Views sought on energy efficiency and related areas of the Building Regulations

The Department of Finance has launched a consultation discussion document on the energy efficiency requirements and other related areas of the Building Regulations, such as ventilation, overheating risks in dwellings and electric vehicle charging infrastructure at buildings.

The potential changes discussed in the consultation would support the 2021 Energy Strategy – ‘The Path to Net Zero Energy’ which aims to significantly improve the energy and emissions performance of new homes and buildings.

Options in the discussion document include potential next steps which could make conventional oil boilers unsuitable in most new builds, due to their emissions, and moves towards low-carbon heating solutions. The consultation also considers improved fabric standards and renewables in buildings, as well as reviewing wider issues, such as embodied carbon in materials and the assumptions used in building energy assessments.

The consultation period runs until 15 November 2023.  Feedback is welcome and can be made via Citizen Space.   The consultation can be accessed here.

Details of awareness events will be published on the consultation webpage in due course.

A further consultation, accompanied by proposed regulations, Technical Booklet guidance and impact assessments, will be carried out prior to the introduction of any changes. 

Notes to editors: 

1. The Energy Strategy, The Path to Net Zero Energy, is available at here.
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