Our response to proposals to uplift guidance on energy efficiency and carbon performance requirements for new buildings: Northern Ireland Part F

A consultation from the Department on Finance (DoF) Northern Ireland consulting on the uplift to Part F of the Building Regulations. The consultation proposals are intended as an interim step and to provide a more robust application of Regulation 43B (Nearly Zero requirements for new buildings). The consultation sets out DoF proposals to uplift guidance on energy efficiency and carbon performance requirements for new buildings.

Three options are considered:

• Option 1: do nothing
• Option 2: a 25% betterment of the current emission targets for all new dwellings and a 15% betterment for new buildings other than dwellings; and
• Option 3: a 40% betterment for new houses, and 25% for new flats and 15% for new buildings other than dwellings

Option 2 and 3 also propose improved minimum standards for building fabric and encourage more air-tightness testing.

In our response, we recognised that this was an interim step seeking to align “u” values with other jurisdictions however we stressed the need to move rapidly in terms of low carbon heating solutions. We agreed with a “fabric first” approach being adopted and stressed the need to future proof where possible. We stressed the need to target off gas grid housing and accepted that Option 3 was our preferred option.