Stuart Judge, managing director of Tradelink (pictured), examines what the new Part
L of the Building Regulations mean for the glazing industry…
Windows are an easy target when it comes to pointing a finger at thermal
inefficiencies: arguably, they form the biggest ‘hole’ in a building’s facade. This is
why the glazing industry works incredibly hard to achieve the best possible U-value
requirements for windows and doors. As a consequence of continuous innovation,
the majority of the market should find it relatively easy to comply with the new Part L
of the Building Regulations: conservation of fuel and power.
The upgrades to Part L are heavily linked to the government’s Future Homes and
Buildings Standard, a set of standards that come into effect in 2025 and will
complement the Building Regulations. This will require new build homes to be future-
proofed with low carbon heating and world-leading levels of energy efficiency.
The main change in Part L concerns U-values and the requirements vary depending
on whether the windows and doors are for installation as replacements or in new
dwellings. In the case of replacement, a window energy rating (WER) band B and a
U-value of 1.4 W/(m2K) is a tick in the box. The A WER and a U-value of 1.2
W/(m2K) required for new dwellings are achievable, but certain parts of the market
may find it challenging.
As we move towards 2025, it is rumoured that we will be looking at a WER band A++
and a U-value of 0.8 W/(m2K). This is perfectly possible and, as a company, we
already offer windows that comfortably meet the future requirements of June 2023
with products offering U-Values as low as 1.08 W/M2K, giving installers and
specifiers of new build properties and schemes the confidence to futureproof
projects.
While achieving this high level of performance is laudable, these windows inevitably
cost more, can be heavier, potentially have thicker frames to support the bulkier
glazing units and result in higher embodied carbon. With these factors in mind, it is
worth remembering that it is not only the glazing industry and the supply chain that
must continue on a path of innovation.
In some cases, other elements of the building will be used to compensate for a
window with a lower U-value and it is the installer’s responsibility to get evidence of
this. Installers cannot do this alone; building designers and specifiers must also step
up to the plate and present solid proposals that embrace a holistic view of how new
buildings and refurbishment projects are detailed to meet the regulations.
Some may see the new Part L and the demands that will come with the Future
Homes and Buildings Standard as onerous, but as a manufacturer we can, within
reason, achieve what the customer wants. We will guide installers wherever possible
and are proud to be part of an industry creating more energy efficient, healthy and
comfortable homes.
For further information, please visit https://tradelinkdirect.com
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