-:- Approved Document L2A -:-
Conservation of Fuel and Power in
New Buildings other than Dwellings
Part L2A is the guidance document that should be used when assessing new buildings that are not used as dwelling such as offices, schools, industrial and retail buildings. This Regulation requires a calculation to be carried out on all new building over 50m2 to estimate the amount of Carbon Dioxide produced by the building every year. This figure is then measured against a Target Carbon Dioxide Emission Rate (TER) to determine if the building can be approved. If a building is being extended and the new extension is greater than 25% of the existing buildings gross floor area then a Carbon Dioxide Emission calculation would also have to be undertaken on the extension. All new buildings over 500m2 in floor area would have to be subjected to air permeability tests. Buildings less than 500m2 may require air permeability tests dependant upon the Carbon Dioxide Emission calculation. Generally buildings with efficient heating systems would not require testing but electric panel, storage or radiant heaters normally would. Naturally ventilated building should pass the Criterion 3 check that assesses the risk of the occupied spaces overheating in summer. This will be more relevant to office buildings with large areas of glazing, but all naturally ventilated buildings that have non-industrial uses should be assessed.
Gladwood (BCS) Ltd can undertake the Carbon Dioxide Emission calculations using IES Virtual Environment or iSBEM software on all new buildings. We can complete the Criterion 3 analysis to determine the risk of solar overheating and produce compliance reports for Building Regulation Approval. We are able to offer a limited air testing service for small commercial building but it is unlikely that we can provide the service when buildings are greater than 1000m2 In floor area.
