting U-value in the 2010 regulations for doors and windows in new homes was 2.0, whereas the update sets the value at 1.6. For windows being refurbished in existing homes, the change is less pronounced, but the limiting U-vale is still reduced, from 1.6 to 1.4 (or Band C to Band B using the Energy Rating system). Glazed doors are compliant with a C Rating. In new build commercial projects, the change is even more marked, the new limiting U-value being 1.6 compared to the 2010 value of 2.2.

Target Emission Rates

As well as introducing new limiting values, the updated Building Regulations state that ‘where a building is erected, it shall not exceed the target emission rate for the particular building…’.

Target Emissions are calculated though the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) for domestic properties, or Simplified Building Energy Model (SBEM) calculation for commercial.

Both establish the target as a minimum allowable for the energy performance of a building based on a “notional building”. Where the “notional building” is a building of the same type, size and shape to the proposed building with the CO2 based on default or “notional values” for the different building elements.

After notional values have established the Target Emissions Rate, there is the ability when calculating the actual building performance to offset up to the “Limiting Values” (maximum possible U-values for each element). As long as the overall building meets or exceeds the notional Target Emission rate.

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U44015 & U44105 standard 58BW Flush HI aerial 2

What are rhino aluminium doing about these changes?

Since the changes were announced, we have been assessing the updated U-values against our current products and developing new products, to comply with the new requirements.

As a UK manufacturer, we have made sure that our full window and door product portfolio have thermal simulations and energy rating to demonstrate compliance. We have also developed new systems including our 58BW ST HI windows, 58BD doors, BSF70 HI Bifolding Doors & DECALU 163 Slim slide/fold door system to comply with the updates.

What do fabricators and installers need to do?

Most importantly, the whole industry needs to become familiar with the new requirments, so that we are all prepared for their implantation. It should be noted though that for new build projects the date applicable is from date of building application, so it does not apply to work subject to a building notice, full plans application or initial notice submitted before the 15 June 2022, provided the work for each building is started before 15 June 2023.

Full details of the limiting U-values and Target Emission Rates, as well as the updates to Approved Documents F and O, can be found on the Government’s website – www.gov.uk.

For technical support or for more information on the updates to the Building Regulations please visit https://www.rhinoaluminium.co.uk/building-regs, or call Rhino Technical Support on 01843 446679 or email [email protected].

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Total Peace of mind

Rhino Aluminium stand by their workmanship

Every Rhino Aluminium window and door product is hand crafted by experts in our dedicated UK aluminium factory, this ensures that the product you recieve will stand the test of time. Our products will function and operate in the same way today as they will long into the future, as well as sustain their elegant and beautiful appearance.

We are so confident about the level of quality that we manufacture, we are delighted to back our products with a no quibble 10 year Manufacturers Guarantee!

A Splash of Colour……

An unlimited choice of colour that’s all yours.

Rhino Aluminium windows and doors are available in a multitude of colours, from our standard range to the full RAL spectrum. Our profiles are powder coated with the highest quality powders, providing you with the peace of mind of a 25 year guarantee. The choice is yours; pick from one of our standard finishes or choose a bespoke finish from more than 500 colours as well as a different colour inside and out.
Standard colours – Anthracite grey RAL 7016 / White Hipca RAL 9910 / Black 9005 – are always available off the shelf at Rhino. Special colours (any other RAL colour) and Dual colour (white inner frame and grey outer frame for example) do carry a lead time of 5-6 weeks with an additional cost. Please contact the office to discuss this in detail.

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Window Types?

Rhino Aluminium offer completely bespoke products, tailored to your size, colour scheme, finish and accessory requirements. The types of Windows that Rhino are able to manufacture include Chamfered Windows, Heritage Windows, Bay Windows, Contemporary Windows.

Contemporary WINDOWS

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