We're ready to tackle the changes brought about by the new “Approved Document L Conservation of Fuel and Power” of the Building Regulations

Following the introduction of the new “Approved Document L Conservation of Fuel and Power” of the Building Regulations that came into effect in June 2022, the team at F+A thought it would be advantageous to resolve the issues we are seeing with new build developments and home improvements, by having an “in house” energy assessor. From my perspective, this was a great opportunity to progress my training and career to become what is referred to as an “On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor”.

Firstly, let's talk about what an “On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor” is. It is a bit of a mouthful, isn’t it? 

Well, these types of assessors are responsible for assessing the energy efficiency of newly constructed residential buildings. They forecast how energy efficient a home could be – before it is built and then reassess the building once it is complete, to ensure it has met its targets. There are other types of assessors too, some you may have experienced for example when selling your home, to produce an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

My role as an energy assessor involves conducting inspections and collecting scientific data on various aspects of the building, such as insulation type and thickness, heating systems, ventilation (through background trickle ventilation through windows or mechanical ventilation systems), and renewable energy sources (such as ground source or air source heat pumps, solar PVs and much more). I can then use this information to calculate the building's energy performance and provide recommendations for improvement. Before a spade is sunk into the ground, we will know what grade the home is likely to achieve, if it is built in accordance with F+A’s detailed specification and onsite guidance. 

In effect, the changes that were brought about in the “Approved Document L” or “Part L” of the Building Regulations have brought about a sharper focus on reducing carbon emissions by improving the efficiency of heating a home – and ensuring it remains warm through reducing the risk of heat loss. This has meant that energy assessors are taking on a more prominent role in the design team. 

I began the training course in December 2022 and have recently completed it following a combination of coursework and practical assessments. 

As a Chartered Architectural Technologist, I had somewhat of an advantage as I already had an understanding of the building science that goes in to designing a home, having been involved in ensuring homes are compliant for more than 12 years. 

My knowledge and experience gave me an advantage when producing the heat loss calculations and how to counteract this with improving the proposed building’s energy efficiency. I am involved in projects to ensure that properties designed comply with the necessary standards. For more information on the role of a Chartered Architectural Technologist, see this helpful summary.

I am now a certified energy assessor and can conduct energy assessments for the F+A team, analysing building plans and specifications, performing energy calculations, and providing recommendations for energy-efficient design and construction practices. This gives the team insight into how efficient a F+A’s client will be – before it’s built, which will give a realistic insight into how much the home will cost to run. 

It is also extremely helpful to implement design changes before it’s too late. Taking into account energy calculations early, allows the F+A team to produce a more holistic, sustainable design. It ties in strongly with the company’s ambition of homes being designed for life, serving its purpose for many years to come!

The main benefit of becoming an “On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor” is also the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable built environment. 

It will give F+A a further opportunity to make a positive impact on people's lives by helping them save energy, reduce their running costs and create healthier living environments. 

This article was written by Matthew Carter MCIAT, Chartered Architectural Technologist.
If you would like to know how our EPC Energy Assessments can help your development please email Matthew at the following address:
matthew@franceandassociates.co.uk