Elmhurst Energy has welcomed the Welsh Government’s new consultation on energy efficiency and ventilation in new build homes, which sets ambitious new targets going beyond those proposed for England.
The new Welsh Building Regulations Part L and F Consultation is the first stage of a two-part consultation, similar to the Future Homes Standard consultation released for England in October last year, although there are some key differences. It sets out plans to improve the energy efficiency requirements for new homes in 2020, and covers the wider impacts of Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) for new homes, including changes to Part F (Ventilation), its associated Approved Document guidance, airtightness and improving as-built performance of the constructed home.
The proposed changes will aim to future-proof new homes for the introduction of low carbon heating systems and make homes more energy efficient by improving compliance and overall performance. There is a clear direction of travel to 2025 and the 2020 new standards will be a meaningful step on this journey for new homes in Wales.
“We are delighted to see the consultation from the Welsh Government,” says Stuart Fairlie, Technical and Operations Director at Elmhurst. “We look forward to analysing the key differences proposed by Wales and will work with our members before replying. The ambitious steps proposed are more adventurous than England, and also ensure that homes built in Wales will be more energy efficient. The vision is very clear and we look forward to working with the Welsh Government and our members to deliver these homes.”
